Volkswagen has increased the engine choice for Touareg customers, with the introduction of a new, powerful 340 PS 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine to the premium class SUV’s range, in addition to the capable 231 PS and 286 PS TDI diesel units already on offer.

The latest member of Volkswagen’s growing range of SUVs brings even more choice for Touareg customers, adding a third powertrain to the model’s previous line-up of 3.0-litre V6 TDI engines, with all three units available in SEL, R-Line and R-Line tech specs.

This new petrol engine delivers its peak 340 PS power output between 5,300 and 6,400 rpm, with 450 Nm of torque produced between 1,340 rpm – just above idle – and 5,300 rpm. Just like the diesel-powered Touaregs, the petrol engine’s power is delivered to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, with a limited slip differential combining with the system to give the Touareg its sharp road handling.

The Touareg 3.0 V6 TSI 340 PS reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 5.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 155 mph where permitted, making it the fastest variant in the Touareg range.

Towing weights remain unchanged over the diesel models, with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg possible for all three powertrains, while the 340 PS Touareg itself is a full 50 kg lighter than its diesel counterparts, at 2,020 kg. On the combined cycle, the model returns 31.7 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km1.

Orders open today for the first petrol variant of the third-generation Touareg, with first cars expected to arrive in the UK in April.

Product Manager Brian Luckie said: “The addition of a powerful petrol engine to the Touareg range now gives customers three options – the choice between one petrol and two diesel units ensures that there’s a Touareg for all customers.

“Being available in the same technology-packed specs as the existing range means that the Touareg’s long list of talents now includes the flexibility of being available in both petrol and diesel forms throughout the line-up.”

1) NEDC derived under the new WLTP test

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI at the Geneva International Motor Show (7–17 March). Its output of 310 kW / 421 PS makes it the most powerful SUV with a diesel engine from a German manufacturer. The maximum torque of the high tech turbo diesel engine reaches the level of a super sports car: 900 newton metres. Whether cruising at low speeds, moving fast or going off-road – this power provides superior drive characteristics. The new flagship vehicle will come on the market at the end of May.

The 250 km/h-fast Touareg V8 TDI demonstrates the potential of its dynamics as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Like all Touareg models, the new V8 version also complies with the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. Those purchasing the top model will have the choice between the standard Elegance design package or the Atmosphere package. Elegance stands for a technical interior design dominated by metal and cool colour tones; Atmosphere is a warm interior environment where wood and natural tones prevail.

The seat system and door trims of both versions have a leather finish (“Vienna” type) as standard. The interior of the Touareg V8 TDI thus creates both an exclusive and an avant-garde comfort zone. The screens of the Innovision Cockpit (digitised display and controls) with their glass covered surfaces, tanned leathers and aluminium and chrome details allow the extraordinarily high quality of the Touareg V8 TDI to be seen and felt. The wood applications are particularly elegant. An example of the Atmosphere design package: a narrow wing made of “curved beam wood” extends over the entire width of the dash panel here – a wood application curved as one part and made of ash that follows the shape of the dash panel.

Compared to the models with V6-engines, the Touareg V8 TDI additionally includes air suspension, a boot lid that opens and closes electrically, comfort seats, an anti-theft alarm system, stainless steel pedals and the “Light & Sight” package (including automatically dimming exterior mirrors and automatic headlights) as standard. The Touareg V8 TDI also comes with 19-inch Tirano alloy wheels instead of 18-inch wheels.

The equipment range also includes state-of-the-art driver assist and running gear systems. Some of the features that increase safety include “Night Vision” (detects people and animals in the dark using a thermal imaging camera), “Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist” (partly automated steering and lane departure warning, acceleration and braking, up to 60 km/h) and “Front Cross Traffic Assist” (responds to cross traffic in front of the Touareg). Technologies like the active all-wheel steering system (makes the Touareg as easy to handle as a compact car) and a roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars further perfect handling and comfort. One of the best lighting systems in the world provides additional safety and comfort at night: the interactive “IQ.Light – LED matrix headlight”.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen presents the ID. BUGGY at the Geneva International Motor Show. On the evening prior to the first press day, the concept car will celebrate its world premiere at the Volkswagen Group Night. The ID. BUGGY is a zero-emissions high-tech vehicle for summer, on the beach or in the city, based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). “The ID. BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand. But we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers”, explains Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand.

The parallels between the Californian dune buggies of the sixties and the new ID. BUGGY are apparent.All beach buggies from back then featured a high degree of modular variability – based on the chassis of the legendary Beetle, with a four-cylinder boxer engine running at the rear. Small series manufacturers stretched a cover made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) over the chassis and engine of the Beetle, thus writing automotive history. The ID. BUGGY is tied to this cult concept with the technical possibilities of the modern age. The basis here is the progressive chassis of the MEB. Integrated in the vehicle floor: a high-voltage battery. 

