Volkswagen’s R lineup is set to expand as company’s sales and marketing boss has confirmed a Touareg R is in the works.
According to Auto Express, Jürgen Stackmann said the upcoming crossover will become the first R model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Stackmann didn’t elaborate, but the model is expected to be launched in 2021. The publication also suggests the high-performance crossover will come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a powerful electric motor.
Also Read: 2019 VW Touareg Is Bigger, Lighter And Packs A Massive Display Inside
Volkswagen already offers a Touareg plug-in hybrid in China and it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is backed up by an electric motor that develops 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS). This setup enables the model to have a combined output of 363 hp (271 kW / 368 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque. The crossover also has an electric-only range of 36 miles (58 km).
The Touareg plug-in hybrid is slated to arrive in Europe in the future and the Touareg R will undoubtedly be more powerful. Nothing is official, but speculation suggests it could have around 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS).
While the Touareg will become the first plug-in hybrid R model, more electrified variants are on the horizon. As Autocar noted, Stackmann said this is just the beginning of the journey and it will be up to Volkswagen R boss Joss Capito to deliver an electric future for the sub-brand. However, that’s a ways off as Stackmann said we can expect traditional R models in the immediate future.
