At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting a special model of the Touaregrnwhose design was customized for yachting enthusiasts: the VolkswagenrnTouareg North Sails. The special edition designed in cooperation withrnrenowned sailing outfitter North Sails impresses with numerous exteriorrnand interior elements that reflect the style of high-end yachts. Thernnew special model is already being launched this fall of 2008 and willrnbe available with all six, eight and ten cylinder engines (176 kW / 240rnPS to 257 kW / 350 PS).

Interior design: high-end and nautical in style

Thernmost remarkable features of the new Volkswagen Touareg North Sails arernto be found in the passenger compartment. Stylistically, the interiorrnis a rather perfect match to the standard exterior car colorrn"Campanella white" or the optional "Shadow blue metallic". In addition,rnthe following car colors also provide a harmonious match: "Arctic bluernsilver metallic", "Atacama gray metallic", Galapagos anthraciternmetallic", "Reflex silver metallic" and "Black magic pearl effect".rnBasic interior features include "Cricket" leather upholstery inrn"Anthracite" or "Latte Macchiato" color. When the customer chooses thernoptional comfort seats (standard starting with the V8 FSI), they mayrnalso be ordered in Nappa leather with the special "St. Tropez" patternrnand its white hue.

In conjunction with the "Latte Macchiato" andrn"St. Tropez" color schemes, the seats and interior door trim also sportrnseams in Aquamarine blue. Providing an exciting contrast are thern"Aluminium engine spin, dark" decorative inserts of the instrumentrnpanel, door trim panels and center console. As an alternative, thernVolkswagen Touareg North Sails may also be ordered with "Piano paint,rnwhite" treatments in these areas, which also evokes the elegance ofrnluxury yachts. Standard features on board include stainless steel doorrntread plates (with "North Sails" signature in front) and the "NorthrnSails" logo embossed on the center panels of the front seats.

Body design: luxurious chrome accents dominate

Therndesign of the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails fits in ideally at anyrnmarina. For one, this is attributable to the already mentioned carrnpaint in nautical "Campanella white" and the 19-inch "Zaragoza" alloyrnwheels with their chrome accents (with size 275/45 tires). For another,rnthe special model is also pleasing with the factory-installed "Chromern& Style" design package. Two oval tailpipes of the exhaust system,rna roof railing in silver, bi-xenon headlights including dynamic curvernlighting, a vent glass sunroof and 65 percent light absorbing tintedrnwindows in the rear (from the B-pillars) round out the equipmentrnpackage. "North Sails" decals on the B-pillars complete thernmodifications.

Perfect at the pier and on the way there

ThernVolkswagen Touareg is the first choice for every skipper, not only atrnmarinas, but as a towing vehicle for a boat trailer. The reason: allrnversions of the successful luxury SUV can tow braked trailers weightingrnup to 3.5 metric tonnes. The allowable hitch load is up to 140rnkilograms. A removable trailer hitch is therefore part of the standardrnequipment package.

Touareg BlueTDI - World Premiere of the Clean High-Tech Diesel

Onrnits new Touareg Volkswagen is introducing one of the cleanest dieselrnengines in the world: The BlueTDI with SCR catalytic converter. Thisrnconverter reduces nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent.rnThe Touareg BlueTDI, that delivers 165 kW / 225 PS, meets even the mostrnchallenging exhaust emissions standards. Currently, the lowest limitsrnare set in the US states California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermontrnand Maine: In the "Tier2 Bin5" standard. The Touareg BlueTDI beingrnpresented in Geneva is one of the first vehicles with a diesel enginernthat can clear this hurdle too. Especially in the USA, economicalrnturbo-diesels like the V6 BlueTDI can contribute, more than any otherrncurrent powertrain technology, toward reducing oil consumption and therngeneration of climate-impacting greenhouse gases.

Therefore,rnVolkswagen will be offering the Touareg with SCR catalytic converterrnstarting in 2008, initially in the USA, as part of the BlueTec Alliancernstarted together with Audi and DaimlerChrysler at the end of last year.rnAlso slated for 2008: The company for smaller vehicles like the Jettarnwill introduce, in America, a NOx storage catalytic converter thatrneliminates up to 90 percent of nitrogen oxides. The two technicallyrnchallenging systems are scheduled to debut in Europe a short time later.

SCR (SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION) CATALYTIC CONVERTER

SCRrnis the usual international acronym for "Selective Catalytic Reduction".rn"Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter has a veryrnspecial task. Its purpose is to selectively convert the nitrogen oxidern(NOx) exhaust components to nitrogen and water without generating anyrnundesirable side products. It was developed precisely for this highlyrnspecialized task. Therefore, in the future vehicles such as the TouaregrnBlueTDI, being shown for the first time in Geneva, will also bernequipped with an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulaternfilter.

