Touareg – VW’s version of the Porsche Cayenne won’t have the 450-hp. But how about 550 lb-ft of torque for VW’s turbodiesel? Think that will pull that "trailer queen" to the show? Yeh... that’s what I’M talking about! It shares the same platform with the Cayenne and also Audi’s Magellan and should be in the showrooms by mid-2003.

Now what engine choices do you think this SUV will offer? Probably a 225-hp 3.2 liter VR6, a 310-hp 4.2 liter V8, a 395-hp 6 liter W12, and a bi-turbodiesel V10 pumping out 310-hp and 550 log yanking lb-ft of torque. The gearbox is supposed to have six speeds in both automatic and manual. The engine you pick will determine the transmissions available.

Touareg gets full-time electronically controlled 4-wheel drive. It is also in line for a nice double wishbone suspension and electronically controlled shock absorbers. Top all that off with air springs. Wow!

Price? I’ve heard the base unit will go for about $33,000. Or, you can go all out and spend $65,000 for the mountaintop of the line. Guess the Lightning Bug will be stuck with the R/T for a while.

Topless 2003 – As Dustin was sharing at the May meeting, the New Beetle is going topless in the fall of 2002, when the 2003s come out. VW’s partner, Karmann will be working with them to produce the NuBee Vert. It will have a manually operated, cloth lined top. However, an optional power operated top will be offered. It will have some extra reinforcement to stiffen the chassis. So, expect to loose some back seat space. It is to have those same gasoline engine offerings as the existing hardtop; 4-cylinder, 115-hp 2 liter and the 1.8-liter turbo version. On the next page is a sample shot of a convertible done by a conversion company.