The second-generation Volkswagen Touareg does not count as a performance vehicle, or even a sports car->ke506 for that matter. It’s one of Volkswagen’->ke94s SUVs->ke145 that’s admittedly long in-the-tooth after bursting into the market in 2010. But the surging popularity of SUVs continues to this day and it has given cars like the Touareg->ke321 an added dimension of appeal that doesn’t come from customers, but from aftermarket tuners. Ten years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a tuner willing to make a kit for an SUV. But now? Everyone’s doing it, including Wimmer Rennsporttechnik, which has just presented an updated version of its Touareg kit, one that helps the SUV’s 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engine improve its output to 310 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

On the standard level, the 3.0 TDI Touareg is capable of producing 204 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of twist. Those are good numbers, but not great. So Wimmer modified the SUV’s engine control unit, and in doing so, it managed to squeeze out an extra 106 ponies and 111 pound-feet of torque. Those modifications were done in 2015 so naturally, the German tuner->ke1987 went back to the well and added a few more tuning bits on other aspects of the SUV.

The result is this: a 310-horsepower Touareg with a new set of wheels, an improved suspension, and a throatier sound courtesy of a new exhaust system. The tuner didn’t indicate what kind of improvements these new components add to the SUV’s performance capabilities, but rest assured, the Touareg is better in so many aspects with the Wimmer kit than what it would have been without it.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

Exterior

There are no exterior upgrades for the Touareg other than the new set of 21-inch black alloy wheels that Wimmer is offering as part of its tuning package. That said, you can inquire to the tuner directly should you wish to have those wraps added to your SUV.

Interior

Just like the exterior, don't expect any upgrades on the interior of the Touareg. There aren't any.

Drivetrain

This is where Wimmer put its focus on. Similar to the previous program it presented for the Touareg, the German tuner took the ECU workout it gave to the SUV and added a few more modifications to help bring the output up to 310 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Those represent a 106-horsepower and 111-pound-feet of torque improvement from the standard Touareg and a 70-horsepower and 56-pound-feet of torque increase from the previous program it built for the VW SUV in 2015. A new exhaust system that Wimmer developed in-house is also included in the program, one that should give the Touareg's TDI V-6 a more pronounced soundtrack.

Wimmer didn’t divulge any details on how reaching 310 horsepower will affect the Touareg’s performance times, but considering that the standard model is capable of hitting 0 to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds to go with a top speed of 128 mph, significant improvements in those two categories should be expected. Who knows, with all of the program’s components in place, the 3.0 TDI Touareg could hit 0 to 62 mph in just a shade over eight seconds and have a new top speed of about 140 mph. These numbers are just estimates, but they should be right in that neighborhood.

Chassis and Suspension

Chassis and suspension upgrades are limited to a KW coilover suspension kit that should provide enhanced sportiness in the form of a more pronounced visual stance and improvements to the SUV’s overall handling capabilities.

Pricing

The full pricing details are subject to inquiries so if anybody’s interested in availing the kit for their own Touareg SUVs, contacting Wimmer directly is the best way to do it. If it’s any consolation, the previous engine upgrade costs €1,050 according to Wimmer’s website. That’s about $1,170 based on current exchange rates.

Competition

Porsche Cayenne Magnum By TechArt

TechArt’s Magnum program for the Porsche Cayenne may be more popularly known for what it can do to the Cayenne Turbo, but the tuner is also offering a separate kit for the Cayenne S Diesel’s 3.0-liter V-6 engine. This upgrade may be less heralded than TechArt’s highlight kit, but it’s still as effective as it helps the Cayenne S Diesel improve its output from 240 horsepower to 275 horsepower.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

Truth be told, there are other tuners out there that could potentially offer bigger and better results. But until that time comes, Wimmer’s tuning program is a good option to have if there’s a need for modest gains for the SUV. The pricing options should be affordable enough that those interested in it won't have too much trouble convincing themselves to get it.