Autoblog

Spy Shots: Prototype 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught naked?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Volkswagen

Hey there, odd looking, what you got cooking? Yes, we're pretty positive you're looking (or about to be looking) at the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught without its robe on. Visually speaking, not much has changed. The front clip and hood look more in line with the sixth generation Golf/GTI. From behind, you can see an awful lot of Porsche Cayenne - which is not surprising as the two SUVs are very closely related - especially these days.

We're always liked the Touareg. It's one of those special Volkswagens built almost entirely out of Ferdinand Piech's adrenal glands, akin to the Phaeton and Bugatti Veyron. All three are cars built (largely) without compromise. Don't believe us? Allow us to suggest a weekend with the twin-turbo V10 TDI model - it really will bring you around to our way of thinking. 553 lb-ft of blown diesel torque at 1,800 rpm tends to have that effect on people.

The question now is, will this new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg be anywhere near as phantasmagorical as the last one? We can't say (yet), but we're thinking VW's going to probably dial the "hell yeah!" back a bit. That's just the way of things. Of course, they may not. Either way, we just hope they figure out how to make the next one more reliable. A tip of our off roadin' flap hats to Paul!

[Source: Secret New Cars]

Spy Shots: Prototype 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught naked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit

Michael Harley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hybrid, SUV, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Click above for high-res image gallery

January's North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) is expected to host the debut of Volkswagen's all-new third-generation Touareg SUV (the facelifted "second-gen" arrived in the States as a 2008 model). While details are few, rumor has it that VW will introduce its new Touareg with a variety of powerplant choices during its first model year, including a hybrid variant.

As previously reported, the hybrid is expected to combine the supercharged 3.0-liter TSI V6 from the Audi S4 mated to a 38 kW electric motor. An all-new eight-speed automatic transmission wraps up the package. Total combined power is 374 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With an all-wheel drive powertrain, the Touareg Hybrid should sprint to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and return a combined EPA fuel economy figure of about 26 mpg. While it debuts in just two months, the new Volkswagen Touareg isn't expected in showrooms until the second half of 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

With products like its now-defunct Corrado sports coupe, Volkswagen has proven that they understand the benefits of active aerodynamics - but a new recall in conjunction with the National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration centers on the potential for some completely unintentional and undesired active aero with the company's products.

According to NHTSA, VW will recall 14,416 2007-2009 Touareg SUVs because the vehicle's roof spoiler can jettison itself from the vehicle, potentially striking pedestrians or other vehicles. Apparently, the problem stems from the fastening struts on the spoiler which can crack, leading to the loosening or outright detachment of the aerodynamic element.

Owners of Touaregs covered under the recall can bring their vehicles to their local dealer, which will install reinforcement wedges to the assembly for free. Official recall information posted after the jump. Top tip, Jeff!

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading (Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight

(Over) Active Aero: VW recalling Touareg over spoilers that might take flight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is preparing its 2011 Touareg, and the company's most expensive expensive Stateside offering is slated to lose weight. Although the German automaker is reportedly aiming for a 600 pound drop, shedding 300 pounds is said to be more realistic, and the going speculation is that the mass will be taken out of the SUV's exceptional four-wheel-drive capability.

In terms of its sheetmetal, the Touareg is being designed by Walter de'Silva, the pen behind the Audi Q7, TT, and A5 among other VW Group products.

Part of the diet challenge is that the SUV is also widely expected to gain a third row, going from a five-seater to a seven-seater, in part to distance itself from its newer, less-expensive Tiguan brethren.

If Car and Driver's sources are on their game, word is that the U.S. engine lineup won't change, but the European V10 diesel will be swapped out for the Audi V8 TDI (already employed in the Q7), and the W12 will go on hiatus, possibly to return in sunnier economic times. There will also be a hybrid in the offing, with the same supercharged 3.0-liter V6 setup seen in Porsche's Cayenne Hybrid.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid with supercharged V6 joining BlueMotion offerings

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Green, Volkswagen

Click above for a gallery of the Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid

Volkswagen is set to launch a Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid in 2010. The new machine will be the first real production hybrid from the German company and will join the automaker's expanding BlueMotionTechnologies lineup. In addition to the Touareg headliner, VW has announced a diesel-powered Passat BlueMotion, a Passat BlueTDI that's able to achieve 2014 Euro-6 emissions regulations today, and a natural gas-fueled Passat TSI EcoFuel.

The Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid will feature a supercharged 3.0L TSI V6 engine that's shared with the Audi S4 along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. While many would likely be awfully pleased just to see that drivetrain in the Touareg, the big news is what's sandwiched between them, namely, a 38 kW electric motor that gets power from a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

A similar hybrid system is expected to make an appearance in the upcoming Porsche Panamera and offers up 374 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels in this application. That's enough to push the bricklike Touareg to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.8 seconds and, perhaps more importantly, deliver a European combined rating of 26.1 mpg (U.S.). That's an improvement of 25% over the normal Touareg, though it will surely come with a price tag to match. See all the details after the break.

Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid with supercharged V6 joining BlueMotion offerings

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid with supercharged V6 joining BlueMotion offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Volkswagen, First Drive

Volkswagen Touareg TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The way Volkswagen talks up the $42,800 Touareg V6 TDI, you'd almost think it was the ninja of SUVs: a single package with so many highly developed capabilities that its gas-engined foes are annihilated and left on the side of the road with ninja shuriken lodged in their tailgates before they even realize they've been outdone. The engine alone promises reduced fuel consumption, fewer emissions, more power, more torque, better responsiveness and quiet progress. The only questions then are: Does it deliver and will anyone buy it? We took it for a spin to find out. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI

Continue reading First Drive: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI

First Drive: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Volkswagen, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the VW Touareg Lux Limited Edition

The VW Touareg Lux Limited Edition is a 'ute that's been on a shopping spree to J. Crew and High Street, or at least a mainstream, aftermarket shop. Available on either the gasoline- or diesel-engined SUVs - and only in America - the Lux Limited gets side skirts and slightly tweaked front and rear aprons to differentiate it from the run-o-the-mill Touareg. The wheel selection is called Ayer's Rock (not "Uluru"?) and only available in the 20-inch variety.

VW took the color wheel out one night and got it drunk. Exterior hues for the Lux Limited are Biscay Blue, Campanella White, Galapagos Gray, and Black Magic Pearl Effect. The interior cricket leather is done up in one of two duo-tone color choices with complementary accents - like Latte Macchiato and St. Tropez white with poplar grain decor. And if anyone can tell us what "Engine Spin dark" decor looks like, we are all... eyes. So put on the Hootie, order some chablis and brie, have a look at the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visions from the Baja 1000: VW puts its diesel in the dirt [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Videos, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res image gallery of shots from the 2008 Baja 1000

Autoblog got its feet muddy - and did its best to avoid the cow pies - at the Baja 1000 a few weeks ago with Volkswagen. While things could have gone better for the 550-hp diesel Race Touareg2, finishing in 13th position with a relatively untested truck is a fine result. Finishing the Baja 1000 at all is a fine result, in fact. Check out the full story and video after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: VW Race Touareg 2 at the 2008 Baja 1000

Continue reading Visions from the Baja 1000: VW puts its diesel in the dirt [w/VIDEO]

Visions from the Baja 1000: VW puts its diesel in the dirt [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Touareg V6 TDI price: $42,800

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Volkswagen

A gent named Chris at VW of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, just received the order guide for the Touareg V6 TDI, and the numbers reveal that it will arrive on our shores in January with a base price of $42,800, or $43,490 with the destination charge. That base price is $3,500 more than the Touareg V6 FSI, money that will get you slightly less horsepower but about 150 lb-ft. more torque and about 4.5 more mpg. Options include the Luxury Package for $2,700, Tech Package for $3,350, and Luxury Plus for $5,400. If you want to do something with your Touareg other than go get hotdogs, the rear locking diff is $700, a trailer hitch runs you $500, and you can throw in the silkiness that is the four-corner air suspension for $2,750. There's no word yet on invoice pricing, and it will be interesting to see if people stump up for the premium without getting huge deals on the lot.

