Volkswagen announces its most powerful vehicle

VOLKSWAGEN’S most powerful model arrives in March next year.

The Volkswagen Touareg R packs 340kW of power and 700Nm of torque and a price tag of $129,990-plus.

With 340kW, the Touareg R is priced from $129,990 (plus on-roads). It matches the V10 diesel Touareg R50 of 2008.

The Touareg R is also $6500 cheaper than the V8 diesel Touareg R-Line of 2020.

Volkswagen is launching the Touareg R as a fully loaded, options-free (paint excepted) offer and a leading plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The Touareg R combines a turbocharged 3.0L petrol engine with 250kW and 450Nm of torque with a 100kW electric motor with 400Nm of torque for a maximum system power of 340kW plus maximum torque of 700Nm.

This combination makes the Touareg R the most powerful series production Volkswagen of all time. The kickdown function always activates the V6 turbocharged engine. It is then additionally boosted by full electric power, helping to accelerate the Touareg R from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

Combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres includes that EV-only driving range as part of the total figure.

Customers could theoretically get lower – or close to zero petrol – usage with regular charging.

When the EV-only driving range concludes, the Touareg R operates as an ‘e-hybrid’ that still remains more efficient than previous V8 and V10 models.

The Touareg R arrives fully loaded with 22in Estoril alloys in glossy black, 19in front and 18in rear ventilated disc brakes with blue calipers and R logo, air suspension, high gloss black roof rails and window surrounds, black exterior mirror shells, blacked out front grille and rear apron, black sports exhaust, ‘R’ logo projection from the front mirrors, direct tyre pressure monitoring, power latching doors, electric tailgate and panoramic sunroof with electric blind.

Pantera Black Puglia leather seat upholstery, front seats with memory settings, heated front and outboard rear seats, R sports steering wheel, quad-zone climate control, windshield projected head-up display, illuminated front scuff plates with R logo, power adjustable steering column with memory, plus brushed aluminium decorative inserts complete comprehensive specification.

Volkswagen passenger vehicles director Michal Szaniecki said the Touareg R was an R product first and foremost, as well as being one that offered the emissions-reduction technology and flexibility afforded by PHEVs.

“The Touareg R delivers the performance, the handling and the options-free appeal expected of our popular R division, while providing flagship SUV customers with greater choice an