Spyshots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

After in mid-June we gave you the first CGIs with the next generation Volkswagen Touareg, it's now time to give you the real deal, caught by spies' eyes testing somewhere in the United States.

The next generation Touareg promises to bring along extensive modifications. Most of them, however, will not concern the car's appearance, but its performance, weight and all those features we often take for granted.

According to early reports, the 2011 Touareg will weigh some - hold on - 300 kg less than the current generation. Needless to say, the new SUV will thus provide better handling and engine performance.

Besides getting slimmer, the Touareg will also be longer, as the same reports say the chassis has been lengthened by a few centimeters for a more roomy interior and an optional third row of seats.

As for the looks, most of us expect to see a more stylish Touareg. The most significant changes will appear in the front fascia, grille, headlights, rear fascia and taillights. The interior will receive only some tweaks, even if not extensive.

For the more technical part, the Touareg will continue to share its platform with the next generation Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Enginewise we can expect the 3.6l V6 and 4.2l V8 gasoline engines, paired with two turbo diesel units.

As for the hybrid version, it is expected it will be powered by a 3.0l supercharged V6 sourced from the Audi S4 and A6, along with an electric motor that will sit between the transmission and the V6.

One of the most important modification, however, remains the price policy for the next Touareg, as Volkswagen is expected to cut the price and make the SUV more affordable.