Volkswagen Touareg The Touareg hasn't been a big seller, despite being both luxurious and capable. It shares some components with the Porsche Cayenne. A standard 4Motion permanent AWD system enables the Touareg to scale a 45-degree grade; a sophisticated suspension gives relatively responsive on-road handling. Three engine choices include a 310-hp 5.0-liter V10 turbodiesel that generates 553 pound-feet of torque for extreme pulling and climbing power. A freshening later this year will rechristen it the Touareg 2.
The Volkswagen Touareg (pronounced Tour-regg) is a midsize SUV designed to provide rugged off-road ability as well as a refined everyday driving experience. At this mission it succeeds, as very few SUVs in the Touareg's price range can match its go-anywhere ability or luxurious five-passenger interior.
Engineered to offer the same type of on-road driving dynamics that VW drivers had come to expect, the Touareg was co-developed with Porsche and shares the same basic architecture with the Cayenne. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the Touareg has never been a particularly strong seller in years past, but the current model should improve on that record thanks to a host of engine-related upgrades in 2007.
Current Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen offers three different engines for the Touareg. First up is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. On V8 models, a 4.2-liter V8 delivers 350 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Touareg V10 TDI has a diesel-fueled, turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It's rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
