Volkswagen Introduces R-Line for Tiguan and Touareg

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

DETROIT, January 15, 2013. Key in the sales aspirations of the Volkswagen Group Group to reach the milestone of a million cars sold in North America by 2018 is their plant in Chattanooga Tennessee, where production of the Passat has recentky been increased.

To emphasize the importance of the North American auto market to the Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi and Bentley)the company has brought some two hundred international journalists to the North American International Auto Show to participate in the world debuts of the Group's new models and see and hear for themselves the excitement the Group’s new models and sales figures and future plans are generating among North American journalists.

As an example of VW’s future efforts Volkswagen introduced the " CrossBlue Concept at their press conference yesterday, but there is more news for customers who are interested in sporty looking and performing cars from the German manufacturer.

Upcoming are the R-Line performance models of the Touareg and Tiguan. As from the 2014 model year, both SUVs will be joining the R-Line models of the Beettle and the CC.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive Touareg will be available with either a 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel or a 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine. In both models the engines are teamed to an 8-speed automatic transmission. With a sport suspension, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a unique front bumper fascia, side skirts, LED taillights, dual exhaust pipes and R-Line badges, the R-Line models stand out from the crowd.

The interiors gets R-Line details as well, and are fitted with black and brushed aluminum details on the dashboard, center console and doors, sporty looking, aluminum pedals and R-Line steering wheel.

Just like the Touareg, the Tiguan SEL gets the R-Line model for sportier stance. The Tiguan R-Line will be available as front wheel drive or 4Motion and gets the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. We are already familiar with this engine, which is under the hood of the GTI. Special 19-inch wheels with lower all-weather tires, wheel arch extensions, an R-Line spoiler, bi-xenon head lights, LED license plate illumination and an R-Line badge in the front grille make this Touareg stand out.

Volkswagen will be offering the 2014 Tiguan R-Line a Fender Premium Audio System with a 10-channel, 400 watt amplifier, 8 speakers and a rear subwoofer. Volkswagen R GmbH has developed the R-Line models, which will be available from the third quarter of this year. Expect prices to be announced closer to the marketing date.

Another model to be presented is the Passat Performance Concept, that shows a sporty variant of the popular sedan. It may be less obvious from the outside that this is a performance vehicle, as the most important stuff is right under the bonnet. There sits the all new 1.8-liter TSI engine. This turbocharged and direct injected 4-cylinder delivers 250 hp and is teamed to a six-speed transmission. The base engine is being used in the current 1.8 TSI-models and quite popular on the European and Asian markets. Both in- and exterior have gotten carbon-style details, while bi-xenon headlights with AFS, Advanced Frond Lighting System, LED Taillights, dual exhaust, 19-inch allow wheels are the other notaeble exterior upgrade.

A lower sport suspension and electro mechanical steering should bring the handling on s sporty level.

Another premiere is for the R-Line performance models of the Touareg and Tiguan. As from model year 2014, Both SUVs are joining the CC R-Line and the recently introduced Beetle R-Line coupe. Like all Touaregs, the Touareg R-Line models will get standard 4Motion all wheel drive and they will be available with either the V6 TDI clean diesel or the VR6 petrol engine. Both 3.0-liter engines will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A sport suspension, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are included in the R-Line, as well as a unique front bumper fascia, side skirts, LED taillights, dual exhaust pipes and R-Line badges. Inside, the R-Line shows by uniquehigh-gloss

Black and brushed aluminum trim on the dashboard, center console and doors, aluminum pedals and an R-:Line steering wheel.

Just like the Touareg, also the Tiguan SEL gets the R-Line model for sportier looks. The R-Line will be available as front wheel drive or 4Motion and gets the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that we know from the GTI.19-inch wheels with lower all-weather tyres, wheelarch extensions, an R-Line spoiler, bi-xenon head lights, LED license plate illumination and an R-Line badge in the front grille make this Touareg stand out.

Volkswagen is offering this Tiguan with the Fender Premium Audio Sstem with a 10-channel, 400 watt amplifier with 8 speakers and a rear subwoofer. The R-Line models have been developed by Volkswagen R GmbH and will be available from the third quarter of this year. Prices can be expected closer to the marketing date.