Our spy shooter just caught the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg SUV cold-weather testing in advance of an expected 2010 Detroit auto show debut.
The Touareg has always been a capable off-road performer, but this next-generation SUV will likely put most of that heavy equipment on the options list to allow for better handling and, oh yes, fuel economy far better than the 2010 Touareg V-6's 14/19 mpg city/highway.
Even so, that doesn't mean some Touareg owners might not drive their SUVs through extreme conditions, which is what brings us to these photos. Viewed from the side, it's clear this Touareg has classic SUV proportions like the outgoing model. Where it might differ is in front overhang, which appears to have grown just a bit in this 2011 model.
Without all the camouflage, the Touareg should fit right in with the rest of the Volkswagen lineup thanks to its wide grille and horizontal lines. In the U.S., the Touareg isn't offered with a V-8 anymore -- only V-6 gas and diesel engines are on the powertrain menu. For the 2011 Touareg, expect this to continue. A supercharged 3.0L V-6 making 290 hp mated to an eight-speed automatic will replace the V-8's former position; the present V-6 won't carry over to the new Touareg, but a diesel will. Eventually, a hybrid will become an option. But, regardless of the powertrain, Volkswagen might want to lower prices before sending the 2011 Touareg to dealerships. A 2010 Touareg VR6 FSI starts at $41,240.
Thanks to: Motor Trend