Volkswagen Brings Google Technology to Innovative Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg is already one of the world’s most successful premium-class SUVs; now an even further-advanced Touareg is making its first appearance at Auto China in Beijing.

Within a single decade, approximately 720,000 of these Volkswagen SUVs were sold, with over 70,000 being sold last year alone. But now, Volkswagen says consumers will distinguish the new generation of Touareg by its front and rear redesigns, new colors and new wheels. The interior has been reworked, with new accents, leather colors, lighting and controls. In conjunction with the RNS 850 radio-navigation system and mobile phone preparation, the Touareg will launch with "mobile online services" starting this autumn in Europe. Initially, the following will be available:

• Points-of-Interest (POI) search via Google
• Map display via Google Earth™ mapping service
• Google Street View™ functionality
• Online traffic information

In terms of technology, Volkswagen indicates that they feel they have reached “technical perfection” with the latest generation. All V6 TDI versions now come equipped with an automatic post-collision braking system, which helps prevent a secondary collision in case of an accident; bi-xenon headlights; and a coasting function. While coasting, the engine is decoupled from the 8 -speed automatic gearbox to utilize the car's kinetic energy on mountain descents or in driving phases in which acceleration is not needed. Aerodynamic refinements and the introduction of new tires optimized for low rolling resistance also improve fuel economy in everyday operation.

Also debuting at Auto China 2014 will be the New Volkswagen Midsize Coupe concept car. Volkswagen says, “It's a four-door coupé the like of which has never been seen before in this vehicle class.” The New Midsize Coupe is low in height (1,422 mm) and very wide (1,838 mm). It has a low visual center of gravity, short overhangs, muscular shoulders and side sections, a dynamic roof line with markedly swept-back C-pillars, a short boot lid and long bonnet. It is shorter than either a Passat or a Jetta, but because it is wider than both, it fits into the “midsized” class. Sporty, the concept has a 220 hp four-cylinder TSI engine, and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 152 mph.

Volkswagen also announced recently that the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sedan has gotten a bit of a facelift, and will be making its world debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, and the 2015 VW Golf GTI is ready to offer consumers all kinds of new options with a surprisingly un-elevated price over the previous generation.