The last time Volkswagen->ke94 attempted to sell a car larger than the Passat->ke224 in the U.S., things didn’t go so well. Before it was axed on our shores after the 2006 model year, the Phaeton->ke287 sold only 2,253 units. Now, according to the U.K.’s Car Magazine, Volkswagen is brainstorming a new model aimed at the growing large sedan->ke142 markets in the U.S. and China. It will slot in between the Passat and Phaeton, which is still sold in several markets and is due to be replaced soon.

The new car will could be built on either Volkswagen’s modular MQB architecture or possibly Audi’s->ke14 MLB architecture. It will have a more sleek and sporty look than either the Passat or Phaeton, with power and components to match, and will probably be available as a sedan or wagon.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen's future Super-Passat.

Why it matters

Power will come from one of Volkswagen’s engines, with a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 and 272 horsepower 3.0-liter TDI V-6 at the top. Volkswagen’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI four cylinder and 2.0-liter TDI four cylinder may provide smaller-displacement options. If Volkswagen decides to use its own MQB platform, the engine will be mounted transversely — longitudinally if the Audi MLB platform is used.

Engines will be mated to a new and compact dual-clutch transmission, channeling power to either the front or all four wheels. Either Volkswagen’s 4Motion or Audi’s quattro system could be used, but, again, it depends on which architecture VW goes with. Electric steering and adaptive damping are expected features.

A large, fast sedan would be a welcome alternative to the dull, yet competent Passat. The car’s starting projected cost of $36,000 would pit it against the lower end of the premium spectrum. That would include cars from Audi, but the Volkswagen Group doesn’t seem too concerned about parts sharing these days.

Volkswagen’s product planners say the time is right for such a car. For the sake of their jobs, lets hope they’re right. But there’s no way it could be as big a flop here as the Phaeton was.

If green-lit, the new model will go on sale in 2017

Volkswagen Passat