2013 Passat  |
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MSRP: $19,995-28,995
2012 Volkswagen Passat news, pictures, and information | ||
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Volkswagen Reveals the All-New Passat — A First-in-Class Vehicle that Delivers Superior German Engineering and is Built in America
The larger, sophisticated Passat offers best-in-class rear legroom, remarkable fuel efficiency estimated at 43 mpg wîth a driving experience only Volkswagen can deliver.
Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced the world debut of the all-new Passat, a transformational car in Volkswagen's ambitious growth plan for the Ú.S. market.
Designed in Germany and made in America, the Passat was developed as a larger vehicle wîth premium features and handling characteristics that will perfectly match it wîth the tastes and lifestyles of Americans. It will be built in Chattanooga, Tenn., at the world's newest, most advanced and environmentally responsible auto assembly plant.
The new Passat, the largest ever, is the only midsize sedan that offers superior German engineering at an accessible price. The Passat TDI — the only clean diesel option in the §egmènt — is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, wîth a range of approximately 800 miles.
Final pricing will be announced in the spring, but the Passat will start at around $20,000 when it arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. It will come wîth premium standard features that include automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new Passat offers best-in-class legroom, Volkswagen's Care Free Maintenance program (3 years/36,000 miles) and the safety of Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System.
Volkswagen's new Chattanooga plant that will produce the Passat is part of a $4 billion investment by the company in the Ú.S. market. The environmentally friendly facility includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions. A state-of-the art $40 million employee training center ensures adherence to Volkswagen's exacting quality standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)
The Passat will set new benchmarks for safety, driving performance and environmental responsibility in the midsize §egmènt.
Engine and Transmission
The all-new Passat offers three drivetrain options: a responsive 2.5L gasoline engine, a remarkably eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and a powerful 3.6L VR6.
The 2.5L five cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb.-ft.), which is being offered in the Passat for the first time, will be mated to a standard 5 speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) As an alternative, the 2.5 multi port injection engine may be paired wîth a 6-speed automatic.
The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236 lb.-ft.) has the power of a six cylinder gasoline engine and the fuel economy of a hybrid. The Passat TDI is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, wîth a range of approximately 800 miles. Volkswagen's TDI clean diesel engines, which come wîth a NOx storage catalytic converter, are among the cleanest engines in the world, fulfilling emissions requirements in all 50 states. Optional on the Passat TDI will be Volkswagen's legendary 6-speed DSG transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
The 3.6 liter VR6 (280 hp/258 lb.-ft.) makes the new Passat a top-flight sport sedan. (concept carz) It offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, wîth European-type restraint in its fuel consumption — estimated at 28 mpg on the highway.
Gear shifting on the new Passat VR6 is handled by a standard 6-speed DSG; the dual-clutch transmission is considered the most efficient automatic in the world. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts, without the loss of power that is experienced wîth a traditional manual gearbox.
Premium Features
The Passat will be offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL, wîth a total of 16 equipment levels. All will offer first-in-class safety and comfort.
The Passat's safety features include Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response Systems, which initiates automatic safety protections in a collision — the fuel supply and high consumption electronic equipment shuts off; the doors unlock; the battery terminal disconnects from the alternator cable; the hazard lights switch on.
The Passat also comes wîth a tire pressure monitoring system, ESP electronic stabilization program, ABS wîth braking assistant, Hill Climb Assist (with manual transmission), six airbags and an extremely rigid body structure to protect the driver and passengers.
The Passat sets new standards for comfort, wîth a significantly larger rear seating area, best-in-class rear seat legroom, well-designed controls and superior touring properties.
Other standard features include automatic climate control, power windows all around, air conditioning, insulating glass, a distinctive analog clock at the center of the instrument panel, cruise control, outside temperature display wîth frost warning, radio-CD system (MP3-capable, plus external audio input) and Bluetooth connectivity.
Premium options include 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, power seat adjustment, leather, leather-trimmed multifunction §teering wheel, a touchscreen satellite radio, a choice of Volkswagen's RNS 510 or RNS 315 navigation systems, front fog lights wîth static cornering lights, wood decor, new ambiance lighting, memory driver's seat, power passenger seat, and keyless access wîth push button start.
The Passat will also offer the new Fender premium audio system, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combined quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.
Exterior
The Passat's balanced proportions give it a unique, timeless and dominant styling reflecting the 'design DNA' developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand. The signature clean design, wîth a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat's position as the sophisticated choice in the midsize §egmènt. The bottom line: this car looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here the Passat displays the new horizontal brand face, wîth the grille and headlights forming a single unit. Únlike models in the compact class, the Passat's grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape. Moreover, the grille stands more upright and makes a more distinctive and elegant impression in its stricter geometry.
From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheel arches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. In the balance of the side profile, the roof lines flow toward the back wîth a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury class style wîth a long, extended glass surface.
The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights (integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid).
