The second generation all-new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg combines cutting-edge German design, even more versatility and an array of standard features, all while providing a combination of usability and world-class engineering that you and your passengers have become familiar with in other Volkswagen vehicles.
The class changing 2011 Touareg three powertrain choices for 2011 including Volkwagen’s first-ever world-wide use of a hybrid engine. All three engines-the 3.0 liter V6 TSI supercharged hybrid, the 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel and the 3.6 liter V6 FSI gasoline-are mated to Volkswagen’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, along with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
I tested the 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel that generates 220hp at 3,500 to 4,000rpm and a healthy 405lb.ft. of torque at just 1,750 to 2,250rpm while delivering class-leading fuel economy of 28mpg/highway and 19mpg/city. It also gives greater power and torque versus a similarly-sized gasoline engine and super-clean 50 state legal emissions.
A special DeNOx catalytic, augmented by a special injection system that sprays a synthetic urea-based solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust, helps reduce Nox emissions by up to 90%, and lets the engine meet the Tier 2, Bin 5/ULEV II standards imposed across all 50 states. It is much quieter than before with little chatter. The all-new 2011 Touareg TDI comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with 7th and 8th gears laid out as fuel-efficient gears. The 8th gear reduces Engine speed by 33% and compared to 6th gear, which reduces fuel consumption and significantly lowers emissions. This new transmission is a powerful match for the TDI’s 406lb.ft. of torque. It runs smoothly and quietly and helps the TDI model easily tow up to 7,700lbs. when equipped with the factory-installed tow package.
The design changes in the all-new 2011 Touareg resulted in a reduction of approximately 350lbs., from last year’s model, creating a more responsive and precise driving experience. The Touareg’s optimized running gear offers very good vibration control and ride comfort, a low roll angle, responsive handling and excellent dynamic stability.
- Price: Base VW Touareg TDI $47,950 / As-Tested VW Touareg TDI Lux Package $51,800.00
- Engine: 3.0-liter Turbodiesel V6 225 horsepower @ 3500 rpm / 406 ft-lbs. torque @ 1750 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Drive: Full time 4WD
- Wheelbase: 113.9in.
- Track: f/r-64.9/65.7in.
- Total length: 188.8/76.4/68.2in.
- Fuel tank: 26.4 gallons
- Turning circle: 39ft.
- Approach angle: 26
- Departure angle: 26
- Breakover angle: 21
- Fording depth: 19in.
- Ground clearance: 7.9in.
- Headroom: f/r-39.6/38.9in.
- Legroom: f/r-41.4/36.7in.
- Cargo volume: rear seats down-64cu.ft.
- Cargo volume: rear seats up-32.1cu.ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
- EPA mileage: 19mpg/city, 28mpg/highway