[Source: Club Touareg]

VW Touareg V6 TDI price: $42,800 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: VW to unveil diesel-powered Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:52:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res images and renderings of VW's Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

If Formula 1 is the pinnacle of on-road motorsports, competitive off-roading hits its apogee with the Baja Trophy Truck series. With vehicles sporting over 20 inches of suspension travel both front and rear, along with massive power provided by V8 engines, these trucks travel over the worst terrain imaginable at ludicrous speeds. Sounds like fun, right? Volkswagen thinks so, and while it's older Beetle-based buggies often make it through the race unscathed, albeit much slower than their big brothers, the automaker has decided to enter the top rung of the SCORE series and will debut its latest Touareg TDI to tackle the course at the upcoming LA Auto Show.

Boasting a turbocharged diesel 5.5L V12 engine that puts out 550 horsepower and a stump-pulling 625 lb-ft of torque, the 5,650-pound race-prepped Touareg should have the guts to keep up with the rest of the field. This will be the first turbo-diesel ever to compete at the Baja 1000 in the Trophy Truck class. Custom double A-arms up front and a four-link rear suspension provide 25 and 30 inches of wheel travel, respectively, and 37-inch BFG's will do their best to provide traction. VeeDub is set to officially unveil the truck on November 19th, just ahead of the 41st running of the big race.

Gallery: VW Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA Preview: VW to unveil diesel-powered Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

LA Preview: VW to unveil diesel-powered Touareg TDI Trophy Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Volkswagen

VW Touareg V10 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Volkswagen Touareg first arrived around five years ago, the SUV became the first production home to Volkswagen's then-new V10 TDI engine. However, as the old saw goes, "Time waits for no man"... or machine apparently. After a relatively short run, Volkswagen's 5.0L V10 turbodiesel is soon being consigned to the scrap heap of history. Increasingly stringent emissions requirements have meant that the V10 could only be sold in 45 states for the last two years with sales in the large market of California being verboten.

The Touareg will, of course, live on, and the TDI version will be transformed early next year into a new 50-state legal version using the same 3.0L diesel V6 that propels the Q7 we drove during the recent Audi Mileage Marathon. The Touareg itself was not only the first application for the diesel V10, it was also Volkswagen's first SUV. The architecture of the Touareg was developed in cooperation with long-time "friend" Porsche who happen to use the same platform for its Cayenne. Later, Audi popped out its own longer wheelbase variant as the Q7. Find out what it's like to live with this lame duck diesel beast after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Continue reading Review: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Review: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW swabs deck with Touareg "North Sails" design study

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Europe, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the VW Touareg North Sails

Volkswagen has treaded carefully down the path first blazed by the largely ignored Mercury Villager Nautica with a sailing-themed Touareg concept that has debuted at the famous Travemünder Woche, which we're told is the second largest annual race week for sailing in Germany. Teaming up with a company called North Sails, which actually sells boat sails unlike Mercury's branding partner, Nautica, which sells polo shirts, VW has added a new ground effects kit, a yellow rub strip, watery-blue reflectors, and 19-inch wheels. Stepping aboard, occupants will find a cabin decked out with teak flooring, LED lighting accents, white leather seats with aquamarine stitching, and an alcantara headliner. We think we've seen that window tint color on our beloved Matchbox SuperFast cars from the early 1980s, too. North Sails branding shows up in the form of logos on the B-pillar and stainless steel sill plates. The instrument panel gets a compass, and there's also a pair of binoculars in the center console so you can make sure that it's your team rounding the pin and raising the chute for the long run to the finish line. Once docked, there's even a North Sails bicycle so you can cruise the marina in style. Spiffy, but we doubt it'd float, unlike the original Beetle.

