Volkswagen Touareg TDI and Jetta TDI - The VW Dieselution

Volkswagen diesel is back! Well, it never really disappeared, but due to tightening emissions regulations, there have been fewer new cars with TDI badges hitting the U.S. roads than in years past. That is all about to change, and the Touareg 2 V-10 TDI and the 2.0L Jetta TDI will make sure of that. The Touareg 2 is the second version of the most exciting diesel SUV ever built, and the Jetta has a 50-state legal, non urea-spraying turbodiesel that will be the go-to engine for future diesel models sold by the German automaker.

Touareg 2
VW hopes the new Touareg 2 will be like The Empire Strikes Back or The Godfather II-a sequel that outshines the original. In addition to the incredible twin-turbo V-10 diesel that makes 310 hp and 533 lb-ft of torque, the Touareg 2 has been upgraded with exterior updates including a rear spoiler designed to enhance mileage and reworked safety systems. The tire pressure monitoring is faster, the updated anti-lock braking system recognizes loose surfaces for off-road stops that are 20 percent shorter, the rollover system will open the airbags if you tip over, and the ESP stability system reduces stopping distances by up to 10 percent. Don't worry, the $60K SUV also got lots of updates to its luxury pedigree, including a new interior with improved 12-way power seats, standard parking sensors, and a standard power liftgate-pretty nice equipment for a 20-mpg SUV that goes 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds and can tow up to 7,716 pounds.

Touareg 2 Specifications
Engine: V-10 TDI Twin-TurboLayout: 90-degree V-10
Displacement: 4.9L
Valvetrain: SOHC 20-valves
Emissions : EPA Bin 10 (43 states)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4XMotion full-time four-wheel drive w/ low range
Power: 310 hp @ 3,750 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds (mfr.)
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Towing capacity: 7,716 lbs.
Fuel economy: 15 mpg city 20 mpg highway

Chassis And Suspension
Construction: Unibody
Air Suspension: Four-wheel adjustable air suspension w/Continuous Damping Control
Front Suspension: Double wishbone independent
Rear Suspension: Four-link independent
Brakes: Front vented disc brakes 13.8 in x 1.3 inRear vented disc brakes 13.0 in x 1.1 in
Anti-Lock Brakes: Four-wheel
Wheels: 19 x 9-in aluminum alloy
Tires: 275/45 R19 108V All-Season
Drag Coefficient: 0.38

Dimensions
Length: 187.2 in
Wheelbase: 112.4 in
Front Track: 65.2 in
Rear Track: 65.7 in
Width: 75.9 in
Height: 68.0 in

Ground Clearance
Load level (0-3 mph): 6.3 in
Standard level: 8.7 in
High Speed Level I (from 87 mph): 7.7 in
High Speed Level II (from 118 mph): 7.3 in
n Off-road Level (0-43 mph): 9.6 in
X'tra Level (0-12 mph): 11.8 in

Off-Road
Approach angle: 33 degrees
Departure angle: 33 degrees
Breakover angle: 27 degrees
Lateral driving angle: 35 degrees
Static angle: 45 degrees
Incline angle: 45 degrees
Fording depth: 22.8 in
Low range ratio: 2.66:1

Weights
Curb Weight: 5,825 lbs
Front: 3,195 lbs
Rear: 2,630 lbs
Payload: 963 lbs
Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs
Maximum Roof Cargo Weight: 220 lbs