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In
parallel to pure petrol and
diesel versions, Volkswagen will
be bringing the next version of
the Touareg to market as a
hybrid version too.
For the first time, there is now
a near-production prototype that
offers initial glimpses of the
full hybrid technology that will
be implemented on the future
Touareg. This experimental
platform has its conceptual
basis in the current generation
of the SUV. The car's powertrain
already embodies many aspects of
the future Touareg Hybrid. It
will be powered by a new V6 TSI
- a highly advanced petrol
direct injection engine boosted
by a mechanically-driven
supercharger - in tandem with an
electric motor. It will have a
newly developed 8-speed
automatic transmission.
Volkswagen will be implementing
a parallel hybrid drive on the
future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid.
This version of the SUV will
have a high-performance,
full-time all-wheel drive too.
The V6 TSI on the Touareg
prototype is fun to drive and
delivers 245 kW / 333 PS at
5,500 rpm. These characteristics
match those of the Touareg with
an eight cylinder engine, yet
with the V6 TSI it is
significantly more fuel
efficient. The results are
convincing. The substantial
torque delivery that came from
using a supercharger becomes
even more fascinating with the
addition of the E-motor,
especially at low speeds. If
required, an exceptional amount
of torque is available from a
standstill - a bonus that comes
from a system that is designed
for efficiency. To increase
further this efficiency, the V6
TSI makes use of a switchable
engine water pump. This remains
off during the warm-up phase,
ensuring rapid achievement of
fuel efficient operation. The
pump is integrated into the
vehicle's overall heat
management system.
Compared to a conventional 4x4
of the same size, the hybrid
concept yields fuel savings of
more than 25 percent in city
driving. Development engineers
calculate an average savings of
17 percent in combined city,
highway and freeway driving.
Essentially, there are four
parameters with which the
Volkswagen prototype achieves
this improved fuel economy.
Regenerative braking, the
E-motor: The vehicle can operate
on the electric motor alone at
speeds of up to 50 km/h,
Coasting: as soon as the driver
removes his or her foot from the
gas pedal, a clutch disengages
the V6 TSI from the transmission
and the 8-speed automatic
transmission was also
specifically tuned for hybrid
use.
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