Gallery: North Sails Touareg

[Source: World Car Fans]

VW swabs deck with Touareg "North Sails" design study originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Volkswagen Touareg Harley-Davidson edition

Noah Joseph — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Auctions, Volkswagen, Motorcycle, Specialty

Click to view the Harley edition Touareg in our gallery

Volkswagen and Harley-Davidson are two motor companies with highly recognized images, but those images don't much overlap. That is, until now: someone has cooked up his own Harley edition Touareg. But while the special badging might look at home on a Ford F-150, it doesn't quite fit on a VW.

Aside from the emblems affixed to the wheels, grille, tailgate, sill plates and steering wheel, there's really nothing that makes this any different from any other 2004 model Touareg. It's got 42k miles on the odometer and a rich brown saddle leather interior, and with four days remaining 'till the digital hammer drops, bidding is up to $13,600. An actual Harley, and any measure of good taste, are not included.

Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg Harley-Davidson edition

[Source: eBay Motors via Motive]

eBay Find of the Day: Volkswagen Touareg Harley-Davidson edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Green, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi's first diesel and hybrid powertrains in the US will be launched in the Q7 next year. The power units will likely trickle down to other vehicles in Audi's range, but they're not yet offering up any details on how prolific this hardware will be. Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have been working collaboratively to develop the parallel hybrid system, which makes the choice of the Q7 logical, as all three brands share a flavor of the architecture. Hybrid Q7s will be able to power around on the electric motor up to 31 mph, and the system will also shut down the engine during cruise conditions at speeds up to 75 mph. The total weight of the system adds 300 pounds, most of which is in the 288-volt NiMH battery pack.

The modular hybrid system will be easy to integrate with different powertrains once Audi starts propagating the system throughout the rest of their models, and terming it "modular" denotes that the basic pieces will be very adaptable. When Porsche and Volkswagen get their versions of the hybrid gear, we'd expect the engines to differ from the Q7's 3.6 liter 280 horsepower unit. Audi's claiming a 23 percent mileage improvement versus the conventional Q-ship. As for the oil burner, it will be a 3-liter V6 that is 50-state compliant while quietly thumping out 230 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque. Diesel torque delivery can be often be described as "electric-motor like," but we wonder if the Hybrid, with its actual electric motors, will laugh at the diesel's effort as it gets the hole shot.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW invites Touareg owners on an adventure

Chris Tutor — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Volkswagen, First Drive

As if pronouncing the name of its SUV wasn't enough of an adventure, VW wants Touareg owners to experience what their cars can do off road. So they're hosting three day sessions of trail rides for Touareg drivers to see what it feels like to head off the paved path and get their tires dirty.

The adventures are being held in Moab, Utah, and the itinerary reads like an upper-class off-road getaway should. Cocktails and gourmet meals at Sorrel River Ranch follow three to eight hours of traversing trails "packed with exciting obstacles that test driver and machine," according to the Touareg Adventures Web site. The site also says participants can expect an off-road guide for every two drivers and a "trail toilet" available whenever needed. Is "trail toilet" a fancy way of say "bushes"?

If you're interested, it'll cost you $2,000 per person for the three days of fun, but that includes all meals and drinks. A family member can join all the action for $1,500, or just stay at the ranch with food for $500. The first three sessions are sold out, but there are nine more opportunities through the end of October.

[Source: German Car Blog]

VW invites Touareg owners on an adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW says nein to boring design

Chris Tutor — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Volkswagen

While Volkswagen's Tiguan is more radical-looking than most small SUVs out there, the rest of VW's lineup might best be described as German. Not necessarily ugly, mind you, just not envelope-puching, cutting edge stuff.

But that could change in the coming years, says VW product head Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard. In an interview with UK media at the L.A. show, Doc Bernhard said the Scirocco and Tiguan are good indicators of how future VeeDubs might look.

'We have to shape our own destiny rather than trying to fit in with everyone else,' he said. 'The fun-to-drive part of our cars has to be on the surface.'

Bernhard went on to promise the Brits a Passat-based competitor for Mercedes' CLS, a more luxurious Touareg and a "bolder" replacement for the current Beetle.

First, how will the CLS competitor be different from the not 100% unsuccessful Phaeton (remember, it lives on in Europe)? Second, aren't Porsche and Audi both already marketing more luxurious Touaregs? And, third, we're looking forward to how the Beetle redesign is handled. It will be one of the first automotive retro makeovers and promises to pose a challenge for VW.

VW probably won't go so far as the design study shown here, which, by the way, is a fantastical creation by Hussein Al-Attar at Husseindesign. Click on the rendering for a high-res, desktop-worthy sized version.

[Source: What Car]

VW says nein to boring design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lambo 'ute rendering and pics

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lamborghini

There have been lots of rumblings about a possible Lamborghini SUV. Maybe something along the lines of a neo LM002. Lamborghini spokesmen have said that they are considering entering new segments but pointed out that retro was not an option. With a corporate platform available that has produced everything from a VW to a Porsche, and a rumored Bentley sport-ute dropping soon, it doesn't seem too hard to believe. Ace spy photog Hans Lehmann has just captured what he thinks might be a Lambo SUV mule, disguised as a deep-chinned Cayenne.

By following the links you'll not only see several shots of this muscular Porsche, but also the full-sized version of the pic at right, which looks a bit like a Silly Puttied Gallardo. Although the mind reels at the thought of Porsche developing a Lamborghini, the G and Murci have already had German hands massaging every inch of them, and Porsche has already done a good job with the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg.

The Gallardo-derived V-10 from the Audi S6 and S8 is likely to find its way underhood, as well as possibly a smaller 4.5-liter V-8. And it's not too big of a leap to think this might be the first Lambo to offer a diesel option since the old tractor days. While the mule doesn't offer a lot info other than the deep front fascia and the big wheel arches, the concept sketch reminds us of the Murano a bit and makes the thought of a non-military inspired Lamborghini SUV somewhat more palatable.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Lambo 'ute rendering and pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

Erin Mays — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Audi

I wasn't home when the media fleet guys dropped off the svelte silver bullet they call the Audi Q7... but my roommate was. Like any car-crazy boy, he just couldn't help himself. He grabbed the key fob and tore out to the driveway -- it was playtime.

"This thing is STUPID with features," his voice screamed into my earpiece when he called to tell me that the Audi had arrived. "I lifted the rear hatch and saw a button -- when I pushed it, the ass dropped three inches. I thought low-riders were supposed to have switches in the cockpit." There are switches in the cockpit, by the way, but we'll get to that later when we discuss the Q7's Adaptive Air Suspension. The ass-dropper in question is the technology's cargo mode, which makes it easier to load and unload the cargo space of the vehicle.

Thankfully, my roomie heeded my warning that the Audi loan agreement specifically states that only the operator (yours truly) and the operator's spouse can drive the vehicle, and he refrained from going on a joyride. He did suggest we get married, however, but then I would have to share.

Welcome to the key audience for the Audi Q7 -- boys (and girls) who love their toys. There are seven -- yes, seven -- owner's manual books for the vehicle's various systems stuffed into the glovebox.

(continued)

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

Chris Paukert — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport borrows liberally from the Green Oval's internecine parts bin, and as such, it's got some work to do to justify its premium pricepoint. As laid out in 'Day 1-2' and 'Day 3-4', we've established that the newest Landie cribs the lion's share of its mechanicals from the significantly less-expensive LR3, while trading on the big daddy Range Rover's aesthetics and badge. But beyond the obvious styling ace it possesses, Rover pledges a more visceral steer and a bit more on-road competence. Indeed, the Supercharged iteration appears to make good on the promised bravado-- it's the fastest production vehicle the company has ever built... capable of a fairly remarkable 140 mph, and possessing trick bits like actively-manipulated front and rear sway bars to enable flatter cornering. But the Roots [blower] rockin' iteration whacks wallets to the tune of $70,000, and that's only about $5,000 shy of the Big Kahuna. And besides, we've got the HSE.

(Lots more photographs and the Sports' final judgement after the jump!)

Continue reading 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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