2011 Volkswagen Touareg

World Premiere: The New Volkswagen Touareg Takes the SUV Idea Into the Future

• The all-new Touareg debuts with hybrid drive and high-tech range of engines

• Is lighter and 20 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor

Wolfsburg / Munich, February 10, 2010 - Volkswagen is unveiling the completely redeveloped Touareg as a world premiere. It is the most technically innovative 'VW' since the brand has been in existence. This Touareg is reinterpreting the fascinating multipurpose SÚV idea in a contemporary way – thanks to a range of engines that are nearly 20 percent more fuel efficient and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. The Touareg will also be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German car maker to be available in a hybrid version too. It sets standards among fully off-road capable SÚVs with petrol engines that have a fuel consumption value of just 8.2 litres fuel per 100 kilometres. The Touareg Hybrid can be driven up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode - emissions-free. Among the diesel engines, the Touareg V6 TDI with 7.4 litre combined fuel consumption now posts the best value in the segment of genuine SÚVs. Both versions, the Touareg Hybrid and V6 TDI, are the most fuel efficient petrol and diesel SÚVs ever built in Europe in this large vehicle class.

New era SÚV – lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient
As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the new Touareg too. The first precondition was met: The SÚV was lightened by 208 kilograms in the base version! A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. A second precondition was met as well: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. Along with aerodynamic refinement efforts, another factor at work here is that this Touareg is built lower to the ground than the previous model. Together with front end styling based on the new Volkswagen design DNA, this results in a smaller frontal area. The third precondition: All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model; in some cases the advantage is far greater than two litres per 100 kilometres.

SÚV for all trails – All-wheel drive in two versions


Instead of a Torsen differential, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional 'Terrain Tech Packet' that has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; climbing ability: 45 degrees). Similar to the first Touareg generation, this version also has a rotary switch the driver now uses to adapt the car to specific duty conditions over five levels: 1. 'On-Road'; 2. 'Off-Road' (like 'Off-road driving programme' plus automatic control of the mechanical locks); 3. Low (like 'Off-road' plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode); 4. Addition of centre differential lock; 5. Addition of rear differential lock. Equipped like this, the Touareg can conquer any terrain on Earth.

SÚV for everyday driving – more space, more innovations


Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel efficient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is larger. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be adjusted. Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio-CD and info system, which is intuitively controlled over a 6.5-inch touch-screen.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed by a RF remote control unit integrated in the car key. The largest panoramic sunroof of all SÚVs provides for light even on overcast days. The innovative 'Area View' utilises four cameras to detect the Touareg's surroundings and this enhances safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Front Assist can brake to a stop in an emergency and tension the seatbelts as a precautionary measure. Bi-Xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist perceive oncoming traffic and adjust the light beam to eliminate unwanted glare, and adaptive roll compensation ensures that the Touareg sits solidly on the street. For the first time, there will be special features on the new Touareg under the new 'Exclusive' badge from Volkswagen Individual. Options that can be ordered include 19-inch alloy wheels ('Girona' type), fine wood inserts ('Olive Ash') and a leather interior ('Nappa') in the two-colour combinations 'Dark Burgundy / Titan Black' or 'Pepper Beige / Titan Black'.

Touareg – the best of two worlds

About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the SÚV. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This is now being followed up by the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly. The Touareg will already be available at dealers in April.

Source - Volkswagen

The New Volkswagen Touareg SUV is One of the Safest Automobiles of All Time

• Touareg V6 TDI sets best fuel economy value among large SÚVs with 7.4 l/100

• New Touareg V8 TDI consumes 2.8 l/100 km less than previous model

• World's first car with camera-based continuous main beam 'Dynamic Light Assist'

Wolfsburg, Germany / Florence, Italy -- March 4, 2010 -- About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the Touareg. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This legacy is now being continued in the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfectly. The Touareg will be available at dealers in Europe as soon as April of this year.

Úp to 25 percent more fuel efficient engines
The second generation Touareg reinterprets the fascinating idea of a multipurpose SÚV in a contemporary way – thanks to a range of engines that are up to 25 percent more fuel efficient and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems.

Touareg Hybrid can drive up to 50 km/h on pure electric power


Fuel economy and emissions values are also significantly improved on the conventionally powered Touareg versions. All engines satisfy the Euro-5 emissions standard and also have a new thermal management system to guarantee that the proper operating temperature is reached quicker, which is important in attaining better fuel economy especially on short driving trips.

