Unveiled at Automobility LA, Volkswagen's Passat GT concept brings together blacked trim elements, a lower stance, and a muscular V6 to propose a more aggressive-looking sports sedan for the North American market.
Designed by the Volkswagen team in Tennessee, the Passat GT concept is powered by the model's production turbocharged 3.6-liter V6, which outputs 280 horsepower (209 kW). In the concept, it's mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering-mounted shift paddles. Outside of this powertrain detail, it appears that the rest of the Passat GT Concept's changes from the standard models are cosmetic.
"The Passat GT is an early example of how the new Volkswagen North American Region will meet the needs and desires of American customers going forward," said Dr. Matthias Erb, Volkswagen's Chief Engineering Officer for the North American Region.
A black honeycombed grille insert with red accent lines is the first change noted, along with 19-inch Tornado wheels over red brake calipers. There's also black surrounds for the windows, spoilers, and changes to the bumper, which come together for a unique look on the Passat's white body paint.
LED headlights, smoked tail lamp covers, and a sport muffler finish the job. Volkswagen engineers say they've also lowered the sedan by just over half an inch (15.2mm).
On the inside, the Passat GT concept has carbon-fiber patterned trim and two-tone black-and-gray sport seats. Piano black makes up the rest of the interior's scheme.
The finished look is a good one for the VW Passat, though we're not entirely sure that this is, as Volkswagen claims, what America really needs.
Source: Volkswagen