VW to update 2011 Passat with new technology (update - pg. 3)
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It sounds promising. As well as promising a radical redesign that will make us think twice about wanting a 3-series, C-Class or an A4, the new Passat will be rammed with advanced technology including weight-saving measures like miniature air-con compressors and electric seat adjusters, new ultra-thin toughened glass, featherweight foam injection chassis stiffening, semi-active air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a lighter low-friction 4Motion system with dynamic torque split... the list goes on.
You want more tech? How about airless tyres from Continental, a Bosch wiperless window cleaning system, 360deg parking cameras, ESP with automatic counter-steer assistance, speed limit-obeying adaptive cruise control and – our favourite – magnetic low-voltage paint which can change colour by changing the current. It sounds far flung but VW is seriously considering all this for the 2012 Passat replacement.
What will be under the bonnet of the new Passat?
To pander to the Passat’s transverse layout, VW has given the go ahead for a VR6 replacement. The 280bhp 3.0 V6 retains its narrow 15deg V angle, and is fitted with direct injection and will be turbocharged in most applications – and it will also be offered in hybrid form. VW is expected to unveil a 300bhp diesel version of the engine, coupled to the new eight-speed dry-clutch DSG 'box and available with four-wheel drive.
My word…and what about the proposed Passat Plus?
This true E-class and 5-series rival will share its underpinnings with the next Audi A6/A7 and, according to insiders is an elegantly sculpted four-door saloon with a sumptuous Phaeton-inspired interior. While the Passat Plus will get the new V6s, the standard Passat will continue VW’s penchant for combining supercharger and turbocharger for most petrol engines and single or twin-turbo blowers for its diesels.
You want more tech? How about airless tyres from Continental, a Bosch wiperless window cleaning system, 360deg parking cameras, ESP with automatic counter-steer assistance, speed limit-obeying adaptive cruise control and – our favourite – magnetic low-voltage paint which can change colour by changing the current. It sounds far flung but VW is seriously considering all this for the 2012 Passat replacement.
What will be under the bonnet of the new Passat?
To pander to the Passat’s transverse layout, VW has given the go ahead for a VR6 replacement. The 280bhp 3.0 V6 retains its narrow 15deg V angle, and is fitted with direct injection and will be turbocharged in most applications – and it will also be offered in hybrid form. VW is expected to unveil a 300bhp diesel version of the engine, coupled to the new eight-speed dry-clutch DSG 'box and available with four-wheel drive.
My word…and what about the proposed Passat Plus?
This true E-class and 5-series rival will share its underpinnings with the next Audi A6/A7 and, according to insiders is an elegantly sculpted four-door saloon with a sumptuous Phaeton-inspired interior. While the Passat Plus will get the new V6s, the standard Passat will continue VW’s penchant for combining supercharger and turbocharger for most petrol engines and single or twin-turbo blowers for its diesels.
![](http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/11611/images/VW-Passat-Cross.jpg)
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...ontent-block=1
#7
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Never mind the technnology. A number of automakers need to stop concentrating on so much high-tech stuff and, instead, put some SOLIDNESS back into their sheet metal, trim, and hardware. The Passat, unfortunately, is no exception. Check out the plastics used on the dash and interior of the latest model (I did recently, but did not formally write the car up).........IMO some of them are insultingly cheap and poorly-fitted. You can almost pull some of them right off with your hands.
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#8
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The Passat, unfortunately, is no exception. Check out the plastics used on the dash and interior of the latest model (I did recently, but did not formally write the car up).........IMO some of them are insultingly cheap and poorly-fitted. You can almost pull some of them right off with your hands.
mmarshall, then what do you think about this post:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4091826-post48.html
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Never mind the technnology. A number of automakers need to stop concentrating on so much high-tech stuff and, instead, put some SOLIDNESS back into their sheet metal, trim, and hardware. The Passat, unfortunately, is no exception. Check out the plastics used on the dash and interior of the latest model (I did recently, but did not formally write the car up).........IMO some of them are insultingly cheap and poorly-fitted. You can almost pull some of them right off with your hands.
