Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid: Arriving 2010

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/February/2009

Wolfsburg, Germany – Volkswagen is currently testing a new supercharged V6 hybrid-powered Touareg SUV that will be offered for public consumption by 2010.

And it's got massive pulling power.

Volkswagen says that in early testing the "Charged V6 TSI and E-motor" can tow up to 3.5 metric tons.

The new hybrid powertrain comprises a supercharged, direct injected 3.0-litre V6 engine coupled to a traditional 8-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter, which is augmented by an electric motor and a 67kg 288 volt battery pack.

Without backup from the electric motor, the V6 TSI on the Touareg prototype outputs the following power and torque:

Max Power: 245kW @ 5500
Max Torque: 440Nm @ 3000rpm

It's a fast but frugal vehicle. 

Volkswagen says that when both petrol and electric systems combine, the car can accelerate to 100km from rest in just 6.8 seconds, which is faster than some Porsche Cayenne models, yet the average fuel consumption figures are low and the CO2 emissions are just 210g/km.

Furthermore, prototype versions of the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid are recording an average fuel consumption below 9.0 litres per 100km. 

This is very impressive for a vehicle of the Touareg's size and weight, made more 200kg heavier with the electric hybrid system.

Incorporating a parallel hybrid system, the next generation Touareg will launch in 2010 and can drive at up to 50km/h on electricity alone.

When combined with the 38kW (52hp), 300Nm electric motor, Volkswagen claims peaks of 275kW (374hp) 550Nm during the "so-called boosting - where requests for maximum power and torque (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position) are supported by the engagement of both V6 TSI and electric drive systems".

The German car maker released an in-depth press-release that also suggests the production version of the Touareg  will include a button-operated mode that allows drivers to turn off the petrol engine completely, using the zero emission electric motor for locomotion.

For the full (and extensive) press release, go to this page.

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