THE TOUAREG 2 — NEW FEATURES AND A NEW VISUAL IDENTITY
Advanced generation Touareg packed with more than 2,200 new parts
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — With the launch of its restyled Touareg 2, Volkswagen pushes one of the world’s most successful premium SUVs to a new plateau. No small feat for a vehicle that has set records – from the highest volcanic peaks in Chile to the dunes of the legendary Dakar Rally. The Touareg 2 is a masterpiece of German engineering for adventure lovers seeking the most capable on- or off-road vehicle built with the driving dynamics and value only Volkswagen can deliver.
On sale in North America in June, 2007, the Touareg 2 builds upon the legacy of the original Touareg. Starting with its worldwide introduction in 2003, the Touareg quickly became an award winning vehicle with honors ranging from “4X4 of the Year” to “Best SUV.” The Touareg garnered more than three dozen prestigious international awards and recorded more than 300,000 worldwide sales in less than four years.
Now the next generation Touareg 2 promises to offer the premium SUV buyer even more power, safety, comfort, and versatile on- or off-road ability. Produced with Volkswagen’s demanding production tolerances, close attention to detail, and consistent use of high-quality materials, the Touareg 2 is set to capitalize on the success of its predecessor. Most importantly, the Touareg 2 is an off-road vehicle with the comfort of a luxury sedan and the dynamic driving characteristics of a sports car. This positioning also is reflected in the new design that radiates contemporary elegance and self-assured dynamics.
Front to Back Design Changes
A completely redesigned front end demonstrates the extent of the changes on Touareg 2. The new Touareg 2 now is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its new stylized front grille — chrome on V6 FSI and matte chrome on V8 FSI and V10 TDI — with chrome eyebrows standard on all models. A redesigned front bumper, new side mirrors with improved airflow, and sleek, new organically shaped headlamp housings with polycarbonate lens covers further distinguish the Touareg 2 from its predecessor.
The changes continue to the rear of the vehicle, where a new roof edge spoiler sharpens the look, improves aerodynamics, and aids fuel efficiency. The brake light housings have an improved LED lighting visual effect and feature a sporty new dark “glazing” treatment. Below the rear bumper, but not forgotten, the exhaust system tailpipes also have been massaged for a fresh new look.
Completing the new look is an upgraded color palate designed to work exceptionally well with the revised styling and accents of the Touareg 2. Alaska Gray, Cranberry, Galapagos and White Gold will provide an excellent backdrop for the all new alloy wheel program. A newly designed 17” alloy wheel is standard on the V6 FSI, and the V8 FSI and V10 TDI twin turbo now feature a standard 19” alloy wheel.
Interior Enhancements Abound
The new Touareg 2 improves on its class-leading interior design. The enhancements create an interior environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and as meticulously detailed as anything found in many of today’s luxury vehicles. The high-quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and modern to the eye, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form must always follow function. The new instrument cluster with a larger color enhanced display screen provides a wealth of information and customization for the true driver. Redesigned luxury seating with a standard 12-way power driver’s seat makes it easier to find just the right seating position for optimum driving comfort. Individual controls are grouped logically and use manageable buttons and controls, a fact clearly proven in the compact center console arrangement that includes a standard dual-zone or optional four-zone climate control (Climatronic®) system that can be set at constant temperature.
Further improvements add to the intuitive operation of the Touareg 2. The optional keyless access with Start/Stop button makes it easier than ever to get in and drive, while the standard power liftgate makes loading or unloading cargo into the 31 cubic foot rear area simpler than ever. Once inside, drivers also will appreciate the standard Sirius® satellite radio (with three months of free service) and true audiophiles can rock out to the optional Dynaudio® sound system. Featuring 10 speakers (six three-way speakers in each door, four two-way speakers in the rear), a 10-channel amplifier and 620 watts of total power output, this phenomenal stereo system has been specifically designed for the acoustic qualities of the Touareg 2 interior.
Technical Improvements
A major improvement for the new Touareg 2 comes from the use of the FSI fuel management system that produces more horsepower and torque for better performance while delivering more efficiency. The 3.6L VR6 FSI is rated at 280 horsepower, the 4.2L V8 FSI at 350 HP, and the 5.0L V10 TDI twin turbo puts out 310 HP with an incredible 553 foot pounds of torque.
The ability to properly use the new power and performance also has been improved with innovative new functions added to the Electronic Stabilization Program. Specifically, these functions now include a Hydraulic Braking Assistant (preventive to creating brake pressure buildup in response to a sudden release of the gas pedal), Active Rollover Protection (ARP) to improve rollover stability, ESP dry braking function, Fading Brake Support (supplemental pressure boost optimizes strong follow-up brake activations) and Understeer Control Logic that improves vehicle behavior when understeering into corners.
ESP Dry Braking
The ESP dry-braking function optimizes active safety in wet conditions. The brake linings are repeatedly engaged lightly by the brake pads at specific intervals. This serves to “wipe away” the slight water film that potentially can form when the road surface is wet, thereby reducing braking distance.
ABSPlus
This system can reduce the braking distance of the Touareg 2 on loose surfaces by up to 20 percent. Examples: Gravel or sand. Thanks to the innovative anti-slip control of ABSPlus, the Touareg 2 repeatedly pushes pieces of road surface material inside from the wheels that are allowed to lock briefly. This produces a type of braking wedge resulting in significantly boosted braking force without negative effects on steering, and allows braking distances to be reduced.
New Packages
In addition to the multitude of styling, technology and safety enhancements made to the Touareg 2, a simplified options package program has reduced the build combinations from 1,536 for the 2007 model year to 208 combinations for the new Touareg 2.
The Touareg 2’s new packaging options make selecting a vehicle much easier. Upgraded amenities are grouped into logical packages designed to appeal to the premium SUV buyer. Option packages now are available in three levels: Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie.
· Lux Package*:
o Cricket Leather
o Walnut Wood trim
o Upgraded center console/armrest
o 12-way power passenger seats
o Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS
*Available for VR6 FSI, but standard on V8 FSI and V10 Twin Turbo
· Lux Plus Package: (requires Lux Package on VR6 FSI)
o Includes Lux Package +
o Keyless access with start/stop button
o Dynaudio sound system
o Four-zone Climatronic
o Heatable rear seats
· Technologie Package:
o DVD navigation
o Upgraded sound system
o Rear-view camera
o Six-disc trunk-mounted CD changer
o Aux audio input
· Stand-alone Options:
o Trailer hitch
o Rear differential lock
o 19” alloy wheels (V6 only)
o Four-corner air suspension with CDC (requires Lux package)
When added to the vast array of standard features present on the Touareg 2, the new option packages will allow a vehicle to be equipped to suit a variety of consumer preferences. All this Volkswagen value begins at $39,320 for the V6 FSI, $48,320 for the V8 FSI, and $68,320 for the legendary V10 TDI.
All new Volkswagen automobiles come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years/50,000 miles and new vehicle warranties, including:
• Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
• Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
• 12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.
