2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The all-new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will be Volkswagen’s first production model to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain when introduced late in 2010. This outstanding vehicle will soon be available at our Massachusetts Volkswagen dealer, Atamian Volkswagen.

Face-lifted once since its 2002 born-on date, the VW Touareg is set for a full redesign for 2011. The German manufacturer is making the most of this do-over by completely re-engineering the Touareg.

V6 and V8 power are expected to again be offered in the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, but the real buzz centers on a new gas-electric hybrid drivetrain, developed in cooperation with Porsche. Volkswagen’s first-ever production hybrid is based on a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 augmented by a battery-powered electric motor. Together they deliver a lineup-leading 380 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque good for 0-60-mph sprints of 6.3 seconds and a claimed top speed of 149 mph.

Outside the new Touareg appears tauter and edgier, with more pronounced character lines and wheel arches. Up front is VW’s corporate face; out back are distinctive LED taillights. The Touareg is still a midsize crossover with seating for five, but new model buyers will experience more rear legroom and a backrest adjustable to three different positions.

Early first-drive results reveal that the reworked 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has not only taken its place alongside contemporary rivals like Acura’s MDX and BMW’s X5, it also appears to have what it takes to compete against cutting-edge hybrid rivals like the Lexus RX 450h and Mercedes ML450 Hybrid.

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