The nitrogen oxides are converted utilizing arnsynthetically produced, water-based urea solution, e.g. AdBlue, whichrnis stored in an auxiliary tank on the Touareg BlueTDI. The substance,rnconsisting of 32.5 percent urea, is continuously sprayed into thernexhaust stream before the SCR catalytic converter. It is metered basedrnon the mass flow of the exhaust. Engine management ensures precisernregulation, based on information from a NOx sensor located after thernSCR catalytic converter.

Atomized into a fine spray by a screen,rnthe urea is transformed in the hot exhaust gas stream upstream of therncatalytic converter. In the SCR catalytic converter this reacts withrnthe nitrogen oxides and splits them, as described, into nitrogen andrnwater. The water-based additive AdBlue is non-toxic, odorless andrnbiodegradable.

AdBlue is consumed at an average rate of about 0.1rnliter per 100 kilometers. Consumption and tank size are sized so thatrnthe AdBlue supply does not need to be replenished until the nextrnscheduled service.

INTERNAL ENGINE MODIFICATIONS

Besidesrnintroducing the SCR catalytic converter, the engineers at VolkswagenrnAutomotive Group have put together an entire bundle of innovativernmodifications. Combustion chamber sensors are being implemented for thernfirst time; they monitor pressure conditions in the cylinders. And arnnew common rail system with 2,000 bar injection pressure atomizes thernfuel even finer. The ideal combustion achieved by these measuresrnenhances smooth engine running and lowers overall raw emissions.

Inrnthe effort to reduce emissions, especially NOx raw emissions, effortsrnbeing made in internal engine modifications include measures to lowerrnmaximum temperatures in the combustion chambers and to reduce oxygenrnconcentration by exhaust gas recirculation. Nitrogen oxides generatedrndespite these measures are fed to the new SCR catalytic converter andrnare removed, as outlined above.

COMBUSTION CHAMBER SENSOR AND COMMON RAIL IN DETAIL

Asrnengineers began to develop the BlueTDI, their first goal was to achievernfurther overall combustion optimization in the engine. The worldrnpremiere of such an innovation is being celebrated in the BlueTDI - therncombustion chamber sensor. Integrated in the glow plug, the sensorrncontinuously measures pressure conditions in the cylinder and reportsrnthe data to engine management.

This enables perfect control ofrninjection and combustion in each cylinder; it is even possible torncompensate for fluctuating qualities of fuel. Ideal combustion helps tornreduce raw emissions. It also optimizes smooth running and noisernbehavior.

The intensively refined common rail injection systemrnserves the same purposes. With a newly designed pump, the system buildsrnup 2,000 bar of pressure - also an innovation. The piezo injectors havernbeen significantly modified too. Their smaller eight-hole nozzlesrninject miniscule spray volumes into the combustion chambers. This,rntogether with the higher pressure combine to produce an injection thatrnis even more precise and dynamic - detailed work that as a whole hasrnresulted in one of the most economical and cleanest six-cylinder dieselrnengines in the world.

VOLKSWAGEN BLUEMOTION PARK

Tornpoint out its activities in the area of environmental protection,rnVolkswagen has set up a BlueMotion Park at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.rnAt numerous exhibits and interactive information terminals onrntechnological highlights visitors can experience how Volkswagenrntechnologies are preserving the mobility of today and tomorrow. Keyrntopics addressed here are engines, transmissions, synthetic fuels,rnlightweight construction and aerodynamics. Exhibits relating to BlueTDIrnsystems are another focal point: The SCR catalytic converter for largerrnvehicles like the Touareg, and the NOx storage catalytic converter suchrnas the one Volkswagen introduced for the first time in a Jetta test car.

World premiere of the new Touran in Paris

ThernTouran is coming with a new look, new technologies and a new top TSIrnengine. The next generation of the bestseller will be presented in arnworld premiere at the Paris Auto Show on September 28. The marketrnlaunch will be taking place in the middle of November. The van will bernthe first Volkswagen available with "Park Assist", unique in itsrntechnical design; the parking system that makes parking a snap, even inrntight quarters.

At first glance the new Touran is recognizablernfrom the front by its Volkswagen crest radiator grill in chrome design,rna new bumper and precisely cut headlights; the optional lightsrnavailable as bi-xenon adaptive headlights follow the stylistic designrnof the Eos. At the back the new rear lights and the bumper modifiedrnalong the lines of the front section allude to the second Touranrngeneration. Numerous interior modifications and expanded standardrnequipment top off the extensive package of measures. Starting in springrn2007, the highest performance gasoline direct injection engine, arnTwincharger with 125 kW / 170 hp, will be employed in the Touran forrnthe first time. The gears of this sporty as well as thrifty 1.4 TSI arernchanged via the standard DSG direct shift gearbox. The 103 kW / 140 hprnstrong Touran 1.4 TSI, whose Twincharger is also optionally availablernwith DSG, will get started right at market launch.

