Volkwagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid Prototype

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When the new Volkswagen Touareg debuts in 2010, it will get a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, in addition to the petrol and diesel options that it currently has. Volkswagen has released preliminary details on the hybrid powertrain, which reveals a few interesting things about what’s going into the next generation of Volkswagens. Firstly, this is the first time the new supercharged Audi 3.0 litre V6 is installed in a Volkswagen. By itself it produces 333 PS at 5,500rpm and 440Nm of torque from 3,000rpm. With the help of the E-Motor, this is boosted up to 374 PS and 550Nm of torque, which can take the Touarag up to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

By itself, the E-Motor puts out 52 PS and 300Nm of torque, which is what powers the vehicle in pure electric mode during city driving at speeds of up to 50km/h. This E-Motor is installed between the engine and the transmission, which is another new bit of equipment in a Volkswagen. It now has a total of 8 ratios, up from the previous 6-speed box.

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This 8-speed box has been tuned for hybrid usage. It has a special torque converter with larger lock-up system, an auxiliary electric oil pump (to maintain a supply of oil when the V6 TSI is switched off), a transmission heater to reach optimal operating temperature faster, and a modified transmission controller.

To make up for the additional hybrid equipment including NiMH batteries, some weight reduction had to be done in other areas of the car. Hence, the 4Motion all-wheel drive loses the center transfer box with the lockable differential and the offroading low ratios. In its place is a lighter Torsen differential from the Audi Q7, which has no low ratio capabilities.

Look after the jump for many diagrams showing the different hybrid operation modes.


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