In 2010, Volkswagen plans to launch its Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid as part of its range of BlueMotion models. 'BlueMotion' is this automaker's new branding to identify current or near-production technologies and vehicles that offer significant improvements in reducing fuel use and CO2 greenhouse gas emissions.
Volkswagen's Touareg full hybrid has several modes of operation. In electric only mode, it can provide emissions-free, virtually silent operation at speeds up to 30 mph. In coast mode when there's no pressure on the throttle, a clutch disengages the internal combustion engine from the transmission to reduce friction drag losses. Disengagement can occur at speeds up to 100 mph.
The Touareg hybrid uses a new 3.0 liter TSI V-6 from the Audi S4. This supercharged direct injection gasoline engine produces 333 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. A 51 horsepower E-motor with disengagement clutch is located between the engine and an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission that's specifically tweaked for this hybrid application. Those tweaks include an auxiliary electric oil pump to supply oil when the engine is switched off.
Both stop-start technology and regenerative braking help reduce fuel consumption, especially in urban driving. During regenerative braking the E-motor operates as a generator that recovers energy and stores it in the battery pack.
In boost mode when a driver needs maximum power – achieved either via a kickdown on the throttle or by selecting the 'S' position on the gearshift lever – the E-motor supplements the V-6 TSI engine. The powertrain briefly supplies up to 371 horsepower and 406 lb-ft torque with boost from both the E-motor and supercharger. The combined power and torque are transferred to the front and rear axles by the 8-speed automatic transmission. Performance is impressive, with the Touareg Hybrid capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.8 seconds. This hybrid is also tow rated up to 7,700 pounds.
The E-motor replaces the standard 12 volt alternator to supply energy for the vehicle's electrical system and maintain battery charge. It also replaces the starter motor. Electro-hydraulic power steering operates without relying on an engine-driven servo pump. A high voltage air conditioning compressor provides comfortable interior temperatures even when the V-6 engine is switched off.
While many automakers are using lithium-ion batteries in their most advanced developmental vehicles, this Volkswagen hybrid incorporates nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery chemistry, the same used in popular hybrids on the road now. Volkswagen says that safety, robust performance, and cost all favor NiMH batteries, which in this application are located beneath a raised cargo floor. The 288 volt battery is comprised of 240 individual cells.
Volkswagen says the Touareg V-6 hybrid performs like its V-8 power sibling while offering 25 percent better fuel efficiency in city driving and 17 percent in combined city and highway driving, compared to a similar conventional gasoline SUV. With a combined rating of 26.1 mpg, it comes in slightly better than the 25.3 mpg achieved by the 3.0-liter TDI diesel Touareg on the same European test cycle. The Touareg V-6 TSI Hybrid meets Euro-5 and U.S. ULEV2 emissions standards with carbon dioxide emissions less than 210 g/km.
Like other German automakers, Volkswagen has focused on clean diesel as its primary approach to higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, even as it has been developing other high technology answers. It's a pleasant surprise to see Volkswagen joining in the hybrid market with such an exceptional and functional entry.
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