Volkswagen's R Series Line-Up - The Touareg R50

BOTANY, AUSTRALIA - August 14, 2008: Volkswagen’s R series model line up welcomes its newest and fastest addition – the new Passat R36. Joining the commanding presence of the Touareg R50 and the dynamic Golf R32, the Passat R36 makes this performance range a force to be reckoned with.

Volkswagen introduced Australia to its first R model in 2004, with the 177kW Golf R32 (based on the fourth generation Golf), satisfying the need for an exclusively equipped top-end Golf with a very impressive powerplant. The success of this limited edition Golf, both locally and globally, generated the vision of developing an entire series of R models for the future.

In 2006, the second version Golf R32 (fifth generation Golf) made its Australian debut, equipped with a powerful 184 kW engine and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

In October 2007, the Touareg also contributed to the R series range with the powerhouse Touareg R50, which had its world premiere at the Australian International Motor Show. Serving up a powerful 258 kW of power and an amazing 850 Nm of torque, this Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world.

2008 welcomes the third instalment to the R series performance range - the most powerful production Passat of all times - the R36. The effortless power is derived from a 3.6 litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine producing 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque.

All three vehicles are built to be true ambassadors of Vollkswagen’s performance line up with a host of premium features standard across the range, giving each model its own unique appearance and ensuring each model deserves to bear Volkswagen’s prestigious ‘R’ badge.

The Touareg R50 - Overview
Volkswagen’s most powerful diesel, the Touareg R50, is easily recognizable with its 21-inch Omanyt alloy wheels with 295 tyres, blue painted brake callipers, discrete wheel well flares and independent bumpers. Inside, the features include a sports seat system in anthracite coloured Napa leather with integrated R series logo in the headrests.

The R50 Engine
The excellent driving dynamics of the Touareg R50 are the result of top torque levels that are nearly unattainable by the competition. At just 2,000 rpm the SUV’s ten-cylinder TDI develops a maximum torque of 850 Newton-meter. This means every gear and speed range offers torque-laden power like no other SUV.

The bi-turbo diesel of the Touareg R50 was derived from the familiar V10 TDI with 230 kW. Adjustments to its bi-turbo charging and modified engine management made it possible to boost engine power by 28 kW to 258 kW and increase torque by a considerable 100 Newton-meter to 850 Nm. Under these new performance parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds (standard production Touareg V10 TDI: 7.4 seconds). Its top speed is 235 km/h. Compared to similarly powered petrol engines, the fuel consumption of the ten-cylinder diesel engine is low – the combined fuel economy is 12.6 litres. Despite the big jump in performance and torque for the R50, the fuel consumption rates have remained constant.

R50 Exterior Features
As part of its standard features, the Touareg R50 is delivered with a Sport design package in line with the ‘R’ look. It clearly highlights the dynamic character of the most powerful European diesel SUV. The design package for the front includes the radiator grille surround typical of the R models in matt chrome with dual chrome fins. The lower radiator air inlet sports a grille in a honeycomb look. This look is also applied to the screen in front of the two intercoolers (on the left and right under the headlamps) and the fog lamp surrounds.

Part of the Sport design package are the colour coded wheel well and side skirt flares as well as flaps – aerodynamic components near the front and rear axles. The most powerful diesel Touareg is also clearly recognized as an R model at its rear end. Here it is the distinctive bumper with diffuser in Reflex Silver and oval tailpipes that round out the Sport design package. In addition, the R50 badge on the tailgate and the radiator grille draw attention to the Touareg TDI. Also as standard are tinted rear windows (65 percent light-absorbing, starting at the B pillars) and bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering.

The exclusive standard features include an air-suspension sports chassis. The driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation and a chassis lowered by twenty millimetres complement the existing Sport mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension with a firmer ride. Note: In the suspension’s comfort mode, driving comfort remains just as good as on versions without sports chassis.

R50 Interior Features
The interior of the Touareg – with its timeless clarity and high-end design from the factory – was further refined and tuned for the R50. Anthracite coloured Napa leather distinguishes the standard sports seating system with R series logo in the headrests. The logo is also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Working with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-coloured "Engine Spin" decor of the interior – a metallic – structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals.

An ‘R’ logo decorates the gearshift lever for the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features of the Touareg R50 also include a winter package (including heated seats at outer seating positions in the rear), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column, seatbelt height and exterior mirrors), a net partition behind the rear seats and a ski bag.

Technology and Safety
ABSplus: This is an innovative new system developed by Volkswagen. The technology shortens the braking distance of the Touareg R50 on loose surfaces – especially in off-road operation – by up to 20 percent.

Driving dynamics package with roll compensation: The R50 is equipped with an innovative sport chassis. The so-called Driving Dynamics Package with roll compensation supplements the already existing Sport mode of the manually and automatically controlled air suspension by adding a stiffer spring characteristic. The system counteracts body roll of the car when cornering by actuating the electronically controlled dampers.

Rear-view camera: As an optional feature, Volkswagen is offering a rear-view camera. The wide-angle camera is located on the tailgate, to the upper right of the license plate. It transmits a real image to the navigation system display. Even small obstacles are easily recognized in the area below window visibility limits. To make manoeuvring easier, the display also shows the vehicle’s path in response to steering inputs.

Recommended Retail Pricing
Touareg R50 6 speed automatic $129,990