Interior
The Passat shows the look of considerably more expensive cars. The new, larger Passat is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase, which translates into a noticeable increase in rear seating space.
Like the exterior, the interior is also marked by a clean and geometric formal structure. Interior styling consistently follows the maxims of functionality. Controls are attractive and easy to operate.
The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen's flagship vehicle, the all-new Touareg. Chrome trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome. Except for the base version, all other Passat trims have chrome interior accents on the window, mirror adjustment and trunk opening switches.
The upper and lower instrument areas are visually distinguished by various decorative accents, depending on the equipment version. Decorative elements in 'Titan' design are used in the S version; the elegant 'Titan Silver Printed' decor is used in the SE version, wood décor 'Autumn Nut Burl' is featured in the exclusive SEL version. The accents not only upgrade the instruments, but also the center console as well as the door trim panels.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable. Even in the base version, the driver's seat is adjustable eight ways, including lumbar support.
The new Passat and the all-new Jetta are expected to be the sales leaders in Volkswagen's plan to significantly increase market share in the Únited States. The company's strategy is built on a broad portfolio of products that offers cars accessible to the majority as well as vehicles for car enthusiasts
Source - VolkswagenVOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SETS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST DISTANCE ON ONE TANK OF CLEAN DIESEL FUEL
Mileage experts John and Helen Taylor complete 1626-mile drive in Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat TDI®—without stopping for fuel!•Record set using a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE wîth six-speed manual transmission
•Average of 84.1 miles per gallon during three-day trip
•Shows mileage benefits of VW Clean Diesel technology
Herndon, VA - The world's most fuel-efficient couple has done it again. John and Helen Taylor were determined to break the record for the farthest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel. (concept carz) They decided to attempt the record in the Ú.S. wîth a stock 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI Clean Diesel vehicle equipped wîth a six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The previous record for the most miles covered on a single tank of diesel was 1526.6 miles, achieved wîth a VW Passat 1.6 BlueMotion® diesel in Europe.
The result? A new record of 1626.1 miles, achieved on one tank of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel under real world driving conditions. That's an incredible 99.5 miles better than the old mark. Over the course of three days and driving through nine states, the couple averaged 84.1 miles per gallon, spending only 4.65 cents per mile. The three-day drive commenced on May 3, 2012 in Houston, TX and ended on May 5, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia. To make the drive as realistic as possible, the couple included 120 pounds of luggage and drove during daylight hours to experience normal traffic situations. Additionally, the couple took turns driving and didn't travel more than 14 hours per day.
'We're excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel,' said John Taylor. 'The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.'
The Passat's 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel inline four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and wîth a manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway. The TDI engine is equipped wîth a Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) that fulfills emissions requirements in all 50 states. The Passat—built at the world's only LEED Platinum certified automotive factory in Chattanooga, TN—was named Motor Trend's 2012 Car of the Year.
'The Passat was engineered and designed to be a comfortable yet fun to drive alternative in the midsize §egmènt. The TDI Clean Diesel version unites driving dynamics and fuel efficiency that isn't found in the competitive set,' said Rainer Michel, Vice President of Product Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. 'We're honored that the Taylors chose the 2012 Passat TDI as the vehicle to set this outstanding distance record. Their record shows just how economical the Passat TDI can be in the right hands.'
Prior to the drive, the speedometer and odometer were calibrated by a state certified testing station in Houston, Texas. Law enforcement officers from the city of Houston, Texas oversaw validation of mileage, fuel fill-up, and gas tank sealing at the beginning of the drive. A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff's Deputy verified completion of the drive and mileage prior to removing the fuel tank seal.
The Taylors have made a career out of driving efficiently and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. They have collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe.Source - VolkswagenOriginally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.By Jessica Donaldson
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2012| Comparable Vehicles | |
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| Chevrolet Malibu | ($21,995-30,085) |
| Chrysler 200 | ($18,995-32,070) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($18,995-25,995) |
| Dodge Caliber | ($17,380-18,765) |
| Ford Fusion | ($19,850-29,000) |
| Honda Accord | ($21,380-36,340) |
| Honda Civic Si | ($22,355-22,555) |
| Honda Insight | ($18,350-23,545) |
| Hyundai Sonata | ($19,821-20,695) |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | ($19,695-28,095) |
| Kia Optima | ($19,500-26,500) |
| Mitsubishi Galant | ($21,889-24,299) |
| Mitsubishi i-MiEV | : |
| Mitsubishi Lancer SE | : |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | : |
| Nissan Altima | ($20,410-30,760) |
| Nissan Sentra SE-R | ($20,490-20,990) |
| Subaru Impreza | ($17,495-22,595) |
| Subaru Legacy | ($19,995-31,595) |
| Suzuki Kizashi | ($18,999-28,948) |
| Suzuki SX4 Crossover | ($16,999-19,799) |
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| 2013 Passat |
