The VW Touareg Hybrid will be the first to combine two of the hottest fuel-saving technologies: a direct injection and hybrid.
Volkswagen is finally making its first foray into the hybrid market�and it�"s starting with the Touareg SUV. Volkswagen unveiled a lighter leaner Touareg design, including a hybrid variant, at a press conference in Munich, ahead of the vehicle�"s official showing at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Aiming at efficiency, as well as performance, Volkswagen claims combined fuel economy in the mid-20-mpg range, while allowing zero-to-60 times of 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Towing capacity will be more than 7,700 pounds.
The Touareg Hybrid powerplant marries an Audi-built, supercharged 3-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic with a disc-shaped electric motor mounted internally. Electric energy is stored in 155 pounds worth of nickel metal hydride battery pack stored under the rear cargo floor.
The 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid is a full hybrid, capable of traveling up to one mile�and at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour�in all-electric drive mode. Total output will be a 380 horsepower and a maximum 428 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg�"s Hybrid setup also features a coasting capability that disengages the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the gas pedal when traveling at high speeds.
VW�"s engineers and marketers are proud of the vehicle�"s technical achievements and expect those features to attract new buyers. "For Volkswagen�"s Touareg Hybrid, we combine the electric drive with a direct gasoline injection engine in our new 3.0 V6 TSI,⬝ said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, research and development board member. �STherefore the Touareg Hybrid profits from two top technologies. This combination is unique and can't be found among competitors."
Hybrid purists might not be impressed with real-world mileage, probably in the low-20s, but keep in mind that Touareg has definitely gone on a diet. The hybrid drive replaces the previous V8 gasoline engines in Europe and America. And the V10 TDI and W12 engine versions of the previous model were discontinued.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
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