2009 VW Touareg R50 Goes on Sale in the UK

The range-topping Touareg, the R50 has arrived on UK shores and is available on the market. At the heart of the Touareg R50 beat’s Volkswagen’s 5.0-litre V10 TDI diesel engine, uprated from 313 Hp to 350 Hp at 3,500 rpm. Torque is also up an extra 100 Nm, to 850 Nm (627 lbs ft). The R50 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 146 mph or 235 km/h. –Continued after the jump

Beyond the power bump, the R50 gets a sportier suspension set-up lowering the car’s height by 20 mm, 21-inch ‘Omanyt’ ten-spoke alloy wheels as well as the Touareg ‘R’ design package that includes a roof spoiler, restyled bumpers and oval tailpipe trims. Wheel arch extensions and blue brake callipers enhance the wheels, while at the front the R50 gains a matt chrome radiator grille and louvres as well as honeycomb-style inserts in the airdams.

Inside, the R50 has ‘R’ logos on the pedals, door sill protectors and Nappa leather sports seats, as well as heated outer rear seats, a ski sack and a net partition. In the UK, the Touareg R50 is priced at £61,885 (RRP OTR), representing a £3,885 premium over the Altitude V10 TDI. Prices for the Touareg range start at £29,880.