Optimised V6 FSI consumes 2.5 litres less petrol per 100 kilometres


Consider the V6 FSI, a direct-injection petrol engine with 206 kW / 280 PS: At 9.9 l/100 km, the 3.6-litre engine with 360 Newton-metres torque now consumes an incredible 2.5 litres less than the previous version. This combined fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km. That is precisely 60 g/km less than before.

Optimised V6 TDI breaks the 7.5-litre barrier


Consider the V6 TDI, the most fuel-efficient Touareg engine: With regard to power, an advanced development of the successful V6 TDI with 176 kW / 240 PS (European version) and BlueMotion Technology offers entry into the world of the Touareg; the 550 Newton-metre strong turbodiesel consumes a ground-breaking low 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 195 g/km CO2), which is 1.9 litres less than before. CO2 emissions were reduced by 49 g/km.

New V8 TDI replaces the V10 TDI

World's first SÚV with 8-speed automatic

All Touareg versions are now shifted by a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – the first of its kind in the world in the SÚV segment. The 7th and 8th gears are laid out as fuel-efficient overdrive gears. The 8th gear reduces engine speed by 34 percent compared to 6th gear. That saves on fuel and reduces emissions.

Lighter in weight and more aerodynamic

As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller SÚV, the Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustainability on the large Touareg too. The first precondition for sustainability has been met in the Touareg's significantly more fuel-efficient engines. The second precondition has been met as well: The weight of the base model Touareg has been reduced by 208 kilograms. A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. The third precondition has also been achieved: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. It was reduced from 0.38 to 0.35. Along with aerodynamic refinement measures, another factor at work here is that this Touareg sits lower to the ground than the previous model. This, together with a front end in the style of the new Volkswagen Design DNA, results in a smaller frontal area.

All-wheel drive in two versions

Another element that has been modified in the quest for reduced fuel consumption is the Touareg's standard all-wheel drive. In the base version (4MOTION), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; 31 degree climbing gradient). Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Touareg also has an 'Off-road driving programme', which - via a two-position rotary switch - tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts shift points of the automatic gearbox.

As an option, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional 'Terrain Tech Packet' instead of a Torsen differential; it has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road driving. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; 45 degree climbing gradient). Similar to the system on the first Touareg generation, this '4XMotion' also has a five-position rotary switch which allows the driver to adapt the car to specific conditions over five levels.

More space for everyone

Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg a lighter, more fuel efficient and agile performer; it has become an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and legroom in the rear is increased thanks to a 41 millimetre extension of the wheelbase to 2,893 millimetres. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be altered. As an option, it can be electrically unlatched at the press of a button; it then folds down in seconds to free up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio-CD and info system that is intuitively controlled via a 6.5-inch touch-screen. The top version offers a radio-navigation system with a 60 Gigabyte hard drive and 3D representation of buildings.

One of the most innovative and safest passenger cars of all times

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). The V6 versions gather valuable kinetic energy during braking and coasting and store it. The oil dipstick has now been retired: The engine oil level is displayed electronically in this Touareg. As an optio­n, the tailgate can be opened and closed automatically. The Touareg can also be specified with a large panoramic sunroof – the largest ever used on an SÚV - to provide maximum light in the cabin even on overcast days.

There are innovative features in the vehicle's assistance systems too. The new Area View utilises four cameras located around the car that transmit an accurate view of the Touareg's surroundings to enhance safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) plus Front Assist can brake the car to a stop in an emergency. Proactive occupant protection, also completely new, networks the assistance systems and ensures that in case of an accident not only are the belts tensioned, but the windows and panoramic sunroof are closed as a result of any sudden lateral change in direction.

A world first: Bi-xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist. This camera-based continuous main beam headlight actually 'sees' oncoming traffic and automatically adjusts – via the curve lighting module and individually for each headlight - the main beam to eliminate unwanted glare. The enhanced safety and convenience offered by Dynamic Light Assist is as significant as the introduction of Xenon technology itself once was. In the sum of its properties, the new Touareg is not only one of the most sustainable SÚVs in the world, but also one of the safest passenger vehicles of all times.

