Volkswagen's hitting the road -- off-road that is.

The big news for this model year is a greatly revamped 2008 Volkwagen Touareg2.

While the styling may look very much like the previous model, the car is still chock full of all kinds of new technology and refinements.

For 2008, the front end has been completely redesigned, with V6 models sharing a chrome grille and V8 and V10 models using a matte chrome design. Around the back, a new roof spoiler has been installed, and the brake light housings have been modified. there's a new, softer set of colors, too.

Power comes from a 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower V6 that is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway; a 4.2-liter, 350-horsepower V-8 rated at 12/17; and a 310-horsepower, 5.0-liter twin turbo V10 rated at 15/20, depending on the model Prices start at $39,320 for the V-6, $48,320 for the V-8, and $68,320 for the V-10.

When it comes to off-roading, the Touareg2 has a set of easy-to-use dials, and you simply set the system up to match the terrain, and off you go. Thanks to features such as standard hill descent control and hill hold control, the Touareg2 is perfectly capable of creeping down a steep hill -- with your foot off the brake, you can climb across rocks without a scratch, go through a considerably deep body of water and perform any number of other feats with nary a whimper.

The brakes deserve special mention. This year, the Touareg2 has ESP dry braking, which means that the brakes are capable, through a complex system, of getting rid of any water film that could cause problems in wet conditions, and the "ABSPlus" system gets rid of loose road surface material from inside the wheels.

Inside, the Touareg2 continues the tradition of Volkswagen being at the top of the game in interior design. Highly polished wood, chrome and aluminum pieces abound, all tolerances are very tight, and everything operates with a sense of precision and smoothness.

Beautiful, richly textured aromatic leather completes the picture. You can now also get a keyless access system with a start/stop button if you wish as a piece of extra equipment.