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2006 Volkswagen Touareg news, pictures, and information

2006 TOUAREG SPORTS UPGRADED NAV SYSTEM, LUXURY FEATURES A more powerful base engine will be available in the Volkswagen SUV later in year.

Ever since its introduction, the Touareg has been heralded for the balance it brings to its segment; it is a poised, sophisticated entry in the often rough and tumble SUV segment.

Expect even more praise for the award-winning Touareg as Volkswagen gives its high-end, top-of-the-line SUV several 'crowning touches' including an all-new, more powerful base engine. Look for a new 3.6 L FSI V6 to join the Touareg lineup later in the year, replacing the 3.2 L V6 available until then.

Starting later in the model year, the 2006 Touareg will be available with an advanced DVD Navigation System that includes audio CD capability for audible commands. Visual directions are displayed on a color monitor strategically located at the top of the center console for optimal driver viewing.

A smaller, color display in the instrument cluster provides a secondary source of visual information, with both displays controlled through a multi-function onboard computer.

The upgraded DVD Navigation System in the 2006 Touareg is compatible with a newly available rear view camera to aid in vehicle backing and parking, plus an auxiliary multi-media connector.

By customer request, an outside rear spare tire carrier is available and capable of handling a full-size spare tire and matching alloy wheel. The silver 'out-back rack' frees up interior cargo space and is a clean alternative to an under-carriage spare tire carrier that leaves the tire and wheel exposed to the elements, which often proves messy.

The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg also makes a new silver or black roof rack, depending on vehicle model, and now available separately as an accessory item for purchase. Additional model-year changes include a 115-volt power outlet replacement of the 12V source in the fully carpeted rear cargo area; new sporty chrome trim on the automatic transmission shift lever, replacing wood trim on some models; and new 'Tuft'-style carpeting. In addition, cell phone preparation with Bluetooth compatibility is looking to be added as a standard item during the model run.

Every 2006 Touareg is equipped with Volkswagen 4Motion® permanent all-wheel-drive system with adaptive torque distribution for proven, unbeatable vehicle control and performance in all weather and driving conditions, whether on- or off-road.

All engines available in the Touareg are front-mounted in a longitudinal ('north-south') configuration for balance and smooth operation.

A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® selectable shifting plus a Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) to learn and replicate driving and shifting patterns is also standard. For added performance and driver control, a sport mode and a low-range gear are also standard.

The 2006 Touareg V6 model is now equipped with an updated brake system, including ABS (anti-lock braking system) and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes. Similar braking systems are also standard on V8 and V10 models.

Touareg V8 models also join the V10 TDI® models in 2006 as featuring Servotronic power steering as standard.

For drivers who prefer the smooth and consistent power and performance of a V8, the 2006 Touareg V8 offers a slightly bigger 4.2-liter, 254-cu. inch engine that makes 310 horsepower at 6,200 revolutions per minute and 302 lbs.-ft. of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. The Touareg V8 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, and gets an EPA-rated 18 miles per gallon on the highway and 14 mpg in the city.

For the ultimate in big-displacement engines, the low volume, but high excitement 2006 Touareg V10 TDI, a high tech diesel, is one of the largest, most powerful SUVs on the road. The 5.0-liter, 300.2 cu. inch ten-cylinder, twin-turbocharged direct injection diesel engine punches out 310 hp at 3,750 rpm and an astounding 553 lbs.-ft. of torque at just 2,000 rpm.

The 2006 Touareg V10 TDI makes a return from its debut in May 2004 and is powerful and quick, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 7.5-seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph. As expected from a diesel, fuel economy is outstanding with an EPA highway rating of 23 mpg and city rating of 17 mpg, giving it a driving range of over 600 miles on a single, 26.4-gallon fill-up.

For handling, control and ride comfort, the 2006 Touareg comes standard with a double-wishbone front and a four-link rear independent steel spring suspension. A sophisticated four-corner, adjustable air suspension system is available as an option and includes six selectable ride heights for ground clearance from 6.3 inch to 11.8 inch Continuous Damping Control offers three adjustable damping settings for fine-tuning the ride comfort and driving dynamics.

Opening the door to the 2006 Touareg reveals an interior on par with many luxury sedans. Standard features include heated front seats, Climatronic™ dual-zone automatic climate control, genuine aluminum and real walnut wood interior trim, and chrome applications on the instrument cluster, doors and glove box.

For audiophile-quality sound, a premium radio with 11 speakers and a 300-watt amplifier is available as an option on all models. The V8 and V10 TDI models offer genuine Myrtle or Vavona wood interior trim, Climatronic four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats as options.

The Touareg comfortably seats five adult passengers and can hold up to 31 cubic feet of cargo, or up to 71 cu. ft. with the split rear seats folded down. An optional Class III trailer hitch receiver offers a towing capacity of more than 7,500 pounds.

Standard equipment includes traction control with ABS, Anti-slip Regulation, Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist, Hill Descent Assist and Hill Climb Assist.

High intensity gas-discharge Bi-Xenon headlamps for enhanced nighttime driving and an electronic parking assist system to help avoid objects when backing up are available as an option on all models except TDI where it is standard.

The 2006 Touareg V8 and V10 TDI models are available with optional 19-inch tires and alloy wheels. A direct tire pressure monitoring system is an option on all models and can be enabled and disabled using the onboard computer. All new Volkswagens come equipped with a host of safety features. The 2006 Touareg includes driver and front passenger front and side airbag supplemental restraints as standard. Advanced dual-stage deployment is featured in models equipped with power front seats. A Side Curtain Protection® system is also standard and provides added occupant safety in the unlikely event of a roll over accident.

The Touareg continues to receive accolades and remains unique in the market as a premium-entry SUV with vaunted German engineering and driving dynamics, off-road superiority, and Volkswagen value for the money. In its debut model year, the Touareg has been honored as Motor Trend 'Sport Utility of the Year', Petersen 4Wheel & Off-Road '4X4 of the Year' and Car and Driver '5Best Trucks – Luxury Sport Utility of the Year,' among others.

Source - VW

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