VW Mid-Market Sedan Caught

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http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-nms.html

Volkswagen has some pretty ambitious sales goals for the U.S. market in the coming years, with the bulk of those plans centering around one new VW model — the new mid-market sedan, or NMS for short. Our spy photographers managed to catch-up with the future Toyota Camry-fighter, marking the first time the vehicle has been spotted in the United States.

Although these are simply low-resolution camera phone images, this is the very first time Volkswagen’s soon-to-be Chattanooga-built “mid-market” sedan has ever been spotted (and photographed) in the United States. The new sedan is intended to go head-to-head with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Referred to as the NMS, this new car will fit in-between the Jetta and Passat in VW’s lineup, and will likely have a starting price of around $20,000.

In contrast to most future vehicle plans, Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what they hope to accomplish with this vehicle, as well as required amenities. VW has hinted that the new sedan will boast generous legroom, a larger trunk, bigger cup holders, improved interior quality, a six-speed dual clutch transmission, gas and diesel powerplants and the possibility of all-wheel drive.

Initially, engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico – the same ones as found in the New Beetle and Jetta. A previously-spotted test mule – as clearly seen on the paper affixed to the windshield – was powered by VW’s 2.5-liter I5.

In addition to the North American market, VW may be also developing this platform for the Chinese market.

VW’s new Tennessee plant is expected to be up and running by early 2011, so look for the NMS to hit the market sometime after that.

Pictures after the jump.

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With a B-Pillar that big, I envision Sixty8 setting fire to many.