Volkswagen Touareg W12

Two years ago, Volkswagen introduced the Touareg to the world for the first time in Paris. And now, the brand’s making a splash with the ultimate Touareg, the new W12 Sport, initially available as a limited edition. Powered by a 444-horsepower W12 engine—essentially the same unit in the Phaeton W12 luxury sedan—the Touareg W12 Sport can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in only 5.9 seconds, according to VW, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Much of that off-the-line oomph can be attributed to the W12’s impressive 443 pound-feet of torque, which is delivered effortlessly through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Standard features on the W12 Sport include an air-suspension, all-wheel drive, and 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/40R-20 tires. To distinguish the W12, VW has utilized exclusive bumpers, darkened windows, wheel arch extensions, and two chromium-plated dual exhaust tips. Inside, the W12 gets special sport seats with Alcantara inlays, and aluminum inserts and scuff plates, the latter incorporating "W12 Sport" lettering. The new top-of-the-range Touareg will be available in Germany and France starting in October. No word on whether or not it will make it stateside.