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Volkwagen announced a freshened Touareg 2 at the New York Auto Show in early April, after introducing the new look to Europeans in Paris last September. The Touareg 2 has updated exterior styling, but frankly it is difficult/impossible to see the changes. It’s kind of like the freshening the Acura MDX got for 2005 – couldn’t tell.

Typical “Front and Rear Six” Freshening
One of the quickest and least expensive ways to update a vehicle is with a “front and rear six” freshening. This is what Volkswagen did with the Touareg 2. They updated the grille and front fascia to be more in line with other Volkswagen models. We feel that this recognizable face helps define a brand and that VW is better off with at-a-glance identification. Tallamps have been modified and the center taillamp relocated into its “redesigned aerodynamic and sporty rear spoiler”.

New Instrument Cluster May Alleviate Biggest Complaint with Touareg 1
One of my biggest complaints with the “Touareg 1” was the auxiliary gauges in the instrument cluster were totally illegible. They were so small that only a German with 20/15 vision could tell what the state of the fuel was. So Touareg 2 gets a new instrument cluster with “a larger display”. Right on!
Under the Skin Changes – Comprehensive Updates
There were more changes under the skin, and more features moved to the standard equipment list. This is appropriate with a vehicle that was Volkswagen’s first venture into the Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle market. Vehicle dynamics improved with rollover sensors and the ability for the electronic stability control system to adjust for understeer. But we’ll let you read their press release below the fold to get the grimble details of the functional upgrades.

TOUAREG 2 MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Features a fresh exterior and two recently updated engines
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen’s first-ever SUV has been restyled for the 2008 model year, returning as the Touareg 2. The updated version will enter showrooms with refreshed exterior styling, an impressive list of safety features and vehicle capabilities, and three powerful engine options. After its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Touareg 2 arrives at dealerships later this spring, with pricing starting at $39,320.
Taking design cues from others in the Volkswagen model lineup, the Touareg 2’s updated exterior styling now echoes the brand’s signature design with its new Volkswagen “face”— specifically its chrome front grille. The Touareg 2 also has a redesigned aerodynamic and sporty rear spoiler with integrated third brake light. Other distinctive exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, standard on the VR6 FSI, and 19-inch alloy wheels, standard on the V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo models; redesigned headlamps and darkened taillights; redesigned luxury seating system, with standard 12-way power driver’s seat; and four all-new exterior color options – Alaska Gray, Cranberry, Galapagos and White Gold.
The Touareg 2 boasts three engine variations— with both the VR6 FSI and V8 FSI recently upgraded. The Touareg’s 3.2-liter VR6 has been replaced with a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 FSI, which has an additional 40 horsepower, now at 280 hp. The FSI technology has considerably improved the driving performance of the Touareg 2. This significant performance upgrade is accompanied by increased torque with an optimized torque curve. The recently upgraded 4.2-liter
V8 FSI is the first eight-cylinder Volkswagen engine with unleaded fuel direct injection, generating an impressive 350 horsepower, 40 more than the previous V8, and 325 lbs. ft. of torque. The Touareg 2’s 5.0-liter V10 TDI Twin Turbo offering delivers 310 horsepower and a staggering 553 lbs. ft. of torque. All three Touareg 2’s offer an incredible 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.
The Touareg 2 also features a variety of driving systems designed to ensure safety and enhance the vehicle’s handling. These features include a new rollover sensor system, which records both turning angle and turning speed to determine whether the vehicle will encounter a possible rollover situation. The rollover sensor system merges with the airbag control device to activate side and side head curtain airbags if a rollover hazard is present. An enhanced tire pressure monitoring system that informs the driver of any tire pressure loss is now standard. The Touareg 2 features various Electronic Stabilization Program innovations, including hydraulic braking assist, a preventative braking pressure build-up system for sudden lifts off of the gas pedal which prepares the vehicle for a sudden stop. Other ESP innovations include rain brake support, which intermittently wipes the rotors dry when windshield wipers are activated; and an understeering control logic system which improves turning behavior during understeering.
In addition to these features, the Touareg 2 boasts a world-first “ABSplus” braking system. This Volkswagen-developed and patented system shortens braking distance for the Touareg 2 by up to 20 percent on loose roadbeds by pushing a portion of the road material under temporarily locked wheels to form a chock. This innovation is the first of its kind in the world and is a Touareg 2 exclusive feature.
The Touareg 2 includes a noteworthy array of vehicle capabilities. A permanent four-wheel drive system, 4XMOTION™, provides improved traction on virtually any surface. Hill Roll Back Assist and Hill Descent Assist features stabilize the Touareg 2 during off-road ventures. Standard independent suspension and improved axle pitching further allow this powerful vehicle the capability to navigate uneven terrain with confidence. The Touareg 2 also boasts 33-degree approach and departure angles, 45-degree climbing capability, 35-degree lateral inclination, adjustable air suspension and up to 23-inch fording depth with the optional air suspension.
Additional standard features include Sirius™ Satellite Radio, park distance control, power liftgate, new instrument cluster with larger display, and a new silver metallic trim standard on the VR6 FSI.
Touareg 2 is available with all-new Lux, Lux Plus and Technologie option packages. These packages further enhance the Touareg 2 with additional upgrades including a ten speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, keyless access with a start/stop button, and Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS II, which help improve night time visibility and enhances the driver’s ability to negotiate turns by allowing them to ‘see’ into the curve.