Segment: Medium
Production years: 2008, 2009, 2010
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.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.6 V6 6AT (300 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3598 cm3 |
Power: | 220 KW @ 6600 RPM 300 HP @ 6600 RPM 295 BHP @ 6600 RPM |
Torque: | 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5300 RPM 350 Nm @ 2400-5300 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (DSG) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/40 R18 Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 187.95 in (4774 mm) |
Width: | 71.65 in (1820 mm) |
Height: | 59.7 in (1516 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.1/61 in (1,552/1,549 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.6 in (2708 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.6 cuFT (498 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3851 lbs (1747 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5251 lbs (2382 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.2 mpg US (12.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.7 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 229 g/km |