VOLKSWAGEN Passat R36 Variant 2008-2010 Photos, engines & full specs

Known mostly by its fuel-efficient versions, the Passat was one of the most common choices in the European mid-size segment, but in 2008 also came with the R36 sporty version, available as a sedan or station wagon.

Families who needed a larger vehicle could always opt for a station wagon, but fast drivers needed more powerful engines and transmissions on which they could rely on. Volkswagen already knew that since its premium brother Audi already made big money with the RS4/RS6 Avant models. Considering this, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker dropped a potent engine under the Passat's hood, and thus the R36 was born.

You didn't have to be a champion at a "find the differences" game to recognize an R36 from a mundane TDI version of the Passat. First of all, there was a completely different front bumper extended downwards and included a broad center grille flanked by two air-intakes to cool the brakes. Moreover, the ground clearance was lowered, and a pair of aerodynamically-profiled skirts adorned the sides of the vehicle. Last but not least, the back of the car received a wider roof spoiler than the rest of its Varian siblings, and a dual exhaust system flanked the rear apron.

Inside, Volkswagen added a pair of sport bucket seats with R36 logos embroidered on the front seats' seatbacks. Moreover, the steering wheel was decorated with the same badge on the lower of the three spokes it featured, while the pedals were finished with a stainless steel aspect. Finally, on the center console, the gear selector for the automatic transmission had an aluminum look.

But all those visual modifications were meant to complete the drivetrain. Volkswagen installed a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood that developed 295 hp (300 PS) and a healthy dose of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox (DSG) that sent the power in all corners via a Haldex electronically controlled system.