Automotive

What America needs? Volkwagen's Passat GT concept

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Designed by the Volkswagen team in Tennessee, the Passat GT Concept is powered by the model’s production 3.6-liter V6
A black honeycombed grille insert with red accent lines is the first change noted on the bodywork of the Passat GT concept
Designed by the Volkswagen team in Tennessee, the Passat GT Concept is powered by the model’s production 3.6-liter V6
Smoked taillamps and a dual trapezoidal exhaust are also seen on the Passat GT concept
Black surrounds for the windows, spoilers, and changes to the bumper are also noted, which come together for a unique look against the Passat GT’s white body paint
Mated to the Passat GT's V6 engine is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering-mounted shift paddles
Body lines on the Passat GT concept are similar to those found on the Volkswagen Golf GTI
On the inside, the Passat GT Concept has carbon-fiber patterned trim and two-tone black-and-gray sport seats
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
View gallery - 8 images

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

View gallery - 8 images
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2 comments
DarylSchleppe
The european passat is a much more attractive model. Sporty with classy lines. This is an over aggressive riced passat. The front air scoops are awful and whats with the hood having three levels to it. Terrible. Give us North Americans the Euro models please. If we wanted North American styling we would buy from an American company.
ThomasMitchell
Yawn. Same antiquated FWD only NMS chassis and VR6 motor. VW shows it is definitely NOT serious about being an enthusiast's car maker in the US. Give us the Euro Passat and GTI Clubsport already.