Volkswagen is finally making its first foray into the hybrid market—and it’s starting with the Touareg SUV. Volkswagen unveiled a lighter leaner Touareg design, including a hybrid variant, at a press conference in Munich, ahead of the vehicle’s official showing at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Aiming at efficiency, as well as performance, Volkswagen claims combined fuel economy in the mid-20-mpg range, while allowing zero-to-60 times of 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Towing capacity will be more than 7,700 pounds.

The Touareg Hybrid powerplant marries an Audi-built, supercharged 3-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic with a disc-shaped electric motor mounted internally. Electric energy is stored in 155 pounds worth of nickel metal hydride battery pack stored under the rear cargo floor.

The 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid is a full hybrid, capable of traveling up to one mile—and at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—in all-electric drive mode. Total output will be a 380 horsepower and a maximum 428 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg’s Hybrid setup also features a coasting capability that disengages the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the gas pedal when traveling at high speeds.

VW’s engineers and marketers are proud of the vehicle’s technical achievements and expect those features to attract new buyers. "For Volkswagen’s Touareg Hybrid, we combine the electric drive with a direct gasoline injection engine in our new 3.0 V6 TSI,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, research and development board member. “Therefore the Touareg Hybrid profits from two top technologies. This combination is unique and can't be found among competitors."

Hybrid purists might not be impressed with real-world mileage, probably in the low-20s, but keep in mind that Touareg has definitely gone on a diet. The hybrid drive replaces the previous V8 gasoline engines in Europe and America. And the V10 TDI and W12 engine versions of the previous model were discontinued.

Place in the Market

The Touareg Hybrid will not be the first hybrid SUV on the US market—not by a long shot. (The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004.) However, the Touareg will be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German carmaker offered with a hybrid version. The Touareg’s combination of style, size and solid off-road capability is something the other smaller hybrid SUVs can’t claim.

The new Volkswagen Touareg line, to be offered in a range of conventional gasoline and diesel options (including the hybrid), will be lighter and more efficient Touareg for 2011. Most, if not all, of the models will be offered with a stop-start system, to shut down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop.

The Touareg Hybrid will be positioned as a slightly more expensive—yet more capable and powerful—alternative to the Lexus RX450h luxury hybrid SUV. Maybe that’s not a bad move for VW, because the RX Hybrid was been the best-selling SUV hybrid for most of 2009. Pricing for the Touareg Hybrid has not yet been announced, but it should fall in line just above the Lexus RX450h, but well below the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.

The primary target for the vehicle appears to be Europe. VW can boast that the Touareg Hybrid and the V6 TDI Touareg are the most fuel-efficient gas and diesel SUVs ever built in Europe in this large vehicle class.

Other signs of high-tech vehicle electrification include a parking brake that is now activated by push-button, and a tailgate that, as an option, can be opened and closed by remote control unit integrated in the car key. The innovative "Area View" utilizes four cameras to detect the Touareg’s surroundings and this enhances safety. Protection is delivered by up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. You’ll also find adaptive cruise control, 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.

The Touareg Hybrid will go on sale by early fall 2010.

Reprinted with permission from Hybrid Cars