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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg German giants pool resources for socially acceptable hybrid SUVs. (telegraph.co.uk/motoring/environment/4614157/VW-and-Porsche-in-hybrid-co-operation.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2011_VW_Toureg_Hybrid.jpgStuart Birch - UK Telegraph (telegraph.co.uk) - Feb. 13, 2009

2011 VW Toureg Full Hybrid - ~ 25 mpgUS on the 08 EPA.

Why do the Europeans insist on tasteless hybrid badging? In addition, why use hybrid technology in FSP’s :confused: -- Ed.

Volkswagen and Porsche are to introduce hybrid versions of their next-generation Touareg and Cayenne models to provide a more socially acceptable image for the big SUVs.

The companies have worked together on the project for three years and the two models share near-identical technology. Porsche will also use it for the forthcoming Panamera sports saloon.

Revealing details of the technology for the Touareg and allowing a brief drive of a near-production prototype in Wolfsburg, VW said the production version would have an EU Combined economy of at least 31mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 210g/km, with 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 149mph...

The V6 engine has 328bhp and 325lb ft of torque from 3,000rpm, comparable to the V8 Touareg. For overtaking maneuvers, the powertrain will briefly generate 369bhp and 406lb ft. The electric motor alone can power the 2.5-ton Touareg for about 1.5 miles at up to 31mph. The Cayenne's performance might differ from that of the VW.

The Touareg hybrid is expected to be on sale in the UK by summer 2010. Porsche has yet to confirm its plans… http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/environment/4614157/VW-and-Porsche-in-hybrid-co-operation.html

Maybe Miley Cyrus will buy one. :rolleyes:

I hope they make hybrids for everything that moves, airplanes, trains, tractors, all cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters etc. Costs will drop drastically and I can go to a junk yard in three years and pull the needed parts to custom fit anything pre-Hybrid.

Think AC on cars in the 50's. Frivolous luxury items until production costs made them common place. - Dale

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg German giants pool resources for socially acceptable hybrid SUVs. (telegraph.co.uk/motoring/environment/4614157/VW-and-Porsche-in-hybrid-co-operation.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2011_VW_Toureg_Hybrid.jpgStuart Birch - UK Telegraph (telegraph.co.uk)
Why do the Europeans insist on tasteless hybrid badging? In addition, why use hybrid technology in FSP’s :confused: -- Ed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/environment/4614157/VW-and-Porsche-in-hybrid-co-operation.html

Some of us have kids to haul around. The safety regulations that call for rear facing infant seats mean you need a big 'ol back-seat. That's why I started driving my explorer more often. I'd love to have a hybrid SUV to haul my kids and their stuff around. I can't fit everything in a Prius or Insight. The Civic is the best option for me right now... But I can't justify ponying up $25K for a new car when I have two perfectly good vehicles right now that are paid for...

Looks like a good set of candidates for a federally funded tax incentive!

How's a $3600 tax credit and a $5000 government tax rebate sound ;)

Hi Chilimac02:

___Somehow the European’s and Asians get around in Kei and B/C-class sized MPV compacts. The Fit is a prime example of a B-Class sized sub having the ability to carry (3) small children in child seats with the latch system ready and able to do so with room to spare.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I am unclear... is this vehicle a hybrid?

Hi Juglo-j:

___A full hybrid with at least a 31 mph EV mode.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

It's true that Europeans can get away with smaller cars. I'm wondering if they really have the same options though. When I was in the UK American vehicles were like double their price here (sort of like how Mercedes are pricier here).

I'm pretty sure that Europeans don't routinely haul stuff for a 4 person family (week long trip) for 800mi.

I'd be more likely to do it if those 18wheelers were off the road. I'd hate to get hit by one of 'em in a small car. I had one clip me with it's back tire in my accord and it nearly rolled right over me.

Hi Justin, everything is more expensive over there. When purchasing power is taken into account, the price differences between small and large cars probably isn't much different in Europe than here. There are so many other reasons for Europeans to only buy as big of a vehicle as is needed, like insurance, CO2 taxes, fuel prices, and tighter spaces. My family of four adults plus our luggage had no problem driving a Mercedes A-class around Switzerland for 5 days and 500 miles.