The latest Passat in the U.S market is perceived as a less-expensive executive car with hardly any sporting character. However, VW thinks that the upcoming Passat Performance Concept to be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, will change that notion.
The subtle nature of the body kit that this “Performance Concept” wears may be a little misleading, as this is one timid-looking sedan that’s ready to run. The concept will feature 19-inch Luxor wheels, a new front bumper with honeycomb inserts, to go along with HID headlamps and LED tail lamps borrowed from the Chinese Passat.
Step inside and two-tone leather upholstery welcomes you along with, carbon-fiber-looking accent pieces and black headliner. We’re a little turned off by the faux carbon fiber, but we’ll deal with it or now.
The main highlight of this concept is the EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot engine that will most likely be used in the U.S.-spec Beetle, Jetta and Passat. This engine is already used in the Asian and European markets, and would theoretically replace the 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder in the U.S.-spec models.
Though the number of the cylinders is fewer and the displacement is lower than the engine it would replace, this new four-cylinder produces 250-horsepower – an increase of 80 ponies from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine – and it’s more fuel efficient.
Since it is still just a concept, eager customers will have to wait for VW to officially announce the release of this model, which could be dubbed Passat R-Line.
2013 Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept
- Make: Array
- Model: 2013 Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept
- Horsepower: 250
- Transmission: 6-Speed
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
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