VW to update 2011 Passat with new technology (update - pg. 3)
12-19-08 | 04:15 AM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,279
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From: CA
^^ Your opinions regarding the Passat and Accord are valued here. Your research has taught me a lot of things I didn't know about the Passat. Now, do the same research on the Accord and you will be equally amazed. Actually, I'd swear by your writings that you are a Passat owner, NOT and Accord owner. Why so much passion toward the Passat?
02 glx v6 tip in rare pine green/tan two tone interior. 04 accord ex-l 5mt i4 w/ nav.
05-13-09 | 04:43 PM
#32
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: CA
2012 Volkswagen Passat - "pulling out all the stops"
Volkswagen's next-generation Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury carmakers, with the car’s designers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
These are the first spy shots of a test-mule for the new car, revealing a longer and wider platform. Clear giveaways on this test-mule, hidden beneath the sheet metal of the current model, are the extended wheel arches and a stretched B-pillar
Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, while the rest of the powertrain lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.
To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, with features that should have the traditional German manufacturers feeling a little worried.
Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.
One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.
These are the first spy shots of a test-mule for the new car, revealing a longer and wider platform. Clear giveaways on this test-mule, hidden beneath the sheet metal of the current model, are the extended wheel arches and a stretched B-pillar
Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, while the rest of the powertrain lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.
To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, with features that should have the traditional German manufacturers feeling a little worried.
Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.
One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.
05-13-09 | 04:49 PM
#33
They've got some good ideas to put onto this car.
Hopefully, with all that technology, this car won't cost greater than its competitors, especially when you take into consideration maintenance, repair, and insurance costs.
As much as the Passat wants to move upscale, it needs to be able to appeal to the everyday car buyer, which is what this car is lacking. It still seems that the Passat is still behind Japanese and even American mid-sized sedans in terms of popularity and praise.
Hopefully, with all that technology, this car won't cost greater than its competitors, especially when you take into consideration maintenance, repair, and insurance costs.
As much as the Passat wants to move upscale, it needs to be able to appeal to the everyday car buyer, which is what this car is lacking. It still seems that the Passat is still behind Japanese and even American mid-sized sedans in terms of popularity and praise.
05-13-09 | 04:53 PM
#35
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: CA
VW is on track to produce a US market specific vehicle that will slot below the Passat in the model range, appealing specifically to "American tastes". The Passat is still an integral piece in VWs brand portfolio around the globe, especially in Europe and China.
Now, VW has said they still intend to sell the Passat in N. America, and thank god. The new "New Midsized Sedan" (NMS), to be produced in Chattanooga, is likely to decrease refinement more akin to Camry/Accord levels, and soften the driving experience to suite American market desires. Not exactly my cup of tea.
VW and Audi are semi-autonomous in their collaboration. They are not Honda and Acura, Nissan and Infiniti. In many ways, they are very different from each other, and the engineers have had animosity on both sides for a long time (especially on Audi's side).
Now, VW has said they still intend to sell the Passat in N. America, and thank god. The new "New Midsized Sedan" (NMS), to be produced in Chattanooga, is likely to decrease refinement more akin to Camry/Accord levels, and soften the driving experience to suite American market desires. Not exactly my cup of tea.
VW and Audi are semi-autonomous in their collaboration. They are not Honda and Acura, Nissan and Infiniti. In many ways, they are very different from each other, and the engineers have had animosity on both sides for a long time (especially on Audi's side).
Last edited by FKL; 05-13-09 at 04:57 PM.
05-13-09 | 04:58 PM
#37
Volkswagen's next-generation Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury carmakers, with the car’s designers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Good one.
The rendering looks good though.
05-13-09 | 05:51 PM
#42
