German OEM Volkswagen has unveiled its Touareg R, the first ‘R’ model to be equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Developed by the VW R performance brand, the Touareg R powertrain comprises a 136ps e-motor and a turbo V6 engine.
At the heart of the hybrid drive is a 2,995cc V6 turbocharged gasoline engine, an electric drive motor and a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery, which is built into the luggage compartment underbody. Combined, the drive system will develop peak power of 462ps and 700Nm maximum torque.
An 8-speed automatic transmission transmits power to the front and rear axles. A center differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70% of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80% reaches the rear axle.
The Touareg R can be driven in all-electric mode at a speed of up to 140km/h. The maximum speed of the SUV is electronically limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption sits at between 7.7l and 7.5l combined, while CO2 emissions are 176-171 g/km combined.
