Rumors of Volkswagen’s plan to build a hybrid version of the Touareg have been floating around for more than two years now (see here and here). There was even an official press release on vw.com in March, 2007 stating -”Volkswagen has already sent clear signals here, and has been committed for some time now to developing second-generation biofuels. The Group will also offer hybrid vehicles in the future: it will launch a hybrid version of the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg in 2008, followed by a hybrid in the compact class.”.  Plans change quickly in the automotive world.

This week, another announcement was made regarding VW’s Touareg getting hybridized in 2010 or 2011. Could this one be true? Well, if it is not - Volkswagen sure went to a lot of trouble providing details about its engine start and stop system, electric propulsion, dual fuel powertrain, and regenarative braking mechanism. All of these technologies are part of what VW calls BlueMotion - Wolfsburg’s environmentally improved design.

Here is what we think we know so far:

Expected MPG:  26
Improved fuel economy: 25%
Engine: V6 TSI (333 hp)
Maximum speed in all-electric mode: 31 mph
Towing capacity: 7,700 lbs
Price: $55,000 (just our initial guess based on VR6 FSI & V8 FSI models)

I don’t own a Touareg…truth is I’ve never even driven one, but is there a vehicle that’s harder to pronounce or spell? It’s bad enough that I can never remember if it is Volkeswagen, Volkswagen, or Volkswagon…but I also had to rely on Google to help me choose between Toureg, Tourag, and Touarag (and did you know they also make a Tiguan?). Hopefully if this one does make it to market we can just call it the VW hybrid SUV until VW makes us differentiate. By the way, I believe it would be pronounced High-Bred Tour-Egg.

Related coverage of the luxury, prototype hybrid Touareg:

Autoblog
TheMotorReport
MotorAuthority 
VW Vortex