2018 Volkswagen Passat GT

Launched all the way back in 1973, the Passat is one of Volkswagen's most iconic models, up there with the Golf and the Beetle. But unlike the Golf, the midsize has yet to gain a higher performance GTI version. Even the tiny Polo got the infamous red stripe, but for some reason, VW kept the Passat away from this badge. It doesn't really seem as this would change anytime soon, but Volkswagen just introduced something similar in the United States. Developed based on extensive feedback from U.S. customers and dealers, the Passat GT is pretty much a GTI model without the massive power and the chassis upgrades.

Visually, the GT is heavily based on the Golf GTI. Not only it sports the iconic red stripe on its front grille, but it also has a number of blacked-up out features that give it a more menacing look. The interior was upgraded too and received quite a few extra standard features. Things aren't as spectacular under the hood, where we can find the same VR6 engine as in the regular range-topping model, but the Passat GT benefits from a retuned suspension for a sportier ride. Based on the R-Line version, the Passat GT is a limited-run model, but Volkswagen had nothing to say about production figures. Let's find out more about it below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Passat GT.

2018 Volkswagen Passat GT

2018 Volkswagen Passat Gets GTI Treatment in Detroit, Sans the Big Horsepower

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT
Engine/Motor: V6
Horsepower: 280
Torque: 258
[do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Volkswagen Passat GT special

- Red stripe on the grille - Standard LED lights - Blacked-out features - R-Line bumper - Read spoiler - Dual exhaust - Piano black trim - Fake carbon-fiber - Heated seats - Leather steering wheel - 3.6-liter VR6 engine - 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet - Sporty suspension

While most special-edition Volkswagens barely stand out from the pack in terms of exterior features, the Passat GT has quite a few extra features to brag about. The first thing that catches the eye is the red accent stripe on the upper grille and headlamps. Reminiscent of the iconic Golf GTI, the stripe also adorns the lower frame of the grille. The front fascia also sports a honeycomb grille with a "GT" badge and a bumper from the R-Line model, which features black accents and sportier side intakes. Additionally, it gets standard LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

Onto the sides, there's black window trim and black mirror caps, as well as two-tone multi-spoke wheels. The red brake calipers add a dash of color from behind black-and-silver rims. The lowered ride height gives the sedan a sportier stance. The rear section received its fair share of upgrades too, starting with the black spoiler and the smoked LED taillights. The bumper comes with slim black trim, just like the lower door sections, while the standard exhaust pipe was replaced with a dual configuration. Four exterior colors are available for this model: Pure White (pictured), Reflex Silver, Platinum Grey, and Deep Black.

The sporty theme continues inside with piano black trim on the center console and fake carbon-fiber on the lower dashboard. The headliner is also black for an almost all-black layout. The aluminum door sills feature "GT" badges. The seats are wrapped in black leatherette (yup, that's not real leather unfortunately) with Moonrock Gray inserts and white contrast stitching. Extra standard features compared to the regular Passat include a leather steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and heated mirrors

The 6.3-inch infotainment display comes standard with Bluetooth, voice control, and Volkswagen's Car-Net App-Connect technology that offers compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.

Under the hood, the Passat GT packs the company's familiar 3.6-liter VR6 engine. The unit cranks out a solid 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful Passat available in the United States. All that oomph travels to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Despite being this powerful, the GT still returns good economy, being rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. A sportier suspension setup provides a more dynamic experience behind the wheel.

The Passat GT is expected to arrive at dealers in the second quarter of 2018 with a start price of $29,090 (not including the $850 destination fee). That's a $6,095 premium over the base model, but at the same time, it costs $2,560 less than the range-topping Passat SEL Premium.