This lithium ion rechargeable battery supplies the electricity for the ID. BUGGY’s 150 kW/204 PS electric drive motor in the rear. An additional electric motor in the front axle is also conceivable in order to realise an all-wheel drive with an “electric propshaft”. 

The clear design language expresses the unique experience when driving the buggy. To be able to feel the wind, a fixed roof and doors were deliberately dispensed with. This is why the resilient and minimalist design of the interior is characterised by waterproof materials. The concept car is a pure 2-seater; however, the ID. BUGGY can also be converted to a 2+2-seater.

The composite body manufactured from a mixture of aluminium, steel and plastic is self-supporting. Thanks to the modular design, the upper body can be detached from the MEB chassis. A clear signal to small series manufacturers and start-ups: As in the past, Volkswagen is opening up to external producers with the ID. BUGGY concept. The offer: You can build the new-era, zero-emissions dune buggy based on this concept.In general, the MEB also has the potential to become the new technical basis for e-mobility for many automobile manufacturers. Background: At the beginning of 2019, Volkswagen announced for the first time that it intended to also make the MEB accessible to competitors as an electric vehicle platform.

At the same time, the ID. BUGGY illustrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the modular electric drive matrix within the Volkswagen brand: Following on from the ID.1 (compact class), ID. BUZZ1 (van), ID. CROZZ1 (SUV) and ID. VIZZION1(saloon), the new ID. BUGGY is the fifth concept car based on the MEB, with which Volkswagen has used to confirm the multifaceted nature of the ID. Family.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The race car-inspired Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is now open for order in the UK, with a starting price of £34,135 RRP OTR for the 290 PS flagship of the GTI range.

The latest evolution of a true motoring icon, this front-wheel drive performance hero is the latest in a long line of sporting Golfs that have become the measure by which all others in their class are calibrated. Inspired by, and derived from, the race car of the same name – twice the overall winner of the international TCR (Touring Car Racing) series – the new Golf GTI TCR tops off the current GTI range in the UK, with the first examples arriving in March.

Indeed, the new model takes the GTI nomenclature up a notch in terms of power and performance. Its 290 PS power peak – a full-time peak here, unlike the ‘boost’ peak available in the former GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – is channeled through a seven-speed DSG (dual clutch) gearbox and carries this new model from rest to 62 mph in a spirited 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of as much as 164 mph.

The new GTI’s performance is as accessible as it is impressive. The 290 PS maximum power figure arrives at 5,400 rpm while all 380 Nm of torque is on offer from a mere 1,800 rpm, and remains available until 5,300 rpm. Indeed, a meaningful 200 Nm is on tap at just 1,000 rpm – essentially at little more than idle speed.

Together with the almost instant shifting nature of the standard-fit DSG, these power and torque profiles combine to make the GTI TCR feel as willing and responsive as its headlining figures imply.

Fitted with 18-inch 'Quaranta' alloy wheels as standard, with 225/40 R18 tyres, the GTI TCR is marked out by its distinctive front and rear bumpers, matte black exterior mirrors and TCR motif on the rear quarter panel. On the inside exclusive TCR seats feature, as well as a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with a track-inspired red marker at the 12 o’clock position. The gear gater is finished in Alcantara to match the door inserts, and the TCR logo is projected onto the street below when the door is opened.

Helping to stop the GTI TCR as impressively as it accelerates are upgraded brakes: the newcomer is equipped with a high-performance braking system as standard, with perforated discs and special brake pads. Improved cooling also features, with two extra water radiators in the front – as with the 300 PS, 4MOTION all-wheel drive Golf R.

A £2,000 option pack comprising 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels, suspension lowered by 20 mm and fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control and the top speed restriction removed – allowing a maximum speed of 164 mph – further reinforces the GTI TCR’s sporting appeal. Also available is a Pure Grey paint colour – a first for any GTI – which can be complemented by exclusive optional honeycomb decals on the side of the car, and an optional black roof.

The efficiency of the four-cylinder 16-valve engine combined with a petrol particulate filter is assured. Combined consumption1 is 42.2 mpg and official CO2 emissions are 153 g/km.

Geraldine Ingham, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “The arrival of any new Golf GTI is always a big moment but, with the debut of this exclusive and track-inspired car, I think we are seeing the debut of a future GTI icon.

“The GTI TCR’s 290 PS front-wheel drive set-up and stunning looks, along with the established quality, reliability and engineering excellence that Volkswagen brings to all of its cars, promise to make this hot hatch a ‘must-have’ for discerning buyers.” 

Currently, Volkswagen has four cars in its revered GTI range, starting with the up! GTI city car, Polo GTI supermini and Golf GTI Performance, with the range now topped by the motorsport-inspired GTI TCR. For more information about all of these models, visit volkswagen.co.uk/gti.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk