- Germany's JE Design, which specializes in tuning all things Volkswagen, has put the wrench to the VW Touareg Hybrid, with satisfying results.
- JE Design starts with a wide-body kit for the Touareg Hybrid, priced at $7,595.
- A powertrain performance upgrade package costs $5,670.
LEINGARTEN, Germany — Jochen Eckelt's JE Design has been fine-tuning vehicles from the Volkswagen Group for more than 20 years. His latest performance conversion is based on an unlikely choice: the VW Touareg Hybrid.
JE Design starts with a wide-body kit for the Touareg Hybrid. Priced at $7,595, the kit bundles a new sports grille, front spoiler, front and back wheel arches, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and rear hatch. Dual stainless-steel exhaust pipes add $845.
A lowering module for the Touareg's electronic air suspension drops the ride height by 1.4 inches and costs $2,025. JE Design's exclusive 22-inch aluminum rims, priced from $975 each, are available in a choice of finishes, including shadow silver, matte black and matte graphic silver. A full wheel and tire package, including spacers, is priced at $7,350.
JE Design reprograms the ECU on the Touareg's 3.0-liter V6 TSFI gasoline engine, bumping output to 434 horsepower and torque to 465 pound-feet, but leaves the electric motor untouched. The enhancements, however, are enough to slice 0-60 acceleration to less than 5.9 seconds and bump top speed to nearly 160 mph.
The powertrain upgrade costs $5,670 — or Touareg Hybrid owners can purchase the complete JE Design package, including assembly and paint, for $29,925.
Inside Line says: After the transformation, this is one mighty imposing hybrid. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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micanichi says:
05:27 PM, 04/08/2011
The Kias looked like Volkswagens and the Volkswagens looked like Kias.
mce63 says:
05:56 PM, 04/05/2011
These tuners must be slipping. This one isn't hideous like all the other tuner specials. It almost looks like something a grown-up might drive.
morey000 says:
03:11 PM, 04/05/2011
While the engineering I'm sure is impressive, I'm still trying to wrap my arms around the concept of a Hybrid, SUV, sportscar. The whole idea is an oxymoron. You're supposed to choose 2 out of the 3, not all 3. Sporty SUV, OK. Hybrid SUV, OK. Sporty Hybrid, OK.
Next, They'll offer an off-road package on top of it.