Volkswagen 4WD

2002 The VW Touareg 4x4 has a V6 or V8 petrol or V10 twin-turbo-charged diesel engine. European launch 3rd quarter 2002, Australian launch mid 2003.

The 'platform' was a joint development with Porsche, although the companies tried hard to "differentiate" their respective models.

2003 VW Touareg, station wagon, 4x4

Loa 4.75m, width 1.93m, height 1.72m, wheelbase 2.86m, ground clearance ~300mm, weight 2.3 to 2.5 tons

approach 28°, departure 28°, ramp-over 158°,

3.2-litre V6 162kW 305Nm,

4.2-litre V8 228kW, or

4.9-litre V10 diesel 230kW 750Nm,

2-speed transfer case, full-time 4WD, centre diff, 3× diff locks

Independent pneumatic suspension, double wishbones all round, ABS brakes, traction control, ESP

2003 September: Available in Australia from $67,600 3.2-litre V6, $75,800 V6L, $99,950 V8, $138,500 V10TDI ($au).

 

2010 February: VW released details of its 2nd edition Touareg SUV, lighter and with 3-litre turbo V6 or 4.2-litre V8 diesels, or 3.3-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid, for sale late 2010.

2010 April, New York Motor Show: VW/Porsche showed a revised Touareg/Cayenne 4x4, saving 180kg over the previois model through the use of high strength steel and aluminium.