Spyshots: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Variant

As the 2018 deadline German carmaker Volkswagen set for itself to become the number one manufacturer in the world approaches, the VW-badged vehicles offensive picks up speed, with more and more models to be revealed in the years to come.

Among them, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat (possibly 2013 VW Passat), a bigger, better interpretation of the current model. With the release date yet unknown (best bet, sometime in 2012), the new Passat will feature a whole range of state-of-the-art technologies. But let's take them one at a time.

From the visual stand point, the Passat will surely be aligned with VW's current design language, with the car to import the new front grille interpretation. Also at the front, and as a novelty, the new Passat will feature, for the first time, LED daytime running lights.

The new model is expected to be lower (thanks to the suspension) and bigger than the existing version, but not much heavier, thanks to the believed use of foam reinforcements and ultra-thin glass. The increased size will allow for more room for the passengers, as well as for the loading space.

Engine wise, the Passat will feature all the existing powerplant lineup, including 3.0l TDI, 2.0l TDI and 3.6l V6s. Downsizing will not be taken out of the new Passat, as engines as small as the 1.2l one will likely make it under the hood. A BlueMotion hybrid also may find its way into the offering. The units will be paired with DSG gearboxes and 4Motion AWD systems.

As for some unique features of the new Passat, rumor goes the car will introduce wiperless windscreen, all-angle exterior cameras and a self-parking system.