Volkswagen is set to release its most potent 'R' model yet - the Passat R36. Joining the Golf R32 and only the second model in the Volkswagen line-up to carry the 'R' badge the new car will be not only the fastest Passat but also the fastest estate car Volkswagen has ever produced. The basis for the R36 is a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 300 PS. It's mated to an ultra-responsive, six-speed DSG gearbox channelling drive through all four wheels to maximise traction. At each corner are revised springs and dampers linked to uprated brake discs and callipers to add more bite under heavy deceleration. Clothing the mechanical changes is a bespoke bodykit which at the front incorporates a trio of deep airdams drawing a family resemblance with the Golf R32. Deep sideskirts and chrome highlights are framed by unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 tyres. At the rear a deeper bumper houses a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes and revised light lenses. The estate version features a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the rear window. Gripping the driver and front seat passenger are a set of sculpted sports seats bearing the R36 logo. The dashboard is finished in brushed aluminium panels set into which are a set of unique dials joined by a sports steering wheel and bespoke 'R' polished pedals. Equipment levels, as with the standard Passat, remain high with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), Xenon headlights, 2Zone electronic climate control, a heated windscreen and seats, six airbags and a radio/CD player. The R36 takes its place as the fastest production Passat with a claimed 0 to 62 mph time of 5.6 seconds. The estate version which, like the saloon, is fitted with 4MOTION all-wheel drive returns a time of 5.8 seconds. Both are electronically limited to maximum of 155 mph.
Second, it was possible to lay out the 7th and 8th gears as speed-reducing gears (20 percent reduction) - fuel-saving overdrive gears. On the transmission of the previous model, 6th gear handled this job. On the new 8-speed automatic, on the other hand, the car's top speed is reached in 6th gear. The lower engine rpms attained in this way have a positive effect on noise levels as well. If the engine speed required to reach top speed in 6th gear is considered 100 percent, this means that in 8th gear engine speed is reduced by 34 percent. An example: At 130 km/h cruising speed, the Volkswagen Touareg's V6 TSI only turns at about 2,200 rpm. To optimally isolate the drivetrain from vibration generated by engine torque, further improvements to the torsional damping provided by the torque converter have been made. In the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, the 8-speed automatic - which shifts faster than the gearbox on the previous model - is coupled to a transfer case with Torsen differential.
This results in a 40:60 distribution of the propulsive force between the front and rear axles. The Torsen differential is already being used in a similar form within the Volkswagen Group, but it was further refined for the Touareg to improve its weight and efficiency. To implement the VW Touareg's smoothly transitioning Stop-Start function in every driving phase, the transmission must be provided with sufficient oil pressure to ensure slip-free power transfer within the gear elements. Conventional gearboxes only accomplish this once the engine has attained a specific idling speed, so that the mechanically driven transmission oil pump can build up sufficient oil pressure and oil flow. This is different on the Volkswagen Touareg's 8-speed automatic: Here the system is supplemented by an electrically driven pump, which is able to maintain a stable oil pressure level within the hydraulic system during the engine's stopped phase. New generation Volkswagen Touaregs with the base version 4MOTION system have an all-wheel drive system with limited-slip Torsen differential (climbing gradient 31 degrees) and electronic differential locks (EDS) at all four wheels.
Nonetheless, there is still a worldwide clientele that uses the SUV under the most extreme conditions. As before, these customers can obtain the 4XMOTION drive (climbing gradient 45 degrees) with the VW Touareg V6 TDI. This option is offered as a "Terrain Tech" package. The reduction gear level can be electrically engaged via the switch on the centre console. It permits maximum utilisation of propulsive force at low speeds. This is how the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI attains the noted climbing gradient of 45 degrees - a 100 percent grade. As an option, a rear differential with transverse lock and 100 percent locking effect can be ordered. The driver initiates activation of the differential lock (100 percent). To improve traction and dynamic performance, the transverse lock is automatically activated and metered according to the driving situation. On both the 4MOTION and 4XMOTION drive systems, it is possible to manually deactivate the Stop-Start system in off-road driving.
