Volkswagen Touareg 2MOTION in the pipeline?

The French motoring website suggests VW will offer the Touareg in rear-wheel drive guise to reduce weight and, at the same time, improve fuel consumption. It also said an unnamed member of the Touareg's research and development team believes the switch to RWD would be an easy one considering the vehicle's existing platform configuration.

Assuming the rumours are true, a Volkswagen Touareg 2MOTION would be considerably cheaper than the current AWD model, lending the nameplate greater mass-market appeal.

The site does not mention when the two-wheel drive variant is expected to come to market, but with the new Touareg model having just been announced at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the consensus seems to be around 2012, if at all.