Touareg R – AUSmotive.com

Volkswagen Touareg R rendering

Following the last week’s news that Volkswagen’s R GmbH division is expected to add some herbs to the new Touareg comes this rendering courtesy of the Motor Authority website. All the key “R” exterior features are there; huge air intakes in the lower grille, signature blue paint and gloss black mirrors.

It seems the 5.0 litre V8 will feature twin turbo technology to help it reach 500bhp, an engine likely to be found elsewhere in the VAG line up; Audi S8, for example. Of course, the Touareg R hybrid will have an electric motor providing another 50bhp or so.

The Touareg R is expected to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2011.

[Source: Motor Authority]

UPDATE 3 September: Car and Driver have thrown something different into the mix by reporting the Touareg R will be powered by a 4.2 litre V8 diesel.

VW Touareg R wants a piece of BMW X5 M action

Volkswagen Touareg

News has emerged suggesting Volkswagen’s R division are ready to spice things up with the new Touareg SUV. Accordingly they’ve set their sights on the very big target of the BMW X5 M.

The big Beemer has a mighty 555bhp accompanied ably by a more than respectable 680Nm of torque. It has some balls, in other words. In return, it is understood the Touareg R will pack a 500bhp punch from a normally aspirated V8 engine. Realising this is not enough, the chaps at R GmbH are planning a Hybrid assault by using an electric engine to held nudge power to at least 547bhp.

A relatively low limit of 47bhp applies to the electric motor in the garden variety Touaregs, but perhaps an R version could have that limit increased, offering more power.

Usual R bodywork and suspension enhancements would also apply. This Touareg R might actually go alright. If you’re into that sort of thing.

[Source: Zer Customs]