2007 Volkswagen Touareg Spy pics

**basti08** · July 14th, 2006 10:15 PM

We can assure you that our latest spy photos are in fact the 2007 Volkswagen Touareg. This might seem confusing since there's already a 2007 Volkswagen Touareg on sale in the U.S., but we'll explain.

The 2007 Touareg SUV in dealers now is what Volkswagen refers to as an "early 2007." It's essentially unchanged from the 2006 Touareg except for a new base 3.6-liter V6 in place of the '06 model's 3.2-liter engine. Also used in the Passat sedan and wagon, the 3.6-liter V6 in the Touareg gets a reconfigured oil pan and longitudinally mounted drive belt which allows it to survive extreme hill climbs and deep water crossings. With 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, the new V6 adds some much needed punch to the hefty Touareg, and it does so with almost no reduction in fuel mileage.

Later this year, Volkswagen will also reintroduce the V10 TDI engine back into the Touareg lineup. Dropped because it couldn't meet emissions regulations, the switch to new low-sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S. has opened the door for the TDI once again. Volkswagen officials decided to hold off sales until this fall, however, until after the majority of U.S. pumps have switched over to the new cleaner burning fuel. A new set of more restrictive diesel emissions rules which go into effect January 1st of 2007 will force Volkswagen to restrict sales to 45 states next year, but for a period of about three months the Touareg TDI will be sold in all 50 states.

Next spring, we'll see the introduction of the "late 2007" Touareg. This is the version you see in the accompanying spy photos. It gets a new set of more distinctive headlights and a few minor changes to the taillights as well. Inside, there's a new navigation system, slightly revised seats and a few other minor trim changes. All the hardware underneath will be carried over from the "early" 2007 model with no major changes.