Autoblog

Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Passat R36

Volkswagen's most powerful Passat ever, the R36, which we've been hearing about for over a year, is finally on sale in the U.K. in both sedan and wagon versions. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system to put the 300 horses and 258 lb. ft. of torque to the ground, VeeDub claims that the sedan can get to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. The wagon is a few hundredths slower in the sprint to sixty, but both boast a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Besides the powertrain updates, the R36 gets a unique body kit, Bi-Xenon headlights and a new grille. Chassis enhancements include 18-inch rims, new brake calipers and most importantly, a 20mm lowering of the ride height. A blindingly bright turned-aluminum dash applique matches the new allow pedals and sill plates, while new seats promise a snug fit. The £30,990 base-price is encroaching on Audi territory, though not one featuring 300 horsepower. Now that Volvo's V70R is no longer available, the £32,150 estate model (that's wagon to us yanks) offers lots of performance and utility in a much more refined manner than your typical SUV. No word on a Stateside offering as of yet, but we won't give up the hope.


[Source: Volkswagen]

VW's Passat R36 is, unquestionably, the coolest-looking Passat you (assuming "you" live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean) can buy today. With its slammed-to-the-ground stance, 10-spoke wheels, and aggressive-looking aero bits, it looks more like a product that should be sporting four rings on the grille and not the circular "VW" badge. Oh, and 300 horsepower doesn't hurt, either. Volkswagen worked with OPTIX Digital Pictures to create the TV spot we've embedded after the jump, which depicts one of the R36 wagons in a race against an arrow launched from an archer's bow. Sure, it doesn't really make a lot of sense, but the car's a hot number and the music's good. Also, because it's a European spot, it's refreshingly devoid of the usual CYA legalese on-screen disclaimers, because Europeans don't need to be told that racing Robin Hood's arrow can be dangerous.

UPDATE: Added the YouTube version after the jump as well for those if you who had trouble w/ the Netscape Video.

[Source: Optix Digital via GermanCarBlog]

When VW teamed up the HPA Motorsports last year to create the Passat R GT concept, the automaker from Wolfsburg caused us to stand up and pay attention. What is this, a Passat from VW with street cred? No way! Now we see VW testing this Passat R36 variant at the Nürburgring, and it's hard not to get excited that it is finally giving its midsize sedan some desperately needed edge. With a 280-horsepower V6 powering all four wheels, this Passat will certainly have edge. All we can do now is hope that one day we'll see this high performance Passat on our shores. Follow the Read link for more images, including shots of a wagon version being tested.

[Source: World Car Fans]