Volkswagen has revealed the redesigned 2011 Touareg. Described as the most technically innovative Volkswagen ever created, the Touareg features numerous modifications to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The exterior has a familiar design but the sport-ute is 4.3 cm longer, 2.0 cm lower, and has a 4.0 cm longer wheelbase - width remains unchanged. Design features include a new grille, a shapely profile, and distinctive taillights. Inside, the cabin is positively luxurious. It has higher quality materials, more comfortable seats, and additional rear leg room. The rear bench has 160 mm of longitudinal adjustment and an adjustable backrest. More importantly, the seats can be folded down via a press of a button (optional) to free up 1,642 liters of cargo space (it has 580 liters of space when the seats are up). Other highlights include a standard 6.5 inch touch-screen, a 6-disc CD changer, an available GPS navigation system (with an 8-inch touch-screen), and a variety of wood trim. Weighing 208 kilograms (459 pounds) less than its predecessor, the 2011 Touareg offers a choice of FSI, TDI, TSI, and Hybrid engines. Unfortunately, the V8 petrol, V10 TDI, and W12 engines are no longer offered. The Touareg Hybrid features a supercharged V6 TSI petrol engine that produces 245 kW (333 PS) and an electric motor with 34 kW (47 PS). With a combined output of 279 kW (380 PS) and 580 Nm of torque, the Hybrid can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.2 L/100 km (28.7 mpg US), while CO2 emissions come in at 193 g/km. More importantly, the hybrid can drive up to 50 km/h (31 mi) in pure electric mode. The 3.6-liter V6 FSI has 206 kW (280 PS) and 360 Nm of torque. It consumes 9.9 L/100 km (23.8 mpg US), a reduction of 2.5 l/100 km (4.84 mpg US), and has a CO2 emission rating of 236 g/km (a reduction of 60 g/km). On the diesel side Volkswagen offers two TDI engines. The V6 TDI cranks out 176 kW (240 PS) and 550 Nm of torque. It consumes 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 mpg US), 1.9 liters (6.5 mpg US) less than before and has a CO2 emissions rating of 195 g/km (reduced of 49 g/km). On the other hand, the new 4.2-liter V8 TDI has 250 kW (340 PS) and 800 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.1 L/100 km (25.8 mpg US), while CO2 emissions come in at 239 g/km. The engines send power through two all-wheel drive systems. The base 4Motion version has a Torsen limited-slip differential and an off-road driving program (which tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist, and adjusts the automatic gearshift points). It allows the Touareg to climb grades of up to 31 degrees. If that isn't enough for your off-road adventures, the V6 TDI offers an available 4XMOTION all-wheel drive system. It allows the Touareg to climb grades of up to 45 degrees thanks to reduction gearing, locking differentials (center and rear), and a rotary terrain switch (which offers five modes - On-Road, Off-Road, Low, centre differential lock, and rear differential lock).
