Touareg V10 TDI on sale now in U.S.

When we last talked about the Volkswagen Touareg, we noted the new facelifted fascia, the freshened interior, the addition of ABS Plus, enhanced ESP, and most importantly, the possible addition of the 5.0-liter V10 TDI as an available engine. Despite no firm news on that front, we did see a Jetta TDI tooling around that would meet the new ultra-low particulate emissions standards by using ultra-low sulfur fuel, fueling our hopes that this hot rod oilburner might make it Stateside. The recent adoption of low-sulfur diesel fuel in the States has made all of this possible and today, VW made it official by announcing the 2006 VW Touareg TDI is on sale now (looks like the refreshened 2007/8 model wasn't ready for the new engine).

The Touareg V10 TDI is available in showrooms starting today. The 5.0-liter diesel engine pumps out 310 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 553 lbs-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm. And the best part is that this high power diesel will consume up to 30 percent less fuel than traditional gasoline engines. The Touareg comes with 4-Motion all-wheel drive, ABS, Anti-slip regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Engine Braking Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist, Hill Descent Assist and Hill Climb Assist. Pricing on the Touareg V10 TDI starts at $67,750, which is surely a steep sum for a mid-size SUV, but this one's kind of special.

Full release and additional photos after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Press Release:

2006 TOUAREG V10 TDI® ON SALE NOW
Ultra-low sulfur diesel engine complies with new emission standards in all 50 states; particulate filter further reduces emissions

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI® – the first turbo-diesel light-duty vehicle in the U.S. market with a particulate filter – is now available in showrooms. The Touareg V10 TDI is a high-performance, ten-cylinder diesel version of Volkswagen's popular luxury SUV. With an engine that takes ultra low-sulfur fuel, it meets the stricter emission requirements in all 50 states. A particulate filter further reduces emissions, making this Touareg one of the cleanest diesels ever.

The Touareg's powerful five-liter, ten-cylinder engine boasts 310 horsepower at 3,750 revolutions per minute and offers impressive pulling power with 553 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The diesel engine consumes up to 30 percent less fuel than traditional gasoline engines.

Standard equipment includes six-disc CD changer, navigation system, Park Distance Control, keyless access, power height-adjustable telescoping steering column with memory, power height-adjustable front seat belts with memory, four-zone climate control (Climatronic), heatable rear seats and silver roof rack and rails.

The Touareg comes with Volkswagen's 4XMotion™ all-wheel drive system, providing superior traction control. Standard equipment includes Anti-lock Brake System, Anti-slip regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Engine Braking Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist, Hill Descent Assist and Hill Climb Assist.

The Touareg V10 TDI is available starting at $67,750.

All new Volkswagen automobiles come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranties, including:
  • Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
  • Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
  • 12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.

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"TDI" and "4XMotion" is a trademark of Volkswagen AG.

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