At this year's 2016 New York Auto Show (NYIAS) probably one of the most depressing areas of the show floor wasn't relegated to what Agent 001 and I call "The Land of Misfit Toys," which is the basement of the Jacob K. Javits Center. It was actually Volkswagen's booth.

It was located in the back corner of the main show floor. It was dead.

VW Beijing Concept

Volkswagen should have just put a sign up that said "Really, we're sorry for everything. Come love us." Though the booth was empty during the press days, I have to say that the booth was ROCKIN' during the public day I attended.

Volkswagen still has the people's attention.

To keep fueling the fire that exists in some consumer's hearts, VW today dropped a press release and teaser images of an all-new premium sport-utility vehicle it will be debuting at the Beijing Motor Show. It's pretty clear that this is the next-gen Touareg. As one of the first-gen Touareg owners, I am intrigued to learn more.

The few bullets that VW released are keeping it simple. It will be a plug-in hybrid good for over 375 horsepower and over 500 lb.-ft. of torque, do zero to 60 in six seconds dead, have an electric range of just over 30 miles, and will feature all-new tech never before seen in a production vehicle.

Alright, VW. You've got MY attention. What about YOU, Spies?


VW Beijing Concept










Volkswagen's press release follows:

BEIJING CONCEPT SHOWS VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW HIGH-TECH DIRECTION IN THE PREMIUM SUV SEGMENT

Apr 17, 2016

• The concept is one of the most advanced luxury SUVs in the world
• Concept moves luxury SUV design to a more sporty and elegant level
• The vehicle further demonstrates Volkswagen's continued digitilization of the automobile
• Digital operation and display system enables a completely new level of interactivity
• Active Info Display and infotainment system merge
• More than ever, the lounge-style interior and digitized operation are centered on passengers
• SUV has a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with 376 horsepower total output and 516 pound-feet of torque
• The fully electric range of the SUV is up to 50 kilometers or 31 miles
• The predicted NEDC combined fuel consumption is 78 mpg
• The concept accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph

skytop - 4/17/2016 11:22:12 PM

+1 Boost

Only if they change the goofy name.

TheSteve - 4/17/2016 11:25:40 PM

+1 Boost

It's doubtful I'd buy anything with the VW tag on it.

TomM - 4/18/2016 7:24:08 AM

+2 Boost

1 - A VW is entry level - it is NOT a Luxury or premium SUV - we are not fools
2 - With the exception of the lights - it appears to be very similar to the already unwanted current Toureg.
3- It will have a VW engine and transmission - enough reason to stay away
4 - Trying to categorize it as a premium offering means a price increase
5 - Hybrids are also a hard sell too - especially ones that can travel offroad.

atc98092 - 4/18/2016 8:24:42 AM

+1 Boost

The only thing wrong with the current Touareg is the price. While some view it (accurately) as a lower priced Cayenne, it's just too high for a VW badge. The current hybrid runs over $60k, and that's too steep. If they can knock about $10k off the price, they would do great, and it would absolutely be on my short list.

MDarringer - 4/18/2016 8:52:43 AM

+1 Boost

The Touareg needs to die. The Audi Q7 does everything the Touareg does for a similar price given that the Touareg is overpriced $10K at base and $20K at fully optioned.

As a 4X4 it's an incompetent one.

As a crossover it's heavy and unwieldy driving.

VW is still living in its Fourth Reich ignominy.

carsnyc - 4/18/2016 2:18:26 PM

0 Boost

Another lemon from our irresponsible VAG friends, this time with tackier stop lights

mpls - 4/18/2016 5:44:54 PM

+1 Boost

seizing electronic parking brake motors, dodgy fuel pumps , enough for anyone to give VW a miss.