WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen has unveiled a powerful — and expensive — new variant of its Touareg off-roader, dubbed the R50.

The Touareg R50 gets a hotter version of VW's brawny 5.0-liter V10 TDI, uprated to 345 horsepower and a mind-numbing 627 pound-feet of torque. The extra muscle translates into better straight-line performance, including an astonishing 0-60-mph acceleration time of less than 6.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Despite the boost, VW says the Touareg's fuel economy remains unchanged at 18.7 mpg on the Europe combined cycle.

The R50 is fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, and its continuous damping control has been modified to lower the ride height by 0.8 inch. The vehicle rides on 21-inch Omanyt 10-spoke alloy wheels.

A Touareg R design package bundles a body-color roof spoiler and bumpers, wheel-arch extensions, a matte-chrome grille and honeycomb inserts in the airdams. Additional goodies in the cabin include Napa leather seats, door-sill protectors, R logos on the pedals and other detail items.

In the U.K., Volkswagen has priced the Touareg R50 at $124,900.

What this means to you: The Touareg R50 is a monster — and so is its sticker price. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent