Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

As part of its 2013 Detroit Auto Show debut package, Volkswagen has rolled out a sportier version of the Passat sedan, though it's strictly conceptual for now. A small dose of go-fast visuals have been added to the handsome Volkswagen, including 19-inch wheels, carbon-capped mirrors, an advanced front lighting system, LED taillamps and dual exhaust. Some carbon bits and upgraded leather are found inside the cabin, as well.

But the real performance chops come in the form of a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 250 horsepower to the Passat's front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. That's a good boost in power over the 170 hp of the base 2.5-liter inline-five, but not quite as potent as the 3.6-liter VR6. A lowered sport suspension and revised electronic steering are also on hand, making things slightly more involving out on the road... we assume.

It's not quite the performance concept we were hoping for, but a more enthusiastic Passat isn't necessarily a bad thing. Scroll down for the press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept

Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

Ahead of its official unveiling at next week's Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen has released some preliminary details and images of its Passat Performance Concept - a car that, as its name suggests, adds a little more spice to the automaker's midsize sedan formula. VW makes no mention of any production intent for this road-ready-looking sedan, simply stating that the Performance Concept is a way to "explore this practical four-door's sportier side."

It certainly doesn't look too sporty, the only visual upgrades being larger 19-inch wheels, dual exhaust, bi-xenon headlamps with VW's Advanced Front Lighting system, LED taillmaps and carbon-look mirror caps. Inside, there are carbon interior accents and two-tone leather upholstery. But no matter, the real upgrades for this mightier Passat are found below the sheetmetal.

Powering the Performance Concept is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 250 horsepower and sending its grunt to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission. For reference, that's 80 more horsepower than the Passat's base 2.5-liter inline-five, but 20 horsepower less than the potent 3.6-liter VR6. As for other performance upgrades, Volkswagen has fitted the car with a lowered sport suspension and revamped electronic steering, which should indeed add a bit more dynamic feedback to the already nice-driving sedan.

We'll see the Performance Concept in the metal next week under the lights of Cobo Hall. In the meantime, scroll down to read Volkswagen's brief press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut

Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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