Facts Overview

Technology and Feature Highlights

•Úp to 222 kilogram weight reduction
•All-wheel drive as 4MOTION (Torsen differential) or 4XMOTION (centre differential with electrically controlled multi-disc lock and reduced off-road gearing)
•Hybrid drive (V6 TSI with 8.2 l/100 km)
•Fuel efficiency optimised engines; V6 engines with Stop-Start system and regenerative braking; V6 TDI with 7.4 l/100 km, V8 TDI with 9.1 l/100 km, V6 FSI with 9.9 l/100 km
•8-speed automatic gearbox (world's first in an SÚV)
•Area View including Off-road View (surroundings monitoring system)
•Adaptive Cruise Control ACC (with 'Stop&Go' and emergency braking function)
•Proactive occupant protection system (integral safety)
•Lane Assist and Side Assist
•Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and
Dynamic Light Assist (world's first car with masked continuous main beam)
•Electronic parking brake
•Panoramic sunroof
•RNS 850 radio-navigation system (features include 60-GB hard drive, 3D building representation)

Source - Volkswagen

Volkswagen Showcases Second Generation Touareg Featuring Hybrid Powertrain at the 2010 New York International Auto Show

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today unveiled the second generation Touareg, showcasing the brand's first-ever hybrid at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

Taking the Touareg to the forefront of its class are three available engines to suit a variety of different drivers: A V6 FSI® gasoline engine, a V6 TDI® Clean Diesel engine, and a V6 TSI® gasoline hybrid engine.



An eight-speed automatic transmission – the first of its kind in an SÚV – keeps power always available while helping the Touareg Hybrid achieve approximately 25 and 21 mpg during highway and city driving respectively. A special clutch can disengage the transmission from the engine when the engine is not powering the Touareg, allowing it to coast forward emission free to further aid in fuel savings. The electric motor can also recover kinetic energy during braking to help recharge the nickel metal-hydride battery pack. With the V6 engine and electric motor combined, a total of 375 horsepower and 428 lbs.-ft. of torque are available, allowing for full towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.

Also available is Volkswagen's 3.0-liter, V6 TDI® Clean Diesel engine, which offers improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and greater power versus a similarly-sized gasoline engine, and is an excellent complement to the new Touareg's athletic design. A 3.6-liter, V6 FSI® gasoline engine comes standard with the 2011 model, providing smooth acceleration and all around performance. On all Touareg models, Volkswagen's 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system is ready to tackle nearly any driving condition encountered on and off the road.



At the front is a narrower grille opening that seamlessly connects to the trapezoidal headlight housings that carry Ú-shaped LED running lights and Bi-Xenon High Intensity Gas-Discharged headlamps. The housings flow into the new fender flares, and a pair of compact fog lamps at the lower portion of the front fascia stand underneath the Touareg's front air intakes.

The hood features a raised portion that runs from the grille back, finishing at the side mirrors and giving a more muscular overall appearance. A chrome accent strip carries from behind the front wheels, and runs along the bottom of the doors to complement the chrome touches bordering the windows.

The back of the Touareg is defined with pronounced curves around the hatch area, LED illuminated taillights with housings to match up front, and a blacked out lower bumper with a set of shaped, chrome exhaust tips.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2011 Touareg is wider and has a shorter overall height for a stronger presence. A longer wheelbase and greater length provide greater stability, and more room inside the cabin, while the use of new materials and other adjustments have removed nearly 450 pounds from the vehicle.

The Touareg's interior has also been refined, making for a better use of space for both the driver and passengers, as well as in the cargo area. The greater use of curves and further attention to details on the door and dash trim coincide with redesigned, full leather seating for five, and cross-stitching on all panels and surfaces. Both the front and rear passengers can enjoy greater legroom with the Touareg's new overall dimensions and fully adjustable seats, while the rear seatback can be folded at the touch of a button in the trunk, for more storage and convenience.

A seven-inch widescreen color display located between the main gauges in the dash provides the driver with the latest vehicle status information, including of the drive system in the hybrid model, turn-by-turn navigation directions, and more.

Volkswagen's new RNS850 touch screen entertainment and navigation system features an 8-inch screen, a 60GB hard drive with 18GB of space available to upload audio, video, and more, and a DVD/CD player with MP3 playback and Satellite/FM/AM stereo. The navigation system can display maps and directions in a 3-D view, and highlights major landmark highlights to further assist when traveling.

Source - Volkswagen

ALL-NEW 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG COMBINES STUNNING DESIGN WITH INCREASED POWER AND IMPROVED FUEL EFFICIENCY

The second generation all-new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg combines cutting-edge German design, even more versatility and an array of standard features, all while providing a combination of usability and world-class engineering that drivers and passengers have become familiar with in Volkswagen vehicles.