Anotherrntechnology highlight of the Touran is the optional parking guidancernassistant (including Park Pilot / distance warning front and back).rnDeveloped by Volkswagen, "Park Assist" enables automatic parking. "ParkrnAssist" is activated at the push of a button. While driving by atrnspeeds of up to 30 kph an ultrasonic sensor system detects all parkingrnspaces on the right and left that are parallel to the driving lane; arncontrol unit calculates the ideal path for parking. "Park Assist"rnnotifies the driver about the starting position via display in therninstruments. After engaging reverse gear the van maneuvers into thernparking space in under 15 seconds. During the entire parking processrnthe driver only has to accelerate and brake - the Touran does thernsteering.

The latest generation of the van bestseller starts at 20.460 euros

ThernTouran is regarded as the all-round talent for private and/or businessrnuse due, among other things, to its unrivaled range of innovativernengines and gearboxes as well as its great interior versatility andrncapacity. From a standing start the first generation introduced in 2003rnadvanced to the most successful van series in Germany (approx. 8,000rnnew registrations per month); in Europe the Touran is also one of thernmost sold models of its class (11% market share in the segment). Thernnew Touran should strengthen this position. At a purchase price ofrn20.460 euros (Touran Conceptline, 75 kW / 102 hp) it can be recommendedrnin terms of economy.

Stainless steel, new materials and uncompromising safety features

Newrnupholstery fabrics and appointments breath new life into the interiorrnof the next generation Touran, lending it a more refined feel. Thernmiddle plate of the instrument panel, for example: It is now crafted inrna stainless steel design. The same is true for the area around thernstandard storage compartment above the middle console. In addition, thernbasic "Conceptline" version is refined by the new "Media" interiorrntrim. The "RCD 300" radio-CD system with integrated MP3 mode isrnstandard on-board equipment. Also true in terms of safety: norncompromises. Front, side and head airbags are included as standardrnfeatures, as well as the ESP Electronic Stabilization Program includingrncounter-steering feature and trailer stabilization.

New features also refine "Trendline" and "Highline"

Thernstainless steel theme is even more enhanced in the next highestrnequipment version: The décor strips here also exhibit thisrndesign. It has a sporty character matching the new "Energy" interiorrntrim. The Touran Trendline now comes with the semi-automatic "Climatic"rnair-conditioning system as standard equipment (previously a Highlinernequipment feature). Taken from its predecessor are practical detailsrnsuch as the folding front passenger backrest with table andrnload-through facility.

At Volkswagen "Highline" traditionallyrnrefers to the most exclusive equipment version. In the case of thernupdated Touran this includes, among other features, newly designed 16"rnlight-alloy wheels ("Magny Cours" design), the refined "Mando" interiorrntrim, an air-conditioning system (Climatronic instead of Climatic), thernmost powerful version of the "RCD 300" audio system with eight speakersrnand ParkPilot for the back.

Innovative extras for an all-round automotive talent

Inrnaddition to "Park Assist", "Hill-Starting Assistant", daytime runningrnlights and bi-xenon headlights with cornering light, the new optionalrnequipment for the second generation Touran includes a variable luggagerncompartment floor with two integrated storage compartments and arnDVD-based radio navigation system ("RNS MFD DVD").

140 hp Twincharger with DSG direct shift gearbox

Thernnew top gasoline engine is, as described earlier, the Twincharger 1.4rnTSI with 103 kW / 140 hp, first used in the Golf GT. In combinationrnwith the new Touran the dual charged high-tech engine (charged viarncompressor and turbocharger) enables a top speed of 198 kph whilernrunning on an average of only 7.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.rnThe basic version engine Volkswagen offers for the Touran is a 1.6rnliter gasoline engine with 75 kW / 102 hp.

A 125 kW / 170 hp TDIrnengine is at the top of the diesel engine range. The entry level herernis a TDI with 66 kW / 90 hp. In the next TDI performance levelsrnVolkswagen offers the new Touran with 77 kW / 105 hp and 103 kW / 140rnhp. Another innovative way of saving without forgoing driving pleasurernis the 80 kW / 109 hp natural gas version of the Touran, the "EcoFuel",rnthat will also be available at market launch. A world-wide novelty inrnthe van segment: All TDI and TSI engines (at least 77 kW / 105 hp) canrnbe combined with the DSG direct shift gearbox - in the eyes of manyrnexperts and customers the sportiest and most economical automaticrntransmission in the world.

Interior concept with up to seven seats and 1,989 liters of storage volume

Therninnovative seating system of the Touran shows the way in terms ofrnversatility. The three light-weight seats arranged next to one anotherrnin the second row can be quickly and easily moved - lengthwise andrnoffset diagonally, folded down or removed. The Touran can be optionallyrnequipped with a third row of seats; when not in use the twornfull-fledged individual seats can each be easily lowered separatelyrninto the luggage compartment floor. The luggage compartment of up torn1,989 liters (depending on seat configuration) is also a hallmark ofrnversatile and efficient usability.