2011 VW Touareg announced
For 2011, the VW Touareg receives a significant makeover. The new design is about 450 lbs. lighter than the 2010 Touareg, while improving torsional rigidity slightly. The new Touareg is more aerodynamic as well.
Here's a drawing of the new Touareg, showing its revised sheetmetal and grill.
The Touareg will continue to be available with the 3.0L turbo diesel engine. The reduction in weight and more slippery shape results in a 31 mpg highway rating, up from 25 mpg in 2010. Unlike VW's 4 cylinder diesels, the V6 diesel uses diesel exhaust fluid to help control emissions.
VW also has developed a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the Touareg. All engines (V6 gas, diesel and hybrid) will be sold with an new 8 speed automatic transmission.
The Touareg's standard all-wheel drive is called 4Motion, which includes a Torsen limited-slip differential. The standard AWD can be switched to "Off-road driving" mode, changing the electronic monitoring systems for a loose surface, and activating Hill Descent Assist. Note that there is no low range setting in the standard AWD for 2011. (The 2009 Touareg had a standard locking center diff and low range. The locking rear diff was optional.)
The 2011 V6 TDI can be ordered with the optional "Terrain Tech" setup, which includes a stronger transfer case with low range, plus locking mode in the center and rear differentials. This locking ability is referred to as 4XMotion in VW literature. Selection of low range and locked diffs is made with a dial on the dash.
Potentially of use when offroad is the new Area View option, which displays the view of four cameras on a 6.5 inch touchscreen in the center of the dash.
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Originally Posted by mobilguy66