The class changing 2011 Touareg offers three powertrain choices, including Volkswagen's first-ever worldwide use of a hybrid engine. All three engines -- the 3.0L V6 TSI® supercharged hybrid, 3.0L V6 TDI® clean diesel and 3.6L V6 FSI® gasoline -- are mated to Volkswagen's first eight-speed transmission, along with Volkswagen's 4MOTION® all wheel drive system.

Supercharged Hybrid
As Volkswagen's first production hybrid electric vehicle, the all-new Touareg 3.0-liter supercharged, direct injection V6 gasoline engine is paired with a special electric motor that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to the previous V8 FSI model. The electric motor is paired with a nickel metal-hydride battery pack fitted beneath the luggage compartment. The 288 volt battery consists of 240 individual cells and offers an energy density of 1.7 kWh. Both systems are capable of running independently or together and when combined, produce a total of 380 horsepower and 428 lbs.-ft. of torque. The new supercharged hybrid allows Touareg to offer customers V8 power with better fuel efficiency than a V6 engine.

The eight-speed automatic transmission ensures power is always available, while helping the Touareg Hybrid achieve an EPA estimated* 25 mpg during highway driving. When the driver releases the gas pedal, the engine will shut off while a special clutch disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing it to 'coast' forward emission free without electric or combustion power to further aid in fuel savings.

Regenerative breaking also allows the electric motor to recover kinetic energy during coasting and braking to help recharge the nickel metal-hydride battery pack. Touareg Hybrid can drive up to 30 mph on pure electric power.

Another first for the Touareg hybrid is the standard Start-Stop system, which automatically stops the engine during idling, for example while waiting at a red light. In this system, the brake is the control mechanism and when activated, stops the engine. When the brake is released, the engine starts again. This function improves fuel economy and reduces emissions, especially during city driving conditions.

Exterior


At the front is a narrower grille opening that seamlessly connects to the trapezoidal headlight housings that carry Ú-shaped LED running lights and Bi-XenonTM High Intensity Gas-Discharged headlamps. The housings flow into the new fender flares, and a pair of compact fog lamps at the lower portion of the front fascia stand underneath the Touareg's front air intakes.

The hood features a raised portion that runs from the grille back, finishing at the side mirrors and giving a more muscular appearance. A chrome accent strip carries from behind the front wheels, and runs along the bottom of the doors to complement the chrome touches bordering the windows.

The back of the Touareg is defined with pronounced curves around the hatch area, new 'L-Design' taillights, and a blacked out lower bumper with a set of shaped, chrome exhaust tips.

Another new design feature in the second generation Touareg is the automatically opening and closing tailgate that can be operated from inside the vehicle, at the tailgate itself or through a remote control on the fully redesigned key fob.

The Touareg will be available in nine different colors including five new colors: Cool Silver Metallic, Flint Gray Metallic, Toffee Brown Metallic, Night Blue Metallic and Tungsten Silver Metallic (Hybrid only).

The V6 and TDI® Clean Diesel powertrains will be available in three different trims: 'Sport,' 'Lux' and 'Executive.' Each trim will come with one of three different wheels. The 'Sport' trim will have the 18' Tacora alloy wheels, 'Lux' trim will be equipped with 19' Everest wheels and the 'Executive' trim will come with 20' Pikes Peak wheels. The Hybrid will only come in one trim, with 19' Everest alloy wheels. All Touaregs will come standard with all-season tires.

Engine and Transmission


In addition to the Volkswagen's first Supercharged Touareg Hybrid, the vehicle is also available with a 3.0-liter turbochargedV6 TDI® Clean Diesel engine, which offers class leading fuel economy (28 MPG hwy/19 MPG city EPA estimates), greater power versus a similarly-sized gasoline engine and super-clean 50 state legal emissions. A special DeNOx catalytic converter, augmented by a special injection system that sprays a synthetic urea-based solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust, helps reduce Nox emissions by up to 90 percent, and lets the engine meet the Tier 2, Bin 5/ÚLEV II standards imposed across all 50 Ú.S. states.

A 3.6-liter V6 FSI® gasoline engine comes standard with the 2011 model, providing smooth acceleration and all around performance offering 23 MPG hwy/16 MPG city EPA estimates, which represents a combined 19% improvement over the previous model.

All Touareg models now come with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 7th and 8th gears are laid out as fuel-efficient overdrive gears. The 8th gear reduces engine speed by 33 percent compared to 6th gear, which reduces fuel consumption and significantly lowers emissions.

