The Passat was launched in 2008 and the latest variant was launched this year. It has only a 2-litre CRDi engine and the petrol will come later. Its biggest competitors are the Honda Accord, Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry and the Hyundai Sonata. VW has launched the Passat with the BlueMotion technology and the Passat has the first in class park assist and Dynamic Light Assist.
Volkswagen has decided to add a couple of packages this past year to keep the interest in the Passat CC at a reasonable level for VW standards. Towards the end of last year, they came out with the R-line package for the Passat CC and this year they are coming at us again with another package. The new Volkswagen Exclusive options package is now available from 35,225 € ($42,100 US) in Germany. This special model can be combined with all engine variants of the Passat CC.
The Exclusive package comes with two-tone leather upholstery for the six-way electrically adjustable comfort seats - "Nougat" combined with black Nappa leather. There are also illuminated door entry strips, ambient lighting, an extended chrome package, "Black Piano" lacquer trim, and other identifying features of the Passat CC Exclusive.
For the exterior Volkswagen is offering the "Moonlight blue pearl effect" paint which is reserved for only the Exclusive models. There is also a set of 18-inch alloy wheels in a black color version.
According to the German magazine Autobild, this is not a Photoshop version of the Passat, but the actual first image of the next Volkswagen Passat that will go on sale this fall.
The new Passat gets a curved front with a refining of the front end that freshens up the traditional brand face. It sits a little wider than the current model and gets the first set of LED daytime running lights that are similar to the ones found on the Touareg. This model follows along the same design lines as the newly renovated luxury Phaeton model and the similarities are evident in this first image.
Under the hood there will be a wide range of engines, starting with a 105 HP 1.2 liters engine and going to up to 300 HP 3.6-liter V-6.
The new Passat is said to have a lifespan taking it into 2014, but then the mid-size sedan will be replaced with a completely new model yet to be determined.
We’ve heard about the next generation Passat for a couple of years now. We have even seen a rendering of this Passat back in 2008. Now, at the Paris Auto Show, Volkswagen will finally unveil new generation Passat with a fresh new look and a restyled cabin.
Volkswagen styling director Walter de Silva said when talking about the new Passat: "We have been accused of visual sameness. But to understand our strategy, you need to look at the big picture. First of all, we must create a truly sustainable common form language for all VW models. Once the customers have taken in the new identity, we can start to differentiate slowly and very carefully. Consider for example the redefined family face, the implementation of which will be complete early next year. It defines the brand, and it must in essence remain about as consistent and classy as the design philosophy pursued by Apple. What makes all the difference is how the sculpture, the surfaces and the detailing relay exactly the right mix of style and substance."
The new Passat will feature bolder air intakes, a more angular grille, slimmer mirrors and parallel double streaks along the cleaned up flanks. Under the hood there will be a wide range of engines, starting with a 105 HP 1.2 liters engine and going to up to 300 HP 3.6-liter V-6.
This new Passat will live on until its eventual demise in 2014 when it will be replaced by an entirely new model. The Passat name will live on as the Passat CC and the Passat cabriolet continue their ride.
Exactly one month ago, we brought some interesting information about an Audi TTS that was planning on making the Pike Peaks International Hill Climb without a driver sitting in the driver’s seat. That technology was brought forth by the masterminds over at Stanford University who have spent a lot of time working on the automobiles of the future. This technology is rapidly approaching reality and eventually there will be no need for drivers at all. Case in point is the Volkswagen Passat by the name of Junior. The VW was wired up before the Audi TTS (Shelley) was born and has even placed second in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) 2007 Urban Challenge, a race in which an autonomous car must navigate city streets, obey traffic laws, avoid obstructions, and, crucially, drive well among other cars in traffic. The video shown here illustrates Junior’s capabilities as they were back in 2007 when it was attempting to qualify for the Urban Challenge. The folks over at Stanford University came across some problems with Junior, but in the video shown after the jump, the solution to these problems is explained.
Volkswagen has just announced that they are now taking orders for their premium full size sports inspired Passat CC R-Line for a 2,200 Euro premium when combined with the Passat CC 2.0 TDI version. The R-Line package includes more aggressive exterior bodywork including a deeper front spoiler and side skirts, R-Line logos and smoked rear lights out back. Rounding out the R-Line design are a set of 17 inch "Mallory" alloy wheels, with 18 inch R-Line rollers available as an option. Upgrading the Comfort Coupe’s luxurious interior, Volkswagen has added a host of customized aluminum kick plates complete with engraved R-Line Logo as well as a sports inspired three spoke leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel. With the new Passat CC R-Line, VW is taking their most stylish full size car to date and injects a healthy helping of fun, giving the CC a whole new attitude.
