2005 Volkswagen Touareg Review

New Touareg Super-SUV Rivals Porsches Cayenne Turbo for Horsepower Supremacy

Volkswagens Touareg has only been available in production form for about a year now, but already its an unequivocal success. The midsize luxury SUV has not only propelled Wolfsburg into an all new market segment, but given what was once merely an entry-level German nameplate a formidable player amongst the luxury SUV competition, namely BMWs X5 and Mercedes-Benzs ML-Class.

But unlike its European, Asian and American counterparts, the Touareg did much more than merely introducing new technology. As it stands, Volkswagen is the only German manufacturer (aside from the Touareg spawned Porsche Cayenne) in the luxury SUV category to offer an electronically adjustable air suspension, and with its new V10 is the only luxury sport utility vehicle to feature common rail turbodiesel power in North America. Leave it to Volkswagen then, to create the worlds only twelve-cylinder super-SUV.

Despite the odds stacked against a luxury SUV wearing an economy car badge, the Touareg W12 Sport has hunted down and is now firing some critical shots at the high-performance image of BMWs X5 4.8is, Porsches Cayenne Turbo, and the Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG.

Wedged between the fenders of the W12 Sport is Volkswagens one-of-a-kind W-shaped 12-cylinder motor, fitted exclusively to VAG high-performance, luxury vehicles such as the Phaeton W12 and new Bentley Continental GT. Tweaked to 450 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, its the most powerful version of the motor aside from the twin-turbocharged version applied to Bentleys six-figure super coupe. The six-liter, twelve-cylinder SUV now matches the reigning champ Porsche Cayenne Turbo for horsepower, and has made Mercedes most menacing and BMWs best look weak kneed to say the least.

The W12s nearly unstoppable power allows the Touareg to post performance figures which would cause most serious sports cars to tremble in their tire tracks. Harnessed by means of a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and Volkswagens 4X-Motion permanent all wheel drive system, the W12 Sport can hit 60 mph in a scant 5.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155 mph.

Inside and out, the Touareg W12 Sport has been tastefully modified by Volkswagen Individual, VWs own specialty group set up for customizing and catering to its clients luxury and styling desires. To help this range topper stand out from other Touaregs, exclusive new bumpers featuring larger intakes and metal accents are included, as are unique wheel arch extensions, while a chrome-plated rooftop spoiler and exhaust tips accent the SUVs aggressive appearance. The package is finished off with 275/40 R 20 wheels within performance tires. As for the Deep Blue metallic paint, it is exclusive to the W12 Sport model.

To accompany the exteriors sporty appearance, Volkswagen Individual has added a unique, refined touch to the interior. Contoured leather sports seats with grippy Alcantara inserts replace the standard buckets, while stock woodgrain trim has been ousted in favor of a sporty, patterned aluminum trim designed by Engine Spin. Alloy kick plates with W12 lettering, as well as VWs finest audio and navigation system are also included.

Initially, the Touareg W12 Sport will be available as a specialty item, in limited numbers. Acting as a temporary top of the line model, it can only be had in the German and French markets as of late this month. Volkswagen is considering opening the availability on small scale to other markets too, which is quite a different tune than the 333 + 100 sales plan which was originally forecast several months ago. Pricing has yet to be announced. Also, its not clear whether VW will offer this SSUV (Super SUV) on North American soil, but given the success of powerhouse SUVs and the automakers desire to push the VW brand upmarket theres a good chance that it will eventually arrive.