The Touareg will continue its tradition of providing superior high-torque performance. The V6 engine will provide the driver a maximum torque of 265 lbs.-ft. at 2,500 to 5,000 rpm while producing 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The TDI provides an impressive maximum torque of 406 lbs.-ft. at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm while producing 225 horsepower at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.

All Touareg models, regardless of the powertrain configuration, have a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. when equipped with the factory-installed tow package.

Interior


The Touareg's interior has also been refined with a focus on comfort and functionality. Cabin noise has been reduced compared to the previous model through optimized insulation and acoustics. The greater use of curves and further attention to details on the door and dash trim coincide with redesigned, available leather seating surfaces for five, and cross-stitching on all panels and surfaces. Both the front and rear passengers can enjoy greater legroom with the Touareg's new overall dimensions and fully adjustable seats, while the rear seatback can be folded from a release in the luggage compartment, for more storage and convenience.

When looking up at the roof, drivers and passengers will enjoy the new optional panoramic sunroof which is a full 350% larger than the sunroof in the previous model. A ventilated, power release wind deflector eliminates turbulence and associated noise to help ensure a quiet drive even when the sunroof is open. The sunroof is standard in the 'Lux', 'Executive' and 'Hybrid' trim lines.

A 7' display, located between the main gauges in the instrument cluster, provides the driver with the latest vehicle status information, including turn-by-turn navigation directions, information from the drive system in the hybrid model, and more.

Standard and found only in the Touareg is Volkswagen's new premium RNS850 touch screen radio-navigation system. It features a large 8-inch screen, with a DVD/CD player that has MP3 playback capabilities and Satellite/FM/AM stereo, along with a 60GB hard drive with 18GB of space available to upload media. Located conveniently in the glovebox is access for iPod® or auxiliary input, SD cards, and a DVD drive. The navigation system can display maps and directions in a 3-D view, and highlights major landmarks to further assist when traveling.

In addition to navigation, the Touareg 'Sport' comes standard with a multitude of premium interior features including navigation with rearview camera, BiXenonTM headlights with LED daytime running lights, an 18' alloy wheel, power adjustable and heated front seats in V-Tex leatherette, Bluetooth® connectivity, Sirius Satellite Radio®, Climatronic® dual-zone A/C and silver metallic interior inlays with a black high-gloss center console and trim surrounds.

In addition to the 'Sport' features, the 'Lux' trim features a 19' alloy wheel, large two piece panoramic powered sunroof, 12-way power adjustable front seats and leather seating surfaces with driver memory, power lumbar and Burr Walnut interior inlays with a wood center console.

The 'Executive' trim offers all Lux features along with a 20' alloy wheel, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, keyless entry system with push-button start, rearview camera with Park Distance Control (PDC) and a Dynaudio® premium sound system.

Chassis and Suspension

The Touareg utilizes aluminum in its double wishbone suspension, which helped with reducing the weight of the vehicle. The vehicles 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system is mated to a rear limited-slip Torsen differential. The pairing results in a 40:60 distribution of the propulsive force between the front and rear axles to improve the vehicles weight and efficiency while improving overall driving dynamics.

The steering of the new Touareg is configured as a standard speed-dependent hydraulic rack steering system with variable ratio. The ratio is more directly configured across the entire steering stroke compared to the previous model.

Active and Passive Safety

The 2011 Touareg contains an impressive number of standard active and passive safety features to help keep the driver and passengers safe. Six airbags, including dual front units (dual-stage for the driver, single stage for the front passenger), thorax units for the driver and front passenger and Side Curtain Protection® for the front and rear outboard passengers, all are standard on the Touareg.

For the 2011 Touareg, Volkswagen developed an improved head restraint system. The whiplash-optimized head restraint (WOKS) rear impact protection system uses the contours and foam firmness in the backrest to help reduce relative movements of the torso and combines a patented shape of the head restraint structure to minimize head rotation after contact.

The Touareg also includes the following safety programs and management systems for a smooth, poised ride through most any situation: Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Auto-Hold and Hill Hold Assist and Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC).

The choice to include ESC standard on the Touareg and all other 2011 Volkswagen models, comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mandate that by the 2012 model year, all vehicles produced will need to include some form of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to NHTSA, having ESC in a vehicle results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. Volkswagen's ESC compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual direction. If a discrepancy is detected, ESC automatically brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to help maintain directional control.

Source - Volkswagen