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2WD VW Touareg in the U.S.? Yes, if the Market Wants It

No matter how strange it may seem to the Europeans, many SUVs sold in the U.S. are rear-wheel drive. Manufacturers often offer their SUVs with 2WD platforms as well. That’s why the second-generation Volkswagen Touareg might have a two-wheel drive version available on the U.S. market in the future.

The first-generation Volkswagen Touareg sported only four-wheel drive variants, but things are about to change. According to a member of the development team, the Touareg might be sold in the U.S. also with rear-wheel drive. “Technically, we could eliminate the front gimbals from the new Touareg right away. Is is not on our short-term list, but the design specifications anticipated this request”, said the official, quoted by French publication L’Automobile Magazine.

The benefits of a rear-wheel drive Touareg could be triple: the car would be lighter, thus more frugal and cheaper. A less expensive Touareg is needed, since the five-cylinder diesel engine has been axed and now the base model costs in Europe around EUR50,000 (USD 68,700). So what is keeping Volkswagen from taking this step? The German automaker awaits for the demand for such a vehicle to appear in the U.S. first, knowing that some European markets could also express their interest if such a model existed.

In 2010 and 2011, Volkswagen will add new engines to the Touareg range, starting with the gasoline 3.0-liter engine of the hybrid model, the gasoline 4.2-liter V8 and the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel engine that will be the base model. However, if a “2Motion” version would arrive, it will be powered by the smaller engines as the 2.0-liter BiTDI and the 3.0-liter V6 gasoline unit.
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