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Volkswagen’s R Series line-up
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*
* Prices quoted are Recommended Retail Prices (RRP). Excludes
dealer delivery charges which vary from dealer to dealer and stamp duty,
compulsory third party insurance and registration charges which vary from state
to state. The RRP of each model and factory fitted option are shown inclusive of
Luxury Car Tax (LCT). The LCT rate of 25% has been applied to amounts above the
LCT threshold of $57,180. The Australian Government has legislated to increase
the LCT retrospectively by 8% to 33% from 1 July, 2008. That legislation must be
approved by the Senate which will not meet to consider the proposed increase
until late August 2008. The prices therefore quoted may be subject to an
increase in the LCT. Please enquire at your selling Dealer for further details.
This is a manufacturer’s advertised price only and new vehicles must be
purchased from dealers. Pricing is as planned (month) 2008 for Model Year
2009.
Important:
All the data and descriptions included
in this press folder are valid for the programme of models available for sale in
Australia. Different details may apply in other countries. This information may
be subject to change or correction.
The terms FSI, TDI and
DSG are protected Volkswagen AG trademarks or the trademarks of other companies
belonging to the Volkswagen Group in Germany.
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