The next generation of the poeple's SUV, the Volkswagen Touareg will make its official debut sometime next spring for the European market and will follow in the U.S. sometime in early 2011. The goal of the Volkswagen engineers is to focus on a more efficient power train to move a vehicle that is lighter overall than its predecessor. This means that traditional werar items like brake pads and tires will also see less stress and trips to your local mechanic will be fewer and further between.

The design of the next generation Touareg is inspired by the new Golf VI, with a front end distinctly characterized by a large grill sitting between a pair of oblong headlamps. However the biggest change comes under the hood, just like it's Audi cousins, the V8 engine will be replaced by a supercharged 3.0 Liter V6 that makes a potent 290 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque. Expect a Blue version as well as a hybrid to be available when the new full size SUV becomes available for purchase.

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