Volkswagen->ke94 has announced the launch of the new Passat->ke224 Wolfsburg Edition. The special edition sedan will sit between the base S and mid-level SE in the model lineup.

This special edition looks to build on the company’s heritage, as Wolfsburg where all VW models ultimately hail from. When VW started making the original Type 1 (a.k.a. Bug) most cars came with the Wolfsburg Castle image on the car's horn button.

The German automaker's headquarters has been used in many past special editions and the cars that bear the Wolfsburg name usually give buyers a few upgrades over the base model and additional badging.

The new car is based on the S model trim, but includes a number of standard features to add some extra value to the pot, while keeping costs as low as possible. The Wolfsburg model is distinguished by special wheels and badging.

Hit the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition

2013 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-5
  • Horsepower: 170
  • Torque: 177
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Wolfsburg’s exterior styling will look similar to the base S model, with its wide front grille and large, center-mounted “VW” emblem. The horizontal slats in the grille and the front air splitter give it a sporty look, as do its crisp, yet flowing lines.

Beyond the standard S styling, the Wolfsburg Edition will come standard with special 16-inch alloy wheels and Wolfsburg badging. These additional features are there to remind you that you are driving a special model, but the average person probably won't notice any exterior difference.

Exterior Specifications

Drag Coefficient

0.29

Wheelbase (inches)

110.4

Front Track (inches)

62.1

Rear Track (inches)

61.0

Length (inches)

191.6

Width (inches)

72.2

Height (inches)

58.5

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.4

Curb Weight (pounds)

3,221


Interior

The interior is where a lot of the Wolfsburg Edition’s special features are concentrated. You get all of the standard features in the base S model, plus you get upgrades, like perforated and heated leatherette seats with a power driver-side seat, and satellite radio. While satellite radio is nice, many people are more likely to listen to music on their smart phone or MP3 player and the Passat Wolfsburg helps those buyers out with VW's Media Device-Interface with an iPod cable included.

Standard Features

- Perforated V-Tex leatherette seats

- Power driver’s seat

- heated front seats

- satellite radio

- Media Device-Interface (MDI) with an iPod® cable

- Multi-function steering wheel and trip computer

- Bluetooth® with audio streaming

- Power-operated side mirrors with integrated turn signals

- Six airbags

- Automatic headlights with Coming/Leaving Home feature

- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Drivetrain

The Wolfsburg comes with the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that is found in the base S model. The engine pumps out 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The five-pot engine mates to a six-speed automatic transmission that puts the power to the ground through the front wheels. While the power is not Earth shattering, it can still manage a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.2 seconds.

Engine

2.5-liter five-cylinder engine

Horsepower

170 @ 5,700 rpm

Torque (pound-feet)

177 @ 4,250 rpm

Transmission

six-speed automatic transmission


Price

The 2013 Passat Wolfsburg Edition will cost $23,495 and will go on sale staring in late spring of 2013.

Competion

2013 Honda Accord

The Accord offers a 177-horsepower base model and the optional V-6 engine takes it up all the way to 271 horsepower, which puts it among the best in its class. The exterior design reminds one of past models but with updated crisp lines. The interior is made from good-quality materials, but some of the controls and the design of the center console seem awkward.

2013 Toyota Camry

The Camry is available with engine options that can produce anywhere from 178 horsepower to 268 horsepower. Overall, the Camry is built more for someone with a family, as it is better as a reliable a-to-b car that's not a huge thrill to drive. Sure, it is much improved over the last variant, but it is still uninspiring at best. It has a useable interior that is laid out pretty well. The Camry's styling is fine, but it is not going to get you too excited.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition is basically an optioned up base model with special wheels and badging. The Passat is a top-level sedan with youthful styling and this special edition retains all of this. If you want all the added standard features on your car then this can be a good value, but if you don't care about all the features added to the Wolfsburg then you may be able to option up a base model for a lower price.