Volkswagen Touareg spied: Redesigned 2011 model put on a diet

Volkswagen engineers have put the Touareg on a diet as they prepare the next generation of the SUV for a 2010 launch as a 2011 model.

The new Touareg will shed pounds via a greater use of aluminum. The goal: Shave 500 pounds to 600 pounds from the current Touareg's curb weight of nearly 5,100 pounds.

Other changes reportedly in the works include a slight gain in overall length so that VW can fit some third-row seats into the Touareg--although they likely won't be big enough to accommodate adults for long drives. Styling picks up some cues we see on the smaller Tiguan.

Along with cutting weight, VW is said to want a lower sticker price for the next Touareg. That likely calls for some decontenting of the lower trim levels. And, we expect a hybrid version to arrive in 2012.

By Dale Jewett