Volkswagen knows this and has been working on a new generation for the saloon, a model which is expected to be introduced in September, at the Paris Motor Show, as Auto International reports.
Actually, the German manufacturer could be planing to have both the sedan and the Variant (estate) versions of the car present in dealerships by the end of the year. The new Passat is expected to adopt the new Volkswagen family identity (we're especially talking about the car’s front end), introduced by the Polo and already present on the Golf and Touareg. However, the car is expected to be underpinned by (a modified version of) the current generation’s platform, also keeping certain elements like the roof.
The vehicle should receive a wide array of new generation technologies, such as back-up cameras, adaptive headlights and active cruise control.
As for the engine range, this will probably follow the downsizing trend, so the gasoline engines are expected to get forced induction. This will have displacements between 1.2 liters and 2.0 liters. The engine used for the top of the range R version remains unknown. However, we can get an idea by taking a look at the R version of the Golf, which ditched the eco-unfriendly V6 powerplant, using a more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.0 liter unit from the GTI model.
Other rumors show that Volkswagen plans a hybrid and even a full electric version of the Passat, but this will not arrive until 2015, when the following generation of the car should be introduced.
Google News