Report: Volkswagen Mulling Touraeg R Hybrid

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Volkswagen is apparently investigating the use of hybrid technology for the hottest version of the next-generation Touraeg, for a combined output of 500 horsepower.

The proposed powertrain would mate a 500 horsepower V8 with a 47 horsepower electric motor. While this would bring a serious challenge to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5M, the vast amounts of torque and potential fuel savings (from single digit mpg up to the low teens, perhaps) are equally interesting.

On the other hand, the whole thing sounds like a massively expensive proposition, and it’s more likely that this model would be a limited production model rather than a volume version. For now, we’ll keep dreaming of a civilian version of the Race Touraeg.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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