Next Generation VW Touareg Mule Spied

The next-generation Volkswagen Touareg is due towards the end of 2010. Pretty soon we should have a more regular supply of spy shots featuring the big VW. For now this prototype which was testing in the mountains using the current facelifted body appears to be a powertrain mule for the new V6 TSI hybrid engine.

Despite its rough mule form with alterations to the front bumper, the interior is showing changes as well.  Interior shots reveal the same three-spoke steering wheel found in the Golf VI plus a new speedometer cluster.

Same as the current model, the Touareg will share the same platform as the next Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. It will have more sporting attributes than before and will be styled to look similar to the Tiguan while at the same time adopting VW's new front grille.

Apart from the more powerful R50 not much has been done to the Touareg. However, this situation should change as the new engines such as the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a speculated 3.0-liter 4 cylinder biturbo start making their way around the rest of the VW group. Another confirmed candidate is the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the soon to be launched Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.

Back in February Volkswagen announced this engine would be included in the next gen 2010 Touareg with an all-new 333 hp (245 kW) supercharged 3.0 liter direct-injection V6 petrol engine connected to an electric motor. This engine produces 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) torque starting at 3000 rpm. The electric motor brings another 38 kW (52 hp) and a massive 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque.