2008 VW Touareg 2 V10 TDI
I just completed a test drive on the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V10TDI twin turbo diesel. Get ready to visit the gas station on a regular basis as this almost $80,000.00 vehicle ($79,080.00) averaged 15.5 MPG around town and 19 on the highway.
Driving Experience
The TDI is quick off the line and can enter highways and pass vehicles like a Cheetah going after its prey. VW states this Toureag can propel from 0-60 in a mere 7.5 seconds but it does suffer from turbo lag. You must use low sulphur diesel fuel on the TDI.
The TDI has 19-inch wheels, which ride on an air suspension system. This air suspension system lets you dial in a firmness setting, but only the middle one satisfies on-road. The air system’s main asset is providing up to 11.8 inches of off-road clearance.
Touareg 2 feels a bit slow in fast lane changes and is not as agile as lighter SUV’s such as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX. The TDI corners like a sports car and has an AWD for wet or dry surfaces. Wind and road noise are at a minimum inside the cabin as you drive down the highway.
Safety
The Touareg 2 is loaded with the following safety features: Xeon headlights, heated washer nozzles, keyless entry, rain sensing wipers, rearview camera, 6 air bags, ABS brakes, Anti Slip Regulation, automatic lock and unlock doors, automatic up and down windows and daytime running lights.
Inside
Gauges, dash and console all have a contemporary and upscale design. The seating is firm and plush and supports you when making sharp turns. There is plenty of headroom for taller drivers and passengers. The Stereo system controls are positioned for easy access and have a symphonic quality. The climate control system is easy to use and the controls are easy to access. The navigation is useful and fairly easy to use once you read the instructions several times. The quality of materials used inside the cabin spells luxury.
The power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and memory help drivers find an ideal position. The step-in is a bit higher than some of its crossover SUVs companions, but entry or exit isn’t difficult.
The cargo area is finished with an upscale feel and is tall and wide for large items. The rear seatbacks lay flat after you remove the headrests for additional storage space.
A button at the bottom of the lift gate automatically closes the hatch when you touch the button.
Summary
The Touareg 2 V10 TDI is pricey for a VW but on equal in value to such SUV rivals as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. My recommendation is to purchase the Torareg with the V6 or V8 engines to reduce your MSRP well under my test vehicles sticker price of $79,080.00.
Features and Specifications
Engine
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI R V10 TDI
Type 3.6L FSI 280 hp, 6-cylinder, 4V, 10.6° 4.2L FSI 350 hp, 8-cylinder, 90°, 5V 10-cylinder, 2V, 90°, diesel
Bore 3.50 in (89.0 mm) 3.33 in (84.5 mm) 3.19 in (81.0 mm)
Stroke 3.80 in (96.4 mm) 3.66 in (93.0 mm) 3.76 in (95.5 mm)
Displacement 194.6 in3 (3,597 cm3) 254.5 in3 (4,172 cm3) 300.2 in3 (4,921 cm3)
Compression ratio 11.3:1 11.0:1 18.0:1
Horsepower 280 @ 6,200 rpm (206 kW @ 6,200 rpm) 350 @ 6,700 rpm (257 kW at 6,700 rpm) 310 @ 3,750 rpm (230 kW @ 3,750 rpm)
Maximum torque 265 @ 2,500 to 5,000 rpm (360 Nm @ 2,500 to 5,000 rpm) 324 @ 3,500 (440 Nm @ 3,500 rpm) 553 @ 2,000 rpm (750 Nm @ 2,000 rpm)
Fuel requirement Premium fuel recommended for maximum performance Diesel fuel
Firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Engine Management Bosch Motronic ME 7.1.1 Bosch EDC-16
Performance
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
0-60 mph 8.3 seconds 7.6 seconds 7.5 seconds
Top Speed* 122 mph 130 mph1
*Maximum speed electronically limited in U.S. Obey all speeds and traffic laws
Off-Road Capabilities
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
Standard steel spring suspension / Optional 4-corner air suspension, maximum 4-corner air suspension,
maximum
Approach Angle 28° / 33° 33°
Departure Angle 28° / 33° 33°
Breakover Angle 22° / 27° 27°
Lateral Driving Angle 35° / 35° 35°
Static Angle 45° / 45° 45°
Maximum Gradient 45° / 45° 45°
Fording Depth 19.7 in (500 mm) / 22.8 in (580 mm) 22.8 in (580 mm)
Engine Design
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
Arrangement Front mounted, longitudinal
Cylinder Block Cast iron
Crank Shaft Forged steel, seven main bearings Forged steel, five main bearings
Cylinder Head Aluminum alloy, cross flow
Valve Train Dual overhead camshaft, chain driven, four valves per cylinder, maintenance free hydraulic lifters, variable valve timing Dual overhead camshaft, spur belt driven, five valves per cylinder, maintenance free hydraulic lifters Single overhead camshaft, spur belt driven, two valves per cylinder, maintenance free hydraulic lifters
Cooling System Water cooled, water pump, cross flow radiator, thermostatically controlled electric 3-speed radiator fan Water cooled, water pump, cross flow radiator, thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan
Lubrication Chain-driven duocentric oil pump
Fuel / Air Supply Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Motronic), variable intake manifold, variable intake and exhaust cam timing Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Motronic) Direct injection, two turbo chargers/intercooler
Emissions LEV II EPA Federal Emissions Concept, OBD II, ORVR (onboard refueling vapor recovery), 3-way catalytic converter with oxygen sensor, secondary air injection pump LEV II EPA Federal Emissions Concept
LEV II California Emissions Concept BIN 10 EPA Federal Emissions concept – 43 state only
Electrical System
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI R V10 TDI
Alternator – A/Ah 150/95 190/95 190/95
Battery – A/Ah 450/95 480/85
520/110
Ignition Digital electronic, with knock sensor
Drivetrain
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
Drivetrain 4XMOTION® permanent four-wheel drive system with low range gear and adaptive torque distribution
Transmission Gear Ratios
1st 4.15
2nd 2.37 2.37
3rd 1.56 1.56
4th 1.16 1.16
5th 0.86 0.86
6th 0.69 0.69
Reverse 3.39 3.39
Final 4.56 3.27
Transfer case ratio 2.66 2.66
Steering
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
Type Power Steering Servotronic power steering
Turns (lock to lock) 2.9
Turning Circle (curb to curb) 38.1 ft (11.6 m)
Ratio 14.7:1
Body, Chassis and Suspension
3.6 L VR6 V8 FSI V10 TDI
Type Unibody construction
Front Suspension Front double wishbone independent steel spring suspension, Optional 4-Corner adjustable air suspension with six adjustable ride heights and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) – three adjustable damping settings Double wishbone front suspension with 4-Corner adjustable air suspension with six adjustable ride heights and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) – three adjustable damping settings
Rear Suspension Rear four link independent steel spring suspension, Optional 4-Corner adjustable air suspension with six adjustable ride heights and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) – three adjustable damping settings Four link rear independent suspension with six adjustable ride heights and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) – three adjustable damping settings
Service Brakes Power assisted front vented disc brakes (330 mm X 32 mm), rear vented disc brakes (330 mm X 28 mm) Power assisted front vented disc brakes (330 mm X 34 mm), rear vented disc brakes (330 mm X 28 mm)
Anti Lock Braking System All four wheels
Parking Brake Mechanical, effective on rear wheels
Wheels / Tires 7.5J X 17” alloy wheel 9J X 19″ alloy wheel
255/60 R17 H, all-season tires (snow chain compatible) 275/45 R19 108V, all-season tires
Anti-theft wheel locks
195/80 R17, inflatable spare tire 195/75 R18, inflatable spare tire
Drag Coefficient 0.41 0.38