VW Touareg - World Premiere at the Paris Salon 2002

Press Release

Positioning
Four-Wheel Drive
Running gear
Engines
Safety
Technical Data
Positioning

• The contemporary interpretation of a luxury off-road vehicle
• The SUV combines the features of a sedan with the dynamic of a sports car
• The Touareg competes at the top level of the major SUV's

There are currently three main categories of off-road vehicles: conventional models with distinctly off-road equipment, lifestyle SUV's with many street features, and those which want to master both types of terrain. Each category has its strengths, but they often involve compromises. Not so with the Touareg: Despite its authentic off-road capabilities, it offers the comfort of a luxury sedan along with the handling and drive features of a sports car for street driving. Ideal starting conditions in a rapidly growing market The Touareg is positioned as a high-end off-road vehicle � a strongly expanding segment. In 2000, approximately 700,000 vehicles of this category were sold world-wide, with a rising tendency. Accord-ing to analyses, by 2004 annual sales of high-end SUV's will reach 400,000 in North America alone. In Western Europe, forecasts predict 200,000 units by 2004. The off-road vehicle market in Western Europe has also experienced constant growth. Across all SUV classes, annual sales rose from 362,000 vehicles in 1997 to 600,000 in 2001 � a growth rate of 13.6% per year. Volkswagen's existing market presence ideally positions it to successfully establish the Touareg on the global market. In addition, the new off-road vehicle meets the expectations of a clientele which does not want to make any compromises. The Touareg meets these expectations in every way, setting standards in every performance category by offering superior street and off-road features as well as a broad selection of engines. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and luxury features is simply unique in this segment. Four-Wheel Drive Perfect propulsion on and off all roads 4XMOTION four-wheel drive for commanding street and off-road characteristics
If needed, 100% of the drive force can be transferred to one axle The power of the Touareg engines is transmitted to the wheels via the continuous 4XMOTION four-wheel drive. This four-wheel drive guarantees not only outstanding off-road characteristics, but also a high degree of safety and dynamic potential on paved roads. Here, too, Volkswagen's no-compromise SUV philosophy makes itself felt, supplementing authentic off-road features with the safety of a luxury sedan and dynamic of a sports car. The 4XMOTION four-wheel drive in detail The flow of power to the drive sprockets is handled by a transfer gearbox, which comes standard with off-road reduction, via a front-axle, rear-axle, and central differential. The rear-axle differential can be locked as an extra option; this feature comes standard with the central differential. The continuously adjustable multi-disc clutch of the central differential lock is automatically triggered by the running-gear electronic system. Depending on conditions, up to 100% of the drive force can be transmitted to one of the two axles. The driver has the option of completely activating the differential locks manually using a rotary switch in the cockpit, thus deactivating the lock's automatic control. A standard four-wheel EDL supports the fine distribution of the drive force. On-road: the benefits of the 4XMOTION four-wheel drive on paved roads In normal situations � dry road, even grip, constant engine power � the 4XMOTION four-wheel drive is distinguished by a symmetrical, 50:50 distribution of power to the front and rear axles. But as soon as a wheel begins to slip, due to aquaplaning or a wet spot on one side of the lane, for example, the multi-disc lock of the central differential increases the flow of power to the axle in order to provide more grip. A four-wheel EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) also supports this adjusted power distribution. The result is that the four-wheel drive equally enhances both the handling and the active safety. The Touareg thus handles like a luxury sedan; its driving behaviour is extremely safe and controllable; its curve stability is outstanding even under unfavorable road conditions. The brake system is built to be absolutely stable. From a mechanical perspective, 16" sliding caliper brakes and 17" or 18" fixed caliper brakes are used, depending on the engine version. Electronic features such as ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESP, ASR and the braking assistant round out the system. On extreme slopes, a generously dimensioned foot-operated parking brake (duo-servo drum brake) holds the Touareg securely in place. Off-road: the benefits of the 4XMOTION four-wheel drive off-road On unpaved ground, the already described basic structure of the 4XMOTION four-wheel drive � front-axle and rear-axle differential � combine with the transfer gearbox, with central differential flanged onto the rear of the gearbox, to provide commanding propulsion. In addition, the Touareg also comes standard with a lock for the central differential as well as a reduction level. So equipped the Touareg can overcome even the steepest 100% (45º) slopes. To activate the gearbox reduction level electrically, the driver simply sets the running-gear switch "Auto Diff" � located at the rear of the centre console � from fast mode "High" towards the right to "Low". If there is a loss of traction at one axle, the central differential lock is automatically activated. The driver can also completely engage the lock using a rotary switch. The same principle applies to the optional electrically lockable rear-axle differential. When starting up an incline, the brakes of the Touareg versions with manual gearbox act to support the motion. This hill-starting assistant then successively reduces the braking force while driving uphill, until the Touareg is moving securely in the desired direction. On steeply declining grades, the en-gine/braking-torque support in the ESP system prevents undesirable vehicle acceleration. The system thus insures regulated driving up and down slopes. Up to 580 mm fordability and 45 longitudinal and 35º lateral inclination The Touareg's commanding climbing capability is not its only mark of off-road excellence. The possible lateral inclination is 70% / 35 (maximum static inclination 100% / 45). With a door-seal system designed to keep water out, waterproof headlights and connectors, a special guide for the intake air and engine ventilation, and sealed jointed shafts, the Touareg can ford depths up to 500 mm (580 mm with optional air suspension). The ramp angle for driving over a crest or other obstacle is 22 (air suspension: 27.2). Thanks to the short front and rear body overhangs, the angle of slope is 28 (air suspension: 33.2). And even the defining measurement of off-road performance, the ground clearance, promises commanding off-road handling at 237 mm (air suspension: up to 300 mm).