Volkswagen will be releasing its first production hybrid vehicle in the form of the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid, a midsize SUV that the company claims will provide “maximum power with minimal consumption.”

The Touareg V6 is capable of 328 brake horsepower, thanks to the 3.0-liter Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) engine underneath its hood. This petrol engine can alternate with an electric motor that can go 51 brake horsepower with a top speed of 30mph on electric power. The SUV also has a Sport function that allows it to reach 368 bhp at 385 lb.-0ft. of torque with a 0-62 time of 6.8 seconds.

The transmission for the Touareg is a standard eight-speed automatic. The electric motor doubles as the petrol engine’s starter motor. The vehicle also features a light Torsen differential (with the 4-wheel drive) meant to compensate for the added battery and electric motor weight. For added fuel efficiency, there is also a start-stop system included in the vehicle.

The Touareg is already Volkswagen’s more successful models, and the addition of a consumption-mindful hybrid variant should help the company get back on track in 2009.

Source: Autocar