Diesel V8 for VW Touareg

Volkswagen Group Australia has announced a range-topping new V8 TDI R-Line version of its second-generation Touareg SUV.

Pricing is yet to be revealed but expect the 4.2-litre diesel variant to easily eclipse the $83,990 V6 TDI 4MOTION upon which it is based, at around $100,000.

The same bullocking 250kW/800Nm 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine powers Audi’s Q7 4.2 TDI, which is priced at $128,800, while an even more powerful (281kW/850Nm) version is found in the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel, which costs a hefty $155,500.

Unlike the six-speed Audi but like the Porsche, the Touareg V8 TDI comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sprints to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds – a full second less than the previous-generation V10 disesel-powered Touareg R50, 0.6 seconds sooner than the bigger seven-seat Q7 4.2 TDI and just one-tenth later than the similarly sized Cayenne S Diesel.

At the other end of the MkII Touareg line-up, which was first launched in Australia in July 2011, 3.0-litre V6 pricing continues to open at $62,990 for the 150 TDI and extends to $78,990 for the V6 TDI. The 3.6 FSI petrol V6 variant has been discontinued.

Based on the $84K Touareg V6 TDI 4MOTION, the V8 TDI R-Line develops 250kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 800Nm.

As with all Touaregs, the new V8 TDI also comes with BlueMotion Technologies including brake energy recuperation, bringing combined fuel consumption to 9.2L/100km and CO2 emissions to 242g/km.

Inexplicably, despite weighing significantly less than the 2440kg Q7 4.2 TDI, the priciest Touareg returns the same combined average fuel consumption - almost a litre more per 100km than the more powerful Cayenne (8.3L/100km), which comes with an idle-stop function.

Cosmetically, the top-shelf Touareg features a textured matt-black diffuser with oval-shaped exhaust outlets integrated into the redesigned bumper section, as well unique side skirts, chromed door appendages, R-Line badges on the front wings and a specific roof spoiler.

There is also a new R-Line lip spoiler at the front and completing the exterior look are huge 21-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear and rear-side windows.

Inside, the R-Line logo features on the stainless steel front door sill plates and on the heated, leather-clad multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles. Rounding out the R-Line upgrades are stainless steel pedals and a leather-trimmed gearshifter with aluminium inserts.

Standard equipment includes Nappa leather upholstery, Area View, Optical Parking System, front and rear parking sensors, RNS850 satellite-navigation, a 620-Watt Dynaudio Confidence premium audio system 12-channel digital amplifier and 12 speakers, along with media device interface with USB cable.

In addition, the Touareg V8 also comes with Comfort Package and Driver Assistance Package as standard.

The Comfort Package comprises four-zone automatic climate-control air-conditioning, electrically adjustable door mirrors with memory function, automatic kerb view function when reversing, electrically adjustable front seats with three position memory function for driver and front passenger (electrically height and reach adjustable), along with a heated steering wheel with memory and keyless entry.

The Driver Assistance Package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist function and City Emergency brake (City EB) function, Side Assist (lane changing assistant) and the Proactive occupant protection system.

As with all Touaregs, the V8’s safety entourage includes nine airbags, ASR, EDL and ESP with active rollover protection function, plus EBC and Off-road Function with Anti-lock Braking System (ABSplus) and Hill Decent Assist.

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