Really. That’s the rumour that’s flying around today. VW are planning on offering a RWD version of the 2010 Touareg in a bid to mop up a few sales from people who can’t quite manage to run to a 4Motion Touraeg.
According to L’Automobile the latest version of the Touraeg – which was revelaed in February – has been designed so the drive to the front wheels can be easily removed leaving a Touraeg which is rear wheel drive. They claim a source at VW as saying “Technically, we can remove the front universal joint new Touareg at any time. This is not any immediate plans, but the specifications anticipated that demand. “
But what would be the point? We understand that smaller SUVs like the Tiguan can benefit from the savings made by making them 2WD. Buyers still get the butch looks but save a few bob on the purchase price and running costs. But on a Touareg? Seems mad.
But L’Automobile go on to say that VW will offer the 2Motion option together with the more frugal engines in the range to offer a cheaper, entry-level Touareg. But if they are to go this route, why would they go the RWD route? VWs are predominantly FWD or 4WD, so surely a FWD Touareg would make sense?
Not that the story makes makes much sense anyway. But you never know…
Source: L’Automobile