Every so often, a VW model gets a few touch-ups. Even less often, a VW model gets a full redesign. In the case of the new 2011 Touareg, the latter is a more appropriate description. There’s a ton that’s different about this handsome new machine, but sometimes it just takes one detail to really change the driving experience.

To that end, we’d like to take a moment and focus on the new panoramic sunroof, which is a full 350% larger than the sunroof in the previous model, and comes standard in the “Lux,” “Executive” and “Hybrid” trim lines. Add a wind deflector to help eliminate turbulence and associated noise, and you’ll get not only a quieter drive, but one that touches all the senses.

Have you ever driven a car with a panoramic sunroof? If not, imagine a few scenarios, if you would…

Imagine seeing an entire palm tree, instead of a couple fronds. Imagine the warmth of the sun at mid-day, instead of just its glare. How about being able to feel the breeze off the ocean, instead of just seeing the waves crash?

So while it may seem like just another feature among many, we beg to differ. These are the things that make an average driving experience above average.

Now, we could go on and on about all of the new features and specs and options available with the new 2011 Touareg, but that’s what the press release is for. Speaking of which, there’s a link to it just below this sentence. Enjoy!

http://media.vw.com/press_releases/all-new-2011-volkswagen-touareg-combines-stunning-design-with-increased-power-and-improved-fuel-efficiency

Touareg debuts with hybrid drive and high-tech range of engines
Wolfsburg / Munich, February 2010. Today, Volkswagen is unveiling the completely redeveloped Touareg as a world premiere. It is the most technically innovative “VW” since the brand has been in existence. This Touareg is reinterpreting the fascinating multipurpose SUV idea in a contemporary way. It sets standards among fully off-road capable SUVs with petrol engines that have a fuel consumption value of just 8.2 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. The Touareg Hybrid can be driven up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode – emissions-free. Among the diesel engines, the Touareg V6 TDI with 7.4 liter combined fuel consumption now posts the best value in the segment of genuine SUVs.

New era SUV –lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient
As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the new Touareg too. The SUV was lightened by 208 kilograms in the base version. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. Along with aero-dynamic refinement efforts, another factor at work here is that this Touareg is built lower to the ground than the previous model. Together with front end styling based on the new Volkswagen design DNA, this results in a smaller frontal area. All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model.

SUV for all trails – All-wheel drive
Also modified in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption was the standard all-wheel drive. In the base version (“4Motion”), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; climbing ability: 31 degrees).

SUV for everyday driving – more space, more innovations
Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel efficient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is larger. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimeters in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be adjusted. Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 liters of cargo space.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit integrated in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SUVs provides for light even on overcast days. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eliminate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Touareg sits solidly on the street.

Touareg – the best of two worlds
About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the SUV. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This is now being followed up by the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly.
*Available in the U.S. late 2010.
**European model shown.
The material above has been translated and adapted from the original Volkswagen AG press release about the European version of the new Touareg. Some equipment and features will vary in U.S. models.

August 20, 2010