IN THE FOURTH QUARTER of this year, Volkswagen will release it most powerful production SUV to date, the Touareg V8 TDI R-Line.
The Touareg’s substantial power and torque are courtesy of its 4.0-litre twin turbo diesel engine that delivers 310kW and a formidable 900Nm.
Driven through an 8-speed automatic transmission and the constantly adjusting all-wheel-drive that imbues the new generation Touareg with benchmark dynamics, this luxury SUV is capable of reaching 100km/h from standing in 4.9 seconds – 0.1 behind the Australian-specification Golf R performance hatchback. Combined fuel use is 7.4L/100km.
Famously the Touareg has much commonality with SUVs from Bentley, Porsche and Audi. Volkswagen’s take on the V8 TDI eschews an electric compressor for the use of two sequential turbochargers and the ability to switch the four-valve cylinder-heads to three valves at low revs.
Until 2200rpm the twin turbo V8 diesel slides the camshaft to close one of the exhaust valves, so all of the gases are directed at one propeller wheel. This assistance results in spinning up the variable-geometry turbocharger and providing full power with exceptional smoothness and rapidity as it revs to 5000rpm.
Maximum torque is present between 1250rpm and 3250rpm; full power from 3500 to 5000rpm.
The Touareg V8 will arrive in fully equipped R-line specification. Unlike other premium competitors there will be no long option list. Customers need only select their favourite exterior colour or consider a panoramic glass sunroof.
While the price will be confirmed closer to release, Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director Michael Bartsch said that the Touareg V8’s sticker will reflect the value equation well established by new generation Touareg V6s.
“Even fully loaded, the Touareg V8 will undercut the starting price of its rivals to be the best value proposition in the premium large SUV segment,” Mr Bartsch said.
“Luxury SUV performance of the Touareg V8’s calibre won’t be found elsewhere for less than $160,000. Nothing will approach the value of the Toaureg’s standard equipment for very much under $180,000 at the most competitive.”
“Volkswagen Group Australia was the first European national sales company to establish five-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty for all its brands, which is still not universal among our rivals. This warranty remains permanently available in all new Volkswagens along with optional Care Plans that reduce the cost of ownership further below Touareg V8’s obvious rivals.”
Uncompromised by temporary use third row seats, the Touareg is an opulent five seat luxury vehicle with luggage capacity of 810 litres.
A limited production run will ensure the exclusive nature of the Touareg V8. Mr Bartsch forecast that it would come to be regarded as a cult Volkswagen in the vein of the 2007 Touareg V10 and the Scirocco coupe.
“The genuine car lover will discern that the true value of this most special Touareg is to be found in a cachet that time will only enhance,” he said.
We recall the Touareg V10 with great affection. As one motoring journalist colleague observed, it would lift its nose and accelerate like a high-powered speed boat, a fact we can confirm after defying physics at the Phillip Island motor raceway and achieving lap times no two-tonne SUV should. If the new V8 is as good, it will, as Mr Bartsch points out, become a cult car.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Volkswagen Touareg V8, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.