VW Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid Announced for 2010

[broady69]

The Volkswagen Touareg already straddles both sides of the petrolium fuel fence, with gasoline and diesel-engined versions available. When the next-generation Touareg drops in 2010, VW plans to extend that powertrain flexibility to include a gas/electric hybrid as well.

Prototypes are already in testing. The Touareg hybrid will use an all-new 245 kW (333 hp) supercharged 3.0 liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine connected to an electric motor. This engine produces 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) torque from 3000 rpm. The E-motor adds another 38 kW (52 hp), as well as a massive 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque.

The Touareg will be a parallel hybrid, with both gas and electric motors working together to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The electric motor can also power the Touareg alone for up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and Volkswagen plans to incorporate a switch that enables the driver to lock it in electric mode for gas-free travel. Power is routed to the wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Touareg hybrid will incorporate a stop-start system for fuel savings during city driving, as well as regenerative braking to charge the nickel metal-hydride battery that powers the E-motor.

The capabilities of the Touareg aren't lost with the transition to hybrid power, either. Volkswagen says the hybrid Touareg will still tow up to 3.5 metric tonnes, and that off-road and hill climbing ability are not affected. To offset the weight of the batteries and hybrid system, a lighter Torsen 4x4 differential and electronic power steering have been added.

WCF

[dubbed]

Hmm how interesting. I didn't realise that electric engines produced SO much torque. Quite incredible.

VW always seems to be the leader in automotive tech and options. Pity the local manufacturers wouldn't follow suit.

[phaeton]

Full PR on the Touareg V6 (supercharged) TSI Hybrid
http://vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com/200...eg-v6-tsi.html