Volkswagen Passat GT Concept Adds Some Spice To A Somewhat Bland Sedan: Comments

[William Maley]

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Let's be honest for a moment. The current Volkswagen Passat is about as interesting a looking a white wall. But we have to admit Volkswagen has been able to give Passat some style with the introduction of the Passat GT concept. 

The exterior features a number of cues that you would find on the GTI such a honeycomb grille with a red outline, LED headlights, smoked taillights, and bumper treatments. The roof, mirror caps, and spoiler are blacked out. The interior features carbon fiber trim, black and gray sport seats, and a center console finished in piano black.

Power comes from a 3.6L VR6 engine with 280 horsepower paired with a six-speed DSG transmission. A new exhaust system with trapezoidal tips has been tuned to produce a nice growl. The suspension has been dropped by 0.6-inches 

“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. We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the U.S., combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team,” said Dr. Matthias Erb, Chief Engineering Officer for the North American Region, Volkswagen. 

Whether or not we see Volkswagen put the Passat GT into production remains to be seen.

Source: Volkswagen 
Press Release is on Page 2

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Volkswagen Unveils Passat GT Concept at Automobility LA

Nov 14, 2016

• Designed in America at the Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
• More than 20 interior/exterior updates create the most aggressive Passat yet
• Combines 280-hp VR6 engine with lowered suspension and sport exhaust

Herndon, Va. –  This week at Automobility LA, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will unveil the Passat GT concept, designed by the company’s North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, Tenn. Combining fresh styling updates with the powerful 280-hp VR6® engine, the Passat GT concept previews a potential addition to the Passat lineup. The concept was created by Volkswagen’s North American Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga based on extensive feedback from U.S. customers and dealers.

“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, Chief Engineering Officer, North American Region, Volkswagen. “We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the U.S., combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team.”

More than 20 design changes from the standard Passat mark the GT as a unique, eye-catching sedan. Starting from the black honeycomb grille insert with red accent lines that harken to those on the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the upgrades include unique bumper treatments, black window surrounds, a black roof and trunk spoiler, LED headlights, smoked taillights, a dual trapezoidal exhaust and a sport muffler. The 19-inch Tornado wheels cover red-painted brake calipers, and a 0.6-inch reduction in ride height gives the Passat GT concept a road-hugging stance.

Inside, the Passat GT creates a sportier impression with carbon-fiber pattern door trim and instrument panel, two-tone black-and-gray sport seats with contrast stitching, a black headliner and piano black center console trim. Power comes from the Volkswagen 3.6-liter TSI® VR6, which makes 280 horsepower, tied to a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, controlled through shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

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[Drew Dowdell]

So it's just an appearance package? Doesn't the Passat already have 280hp in V6 form?

[Frisky Dingo]

6 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

So it's just an appearance package? Doesn't the Passat already have 280hp in V6 form?

Yes. And unless they sharpened the suspension and steering, there's nothing really too compelling here. I mean, it does look kinda cool, but still. The 2.0T and a 6MT as options would have been nice offerings. 

[A Horse With No Name]

11 minutes ago, Frisky Dingo said:

Yes. And unless they sharpened the suspension and steering, there's nothing really too compelling here. I mean, it does look kinda cool, but still. The 2.0T and a 6MT as options would have been nice offerings. 

Sadly, I do not think we will see that.  Given VW's other problems, this is really too little, too late.

[regfootball]

"SS"

[Stew]

I like the look and the upgraded suspension sounds interesting, but they should up the power to say 300 for some extra differentiation.  A 6 speed manual would be interesting too. 

[Cory Wolfe]

Cosmetically, it's okay. Mechanically, it's okay. Overall, it's okay. It's... easily produceable. Give it a bit more power, AWD, and a manual transmission and then we'll talk. 

[Frisky Dingo]

Yeah, this should have at least had upgraded brakes, a bit more power, an LSD, and a manual option to be taken seriously.