Any validity this statement may have (and it does have some, but not nearly to the level you insinuate) will be rectified with the new Golf and Passat range. The Golf 6 has already been hailed as having Phaeton-like levels of build quality in the interior and exterior, levels that they will need to compete with the small entries from Diamler and BMW. Sadly, the car is going to again be too costly to compete effectively in the American market, where consumers don't shop for premium equipped and finished small cars. Same with this Passat. You all can write it off all you want, but the product designers at every other manufacture are studying this car, just as they have all previous generations. It has always been dissected and copied, it is and always has since 1998, been the benchmark for this class.
Some of you may refuse to believe this, perhaps you should take a look at the evolution of equipment levels on the Passat/Golf, and the time it takes competing manufactures to come to market with their own systems. For instance, curtain airbags and traction control became standard across the board in 2001. Honda did this in 2005. The current Passat offers rear side airbags - look for this feature in the competition a few years from now. Volkswagen started offering a switchblade remote key on all cars starting in 1999 - Honda just released a few Acura models with it last year, Mazda has followed. One touch sunroof in 1998, competition around 2004, auto up/down windows in 98 w/ pinch protection, competition around 05. The Passat came with a rear sunshade system in 1998, the Camry followed in 2002. VW standardized telescoping steering wheels in 1998 - Honda in 2003, on one car. VW offered a standard full trip computer in the dash, the competition hasn't gotton around to adding this (though it can be yours on a top trim $40,000 Honda Odyssey Touring, but only a single trip computer). Hood hydraulic assists have been standardized on all of their cars since 1999. The Passat has come with standard projector beam lamps since 2001 - Accord never, Camry 2006. Standard Bi-LED tail lamps with LED turn signals and brake lamps, costly design, standard, not available on competition (both brakelamps and turn signals). Mind you, I haven't even began to start talking about powertrain innovations (5-Speed Porsche Boxter tiptronic in 98, Turbos, Direct injection, etc.). My point is, they bring the features to this class, others follow, reliability suffers because of the constant introduction of new technology and features - just read the opening post, that proves the point I'm trying to make. The Passat sells very well across the globe and is a crucuial part in the VW range. It's not a second tier, second rate, chintzy car, which your post above makes it sound like.
Last edited by FKL; 12-17-08 at 01:39 PM.
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Hmm... Interesting.
mmarshall, then what do you think about this post:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4091826-post48.html
mmarshall, then what do you think about this post:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4091826-post48.html
#12
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VW has admitted to downgrading the interiors of their Golf and Passat range in 2006 for a costly independent rear suspension setup and increased engine technology (direct injection), but your assesement is way off base. I think you need to go sit in a comprable Japanese sedan and directly compare build quality. The Passat still wipes the slate clean -
Any validity this statement may have (and it does have some, but not nearly to the level you insinuate) will be rectified with the new Golf and Passat range.
The Passat sells very well across the globe and is a crucuial part in the VW range. It's not a second tier, second rate, chintzy car, which your post above makes it sound like.
Any validity this statement may have (and it does have some, but not nearly to the level you insinuate) will be rectified with the new Golf and Passat range.
The Passat sells very well across the globe and is a crucuial part in the VW range. It's not a second tier, second rate, chintzy car, which your post above makes it sound like.
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Last edited by mmarshall; 12-17-08 at 02:38 PM.
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My appologies if I came off as rude, mmarshall. I really do respect your opinion and love reading your reviews (I have gone back and read countless in the archive). I can agree to disagree on this one, that's fine with me
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Don't worry about it. No problem. ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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Thanks.![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Toyota Venza V6 review coming up. Not only by CL request, but I've been waiting a long time to try out this car myself. Look for it by Thursday night or Friday. I suspect that this car would be an excellent platform for a possible Lexus version.
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I really do respect your opinion and love reading your reviews (I have gone back and read countless in the archive). I can agree to disagree on this one, that's fine with me
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Toyota Venza V6 review coming up. Not only by CL request, but I've been waiting a long time to try out this car myself. Look for it by Thursday night or Friday. I suspect that this car would be an excellent platform for a possible Lexus version.