According to Volkswagen, the 2011 Touareg 2 midsize SUV is a whole new species. This full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) Ute, once known for its insatiable appetite for both rough terrain and gasoline, has downplayed brawn to spotlight svelte. A fresh exterior that emphasizes softer curves and more defined wheel arches is complemented by an interior chock full of the latest in electronic navigation, audio, security, and communications gear. Losing some 400 pounds with the exchange of the beastly 4XMotion all-terrain suspension for the kinder, gentler 4Motion system results in markedly improved handling and ride comfort, though the beefy 4XMotion is expected to be optional for 2011. The big news, however, is the introduction of the brand-new-and-out-of-the-blue 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 2 Hybrid, thus allowing a choice between two trims, the conventionally powered Base version and the Touareg Hybrid Base. This rugged hybrid can be run in either gas or gas-electric mode, and thus trailer hauling and most off-road capability is unaffected by the traditionally delicate hybrid technology of this efficient beauty. The folks at Volkswagen have definitely emphasized the "2" in the Touareg moniker with this next-gen Sport Ute.

Standard power for the 2011 Touareg 2 is the sturdy, variable-valve-timed 3.6-liter V6 that combines with the traditional six-speed auto-manual transmission for 280 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, but only 14/19 mpg. The well-thought-of 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, with its 225 hp and awesome 406 lb-ft of torque, not to mention 18/25, is expected to be available for this all-new Sport Ute. The newly introduced Touareg Hybrid is touted by Volkswagen as the best hybrid SUV of the pack. A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is matched with a 38-kilowatt (47 hp) electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission to produce a combined 380 hp and whopping 428 lb-ft of torque. Of course this hybrid will feature regenerative braking and the capability to go a mile and a half at over 30 mph on electric power alone. Additionally, this gas-electric combo can be run solely on the gas engine with the same 7,700-pound trailer-towing capacity the gas and turbodiesel powerplants boast.

Standard appearance features and creature comforts for the luxury-inspired 2011 Touareg 2 and Touareg 2 Hybrid include 20-inch alloy wheels, step running boards, trailer tow hitch and wiring, skid plates, rear spoiler, leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, heated, power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, universal remote garage door opener, rear-view camera, four-zone climate control, leather, alloy, and wood dash trim and cabin accents, driver memory settings, 640-watt stereo with 6-CD changer, 10 speakers, and rear-seat volume controls, satellite radio, hard-drive-based, voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth communications technology, and a USB connection.

With so much standard equipment, options are hard to come by, though a few technology packages and the 4XMotion suspension package are expected to be made available at some point. Furthermore, the possibility of a third-row bench seat, providing seating for seven, is not beyond expectations.

Safety-wise, the 2011 Touareg 2 comes equipped with standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, second- and third-row head airbags, active front headrests, self-leveling xenon HID headlights, front fog/driving lights, remote anti-theft alarm, a post-collision safety system, blind-spot warning system, and emergency braking preparation.

With the 2011 Touareg 2 essentially a totally new vehicle from the ground up, what owners have thought of past generations has little to do with the future. Suffice to say that most if not all prior complaints have been addressed, while all the good stuff has been added to and improved. Pretty much all that remains is just how Volkswagen plans to offer this new and improved Ute at an affordable price. Stay tuned.