km : Automotive News

Volkswagen will debut the new 2011 Touareg SUV next month in Geneva. It will feature all-new bodywork, giving the mighty truck a fresh, current appearance. With the new exterior comes an all-new interior to match, and from the looks of it, the updated cabin is still exudes first-class atmosphere, with a rich mixture of leather, wood and metal.

The new body is not only more contemporary, it also slices through the wind easier. In addition to a more slippery design, the new Touareg sit closer to the ground than before, delivering what VW describes as a "significantly improve Cd value." It also sheds more than 450 pounds from the outgoing version; when combined with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, which will be offered across the board, the new Touareg reduces its fuel consumption by more than two liters for every 100 kilometers driven, or around twenty percent on most models.



Off-roaders will appreciate the optional new Terrain Tech Pack, which uses reduction gearing and beefed-up center and rear differentials with up to 100% locking ability each. Five levels of traction programming can be chosen in this mode at the twist of a console-mounted knob, allowing drivers to choose from on-road, off-road, low, low plus center diff lock, and low plus center and rear diff lock.

The new Touareg goes on sale this April in Europe, following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. We will have an initial drive report shortly after the Geneva show, in advance of its North American debut this spring in New York. For more details about the 2011 VW Touareg, read the full story on our VW enthusiast website, VWvortex.com.

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