2011 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI
2011 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI. Click image to enlarge

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2011 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI/Hybrid

New York, New York – Volkswagen of America has unveiled the second-generation Touareg, showcasing the brand’s first-ever hybrid, at the New York International Auto Show.

The Touareg is now available with three V6 engines: FSI gasoline engine, TDI Clean Diesel engine, and the new gasoline electric hybrid, which pairs a 3.0-litre supercharged direct-injection V6 engine with a special electric motor that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by about 40 per cent.

An eight-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind in an SUV, keeps power available while improving fuel economy. A special clutch can disengage the transmission when the engine is not required from power, allowing it to coast forward emission-free to further aid in fuel savings. The electric motor can also recover kinetic energy during braking to help recharge the nickel metal-hydride battery. The combined engine and electric motor produce 375 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, allowing for towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs.

The Touareg’s completely redesigned exterior includes a narrower grille opening, LED running lights, bi-xenon headlamps, new fender flares and compact fog lamps, along with LED taillights, blacked-out lower bumper and chrome exhaust tips. Compared to its predecessor, the 2011 Touareg is wider and has a longer wheelbase and greater length, but has a shorter overall height. It is also nearly 204 kg lighter than its predecessor.

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