Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

VW's Touareg To Get Well-Deserved 280-HP VR6

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
The Porsche-Audi-Volkswagen SUV Trinity To Be Updated

For those not in the know, or others who may have outright
The 3.2 V6 in the Touareg is strong, but not strong enough to move this heavy SUV with any enthusiasm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
forgotten, the most basic Volkswagen Touareg is powered by a 3.2-litre 15-degree (narrow-angle) V6, known to most as the VR6. It produces 240-horsepower, and has been used to power many other Volkswagens including the R32, Audi TT and A3 3.2 (250-hp), the European-market Passat not to mention the very rare New Beetle RSi.

The VR6 has a rich history, which spanned the better part of the '90s, powering most everything from the Golf to the sporty but long-dead Corrado. With the exception of the base model Phaeton, unavailable in North America, and the 2000 through 2003 Eurovan, a trend has emerged: the VR6 is Volkswagen's choice engine for providing considerable amounts of power to relatively lightweight automobiles.

Without any particular stretch of the imagination, the 3.2-litre unit found under the Touareg's hood is a bit overtaxed, considering the curb weight of this big, two and a half ton, leather-lined Safari cruiser. The spec sheet confirms; even with a six-speed automatic, the burden on the motor is great, taking 9.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

So,
Passat's FSI VR6 should slash a considerable amount of time off the Touareg's acceleration numbers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
Volkswagen has done what the masses have begged for from the start - added a more powerful base engine. Starting soon, Volkswagen will replace the old VR6 with an all-new, slightly larger 3.6-litre VR6, which made its debut in the top of the line U.S.-model Passat. Not only does the replacement engine have a 0.4-litre displacement advantage over the old engine, but it also features FSI direct injection, as well as variable valve timing and a variable intake manifold. This makes for a significant improvement in power, up by 40-horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. With the new, larger engine, fuel economy is nearly as good as that in the smaller engine, delivering 13.5 L/100 km on a mix between city and highway driving.

The Touareg is also expected to receive a facelift within a year's time.
Could this be the end of the 3.2L VR6? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press )
The new, 2007 model has been spied, undisguised, in cold-weather testing wearing new teardrop-style headlamps, new tail lamps that mimic the luxurious Phaeton, as well as new lower fascias all around. Inside, Volkswagen has planned minor revisions which include a reworked centre console, as well as new instruments. These changes mirror similar ones expected to show up on its Porsche Cayenne sister-ship. Expect the new engine to debut with the facelifted car later this year; possibly in New York, or even as a last-minute offering at Geneva.

In
Q7 Hybrid Concept marked Audi's alternative power intentions. (Photo: Audi Canada)
other related news, the Audi Q7, which is loosely based off the Touareg/Cayenne architecture, but with seven seats and without the added weight of the off-road specified undercarriage, may also feature the new engine. At its North American debut in Detroit, Audi announced that base-model Q7s would use the 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine in the A4 and A6. At 255-horsepower, it seemed plenty, that is, until the announcement of the more powerful Touareg VR6. In order not to be out-classed by its lower brand, it would make logical sense for Audi to adapt the more powerful FSI VR6 engine to the new Q7.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada