Round 2 of Volkswagen's unpronounceable automobile will be the Tiguan, which we told you about in the December '06 issue-specifically, about the name being the winner of an Internet-based contest. The tiger-meets-iguana hybrid moniker will become an actual production vehicle, arriving in the United States within the year. The wee Touareg will have a brand-new "Clean TDI" diesel engine, part of the Bluetec initiative from Audi, DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen.
While what you see here is Tiguan in concept skin, it's safe to assume the final version will, indeed, borrow heavily from the Touareg design. Beyond that, figure these prototype tires from Continental with the "baked-in" body-matching orange rubber layer within the cord construction won't be found when it rolls into dealerships. And it shouldn't be nearly as high-dollar as the V-10 diesel Touareg.
Hyundai's Off-Roadish Thingy
It's called The HCD10, or the Hyundai Hellion concept, a three-door crossover with an off-road edge (or as dirt-ready as all-wheel drive can get). It has short overhangs, skidplates, tow hooks, a removable soft top, and a rally-like appearance (OK, maybe rallys of the future). Inside, the Hellion gets a little more weird, specifically hands-free hydration. As in, a removable reservoir built into the seats replaces the cupholder.
Stuffed under the hoodscoop is a 3.0L V-6 common-rail diesel that Hyundai says is worth 236 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and it's hitched to a six-speed automatic tranny. The suspension is independent, and specs include a 100.6-inch wheelbase, 164.2 inches overall, and a 74.4-inch width. At least Hyundai has made things interesting, even if it never sees production.