We knew the Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE was a preview of the next Touareg, but we didn't realize how close to production that concept's lines were until we saw these new spy photos. From the A-pillar back, the two SUVs are nearly identical. The long character line that runs from the front fenders back is nearly the same shape, and both vehicles have the same fender accent at the leading edge of the line. The rear quarter glass of this Touareg also has the same beveled bottom corner to the rear glass.
At first glance, the tail end of the vehicle may look different because of the taillights. But if you look more closely, you'll see the big red lamps are actually a clever disguise. Underneath, you'll find more slender units, which also match up to the T-Prime. The rear spoiler and bottom contrast panel follow the concept as well, with just minor changes for the rear reflectors and outlets for exhaust. One minor difference is that the hatch looks a bit less detailed and sculpted, and the whole rear section looks as though it has been stretched downward. This change was probably made to slightly increase cargo space and reduce lift-over height.
The biggest differences between this Touareg and the T-Prime are at the front. The dog-bone bumper grilles of the concept have been changed. Now the center grille is a large trapezoid, and it's flanked by two triangular grilles. The main grille also appears to be a more conventional horizontal shape that matches the size of the headlights, rather than the T-Prime's, which dipped down in the middle.
The question now is what will be under the hood of the new Touareg. Considering how close it looks to the T-Prime, there's a good chance that there will be some kind of hybrid model offered. However, the 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain of the T-Prime likely won't be offered, at least not at launch. Otherwise, expect to see versions of Volkswagen's existing turbocharged four-cylinders. We also expect to see a fully revealed version of the Touareg make its debut early next year, based on how close this one looks to being production ready.
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At first glance, the tail end of the vehicle may look different because of the taillights. But if you look more closely, you'll see the big red lamps are actually a clever disguise. Underneath, you'll find more slender units, which also match up to the T-Prime. The rear spoiler and bottom contrast panel follow the concept as well, with just minor changes for the rear reflectors and outlets for exhaust. One minor difference is that the hatch looks a bit less detailed and sculpted, and the whole rear section looks as though it has been stretched downward. This change was probably made to slightly increase cargo space and reduce lift-over height.
The biggest differences between this Touareg and the T-Prime are at the front. The dog-bone bumper grilles of the concept have been changed. Now the center grille is a large trapezoid, and it's flanked by two triangular grilles. The main grille also appears to be a more conventional horizontal shape that matches the size of the headlights, rather than the T-Prime's, which dipped down in the middle.
The question now is what will be under the hood of the new Touareg. Considering how close it looks to the T-Prime, there's a good chance that there will be some kind of hybrid model offered. However, the 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain of the T-Prime likely won't be offered, at least not at launch. Otherwise, expect to see versions of Volkswagen's existing turbocharged four-cylinders. We also expect to see a fully revealed version of the Touareg make its debut early next year, based on how close this one looks to being production ready.
Related Video:
Featured Gallery 2018 Volkswagen Touareg Spy Shots
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