Spy Shots: 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Aug 12th 2009 at 11:00AM 
Back in February, Volkswagen announced it would introduce a new hybrid version of its Touareg SUV in late 2010. This being the case, it's not surprising that the German automaker would be caught testing its new fuel-saving 'ute out in the hot, barren stretches of a U.S. desert.VW's hybrid hardware will combine the new 333 horsepower supercharged 3.0L TSI V6 from the Audi S4 with a 38 kW electric motor sandwiched between the engine and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Add it all up and you get a total output of 374 horses and 406 lb-ft of torque, sufficient to push the heavy Touareg to 60 in under seven seconds and pull up to 7,700 pounds while returning a combined rating of 26 miles per gallon.
Expect the introduction of the hybrid powertrain to closely follow the introduction of the next-generation Touareg for the 2011 model year. Included in the refresh will reportedly be a revised front fascia, a new third row of seats and a 300 kilogram (660 pound) weight reduction.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David Martin 1:14PM (8/12/2009)
I wonder if they tried hybrid dinosaurs in the Jurassic?
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augustus 3:12PM (8/12/2009)
Completely underwhelmed. An expensive, heavy SUV that is now even more expensive for a few more MPG.
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why not the LS2LS7? 4:04PM (8/12/2009)
No thanks to more mild hybrids (IMA-style pancake motors). Those days are over.
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chewy 1:53AM (8/13/2009)
Unlike Honda's system the Touareg Hybrid will be able to shut down the gasoline engine when in motion. That's the only problem with the Honda's IMA.