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.
What's an RS? Well, appearances would possibly indicate that it's going to be the production version of the Thunder Bunny Concept (right) from last year's SEMA show. The nameplate mounted to the front bumper identifies the hatch as the Golf RS, or possibly RSi -- the photo resolution's too low to tell.
A quick look at the attached Thunder Bunny gallery shows that the bodywork is one and the same, and the RS/RSi car looks prepped for business with its lowered suspension, racing-style seats (which are far more purposeful than the Thunder Bunny's), and 10-spoke Passat R36 wheels shod in meaty rubber. If the gear underhood displaces 3.6 liters, we could be looking at a Golf R36. Any way you cut it, the car's pretty boss, and our interest is piqued.
For those following the development of Volkswagen's hottest of hot hatches, it's common knowledge that the automaker has been hard at work adapting the engine from the R36 Passat to fit within the confines of the new Golf. Hans Lehmann and his clandestine photogs were able to catch this new breed of hatch undergoing cold weather testing, but according to the shooters, those R32 badges on the deck lid don't tell the truth about what lies beneath.
The Golf R36 prototype benefits from the aforementioned engine upgrade, producing power somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 HP and sending it to all four wheels via a DSG gearbox. Although the exterior hasn't benefited from any extensive modifications, those gaping air intakes in the front fascia certainly speak to the R36's sporting creds.
If we ever see this thing Stateside, we hope that those roof-mounted driving lamps are offered as a factory accessory.
According to AutoTelegraaf, a loose-lipped V-dub employee spilled the beans that the German automaker is developing an R-badged high-performance version of the Touareg SUV. Unlike current gas-powered R variants such as the R32 Golf and upcoming R36 Passat, the R-badged Touareg will likely be based on the 4.9L V10 TDI model. Motor Authority reports that aftermarket tuners have gotten this engine to produce upwards of 625 ft-lbs. of torque and 365bhp, which bodes well for this SUV's potential. According to VW's naming convention, the new model will likely be called the R50. In terms of appearance, it's thought the R50 will resemble the R-line Touareg (shown) that can be built by outfitting your SUV with parts from the VW Individual customization program. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether this speculation includes the U.S. as a possible market for the R50. Currently, we're only promised the presence of the R32, which isn't even here yet (you can preorder one of the 5,000 earmarked for the States here), so chances are the R50 is not in our immediate future.
Oh, what we would have done to be the gas station attendant on duty when this rolled up. Some lucky New Mexicans had a chance to adore a GTR prototype up close, when it stopped for fuel while undergoing altitude testing in New Mexico yesterday.
Not much is camo'd in the pics, with the exception of the front end and, according to the photographer, the interior. While there's nothing new to report on the styling front, we'd ask you to direct your attention to the absolutely stunning seven-spoke rimmage, framing the equally drool-worthy gold binders.
We can't wait. We can't wait. We can't wait. And this is just the latest reminder that we'll be able to finally experience the pinnacle of Nissan performance here in the States.
Official pics of the Passat R36 have mysteriously appeared on various international auto sites that show the car in full production trim well ahead of its official debut, which is likely to take place in Geneva early next year. And let us be the first to say: hot, hot, hot. Pardon us but we're totally grooving on the Audi R8-like air intakes at the bottom corners of the tweaked front fascia. Yeah, that's right, we said Audi R-like. Clearly the car has new side sills and a new rear skirt to accomodate a pair of large diameter tail pipes. The extra chrome brightwork on the Passat R36 is also a nice touch. Inside the car are deeply bolstered buckets, what appears to be faux stamped aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals. From what we know, the 3.6-liter FSI V6 in this hopped up Passat will produce 296 horsepower that's routed to all four wheels via VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive. Some quick sniks of the DSG transmission should propel the R36, which will be available as either a sedan or wagon, to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. Phew, never thought we'd say that about a Passat. The car will reportedly debut at the Essen Motor Show in Germany in early Decemer.
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.
Mazda owners can't have all the fun can they? Volkswagen's answer is a resounding "Hell no!" And with that, the possibility of an extra-spicy version of their mid-sized, grocery getter is on the table.
AutoExpress reports that an uprated Passat may come to market, equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 found in the R36 and, it's safe to assume, a six-speed manual or DSG feeding power through all four wheels.
When, where and how much is all up in the air, but we'd expect more information before year's end.
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