Volkswagen TouaregThe Name Is Going To Take The Most ExplainingTouareg or Tuareg: A nomadic group of diverse peoples living in parts of the Sahara that cover Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, who share a common dialect-Tamahak, Tamajak or Tamashek-of the Berber language and a common history. The Touareg were highly successful trans-Saharan traders, well-known for their excellent skills at camel riding and breeding and their fierce independence.
Touareg: Volkswagen's first sport utility vehicle, on sale this fall in Europe.
Permanent four-wheel drive, full air suspension, the world's most powerful passenger-car diesel engine, Volkswagen is obviously serious about competing in the already overcrowded SUV market. The new Touareg is similar in size to its European competitors in the luxury SUV segment. Longer than both the M-Class and X5 at 187 in., it is also wider than both (75.98 in.), is just a wee bit taller than the BMW at 67.72 in., but is lower than the ML.
Power will be provided by an eventual total of four engines. Europe will first get a 217-bhp 3.2-liter V6 gas engine and a 308-bhp 5.0-liter V10 TDI. The biturbo TDI outputs 553 lb-ft of torque, the V6 225. At a later date, the lineup will also include a new 2.5-liter five-cylinder TDI and a 4.2-liter V8. Transmissions are six-speed, either manual or automatic, depending on the engine. The automatic features DSP (dynamic shift program), Tiptronic or, if fitted, steering wheel paddles. The U.S. will see the 300+bhp 4.2-liter V8-powered version first, with the V6 following close on its wheels.
Defined as a full-blooded off-road vehicle, the Touareg boasts permanent, electronically controlled four-wheel drive. Power is delivered to the wheels by a transfer box with off-road gear-ratio reduction and three locking differentials and a multi-plate clutch, which is automatically controlled by the running gear electronics. An electronically controlled rear axle differential lock with multi-plate clutch, a front axle lock and variable anti-roll bars are planned for heavy off-road driving.
Double wishbone suspension, both front and back, and full air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers allow the SUV to switch from off-road capability to on-road comfort and sportiness. The Touareg's ground clearance can reach a maximum height of 11.8 in., and its wading depth is 23 in.
From a practical standpoint, in terms of passenger and cargo-hauling utility, the Touareg can hold up to five passengers. It has a large tailgate with a window that can be opened separately, allowing for easy access to cargo, anywhere from 19.6- to 55.4-cu-ft worth. Maximum towing capacity is 3.5 metric tons.
The fully galvanized, unitized, four-door body meets the toughest safety and crashworthiness specifications. Passive safety includes front, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints in the front and three-point seatbelts on all seats. Active safety includes ABS, TCS (traction control system), ESP (electronic stabilization program), EBC (engine braking control) and HBA (hydraulic brake assist system).
The interior is in the style of the Phaeton and features high-quality equipment, such as elaborate seats, a fully adjustable steering wheel and a separate (optional) air conditioning system for the rear-seat passengers (four-zone Climatronic).
Aside from explaining the name, will Volkswagen also have to explain the Touareg's existence? Based on what has been shown so far, we don't think so. It has the potential to be both a sporty luxury estate car and a very tough off-road vehicle.