2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

For the first time in 2011, the Volkswagen Touareg mid-size SUV will be offered with a hybrid engine. The gas-electric drive hybrid engine was developed jointly between Volkswagen and Porsche to save on production costs. Adapted versions of the engine will be used in the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and the Audi Q7 SUV.

Volkswagen has long featured efficient diesel engine. 2011 will be its first year offering a hybrid engine option. Volkswagen's TDI engine is one of the most efficient engines on the road today, allowing buyers to affordably purchase a quality, highly fuel efficient diesel power car. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets nearly 40 miles per gallon in combined driving. The Touareg has been offered with a diesel engine for much of the model's life. For 2011, the Touareg will offer a 3.0-liter diesel V-6, with 225 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg is also offered with a 3.6 liter V-6 gas engine, which has 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.

The Touareg's hybrid engine will be mated to a 333-horsepower, 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine, which is used in the Audi S4 sedan. In addition to a 47-horsepower electric motor, the Touareg hybrid will have a combined 380 horsepower. It will use an eight-speed transmission. The model is anticipated to get combined mileage of at least 29 miles per gallon. This engine will replace the Touareg's gas V-8 engine offering.

The vehicle features stop-start functionality, which turns the engine off when stopped instead of idling. Up to a speed of 31 miles per hour, the engine can run on electric power only. Once at road or freeway speeds, the V-6 will shut down and run on electric power only unless acceleration is needed. Once released, the 2011 Touareg should offer one of the best hybrid engines on the road.