Auto Spies World Exclusive: Hot inside info on the VW Touareg
Will there be a long wheelbase, third seat version?
Here's what one of our spies has uncovered on the VW Touareg...from an internal memo
Will there beat an extended, third seat version?
There are no plans to offer a third seat version in the future. The issue was examined at great length by Volkswagen engineers, who found that body lengthening from the addition of a third seat would cause too many compromises in departure angles, impeding the vehicle’s handling qualities. As a result, a decision was made not too manufacture a third seat version.
When does DVD navigation show up?
The vehicle will launch with a CD-based navigation system. However, 10 CD’s will be included, covering the entire United States and Canada, eliminating the necessity to purchase additional disks when traveling outside of your home geographic area. A DVD-based system with a single disk is 1-2 years off.
Is the diesel version coming to the states?
Happily, the V10 TDI diesel is coming to the US and should be available by late December 2003 or early January 2004.
Will a rear view camera be an option?
The rear view camera option is being studied for possible future inclusion, but will not be offered at launch.
Will a manual transmission be offered?
There are no plans to offer a manual transmission in the US, though the Touareg’s automatic can be shifted manually from the steering wheel. Vehicles in this class rarely offer manual transmissions in the US.
Is Porsche mad, because the Touareg is better looking and nicer inside, and is a better value for the money, than the Cayenne?
No, they did not answer that question in the memo...that's just the Spies being smart alecs!
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