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2011 Detroit Auto Show: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Preview

 
6 3,903 views Jan 9, 2011
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2012 Volkswagen Passat

HI-RES GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

The 2012 Volkswagen NMS, or, as we reported earlier today, the 2012 Passat, is due for its official stage debut tomorrow at the Detroit Auto Show, but as happens every year, blew early, and was quickly followed by the official release. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan will start around $20,000 and offer a new take on the nameplate.

The new Passat is made in America, for Americans. Larger, somewhat de-contented, and less expensive, the new Passat, much like the new Jetta, may meet with a tepid response from the reviewing press. Final pricing will be announced in March.

The new Passat is about 3.6 inches longer in wheelbase and 3.9 inches overall, and about a half an inch wider than the European-market Passat. The restyled exterior is sharp, if a bit inoffensive, while the interior looks more like previous-generation VWs, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your perspective.

Three familiar equipment lines are offered: the S, SE, and SEL. The base S gets six airbags, Bluetooth, stability control and other basic safety electronics.

Powertrains will be familiar to anyone with a VW in their past: a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder, a 170-horsepower 2.5 liter five-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 good for 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. The diesel scores 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds, 1.1 seconds slower than the gas engine. A manual gearbox is standard in both TDI and 2.5-liter models, with an optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG (TDI) or six-speed auto (2.5), while DSG is standard for the V-6.

Check back tomorrow for the live photos as the 2012 Volkswagen Passat Sedan makes its official debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.





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Comments (6)

  1. By dan aka chevyman Posted: 1/9/2011 5:24pm PST

    Nice lookin ride more mainstream. Look out for VW!!
     
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  2. fb_177501124 avatar fb_177501124 Posted: 1/9/2011 5:43pm PST

    I personally think it looks good. The design is still quite conservative, but it is modern and appealing. IMO, it definitely looks better than the new Jetta.
    My question is, will the TDI diesel engine remain at 140 horsepower like the Jetta, or will the power be boosted to accommodate the Passat's larger size? All, in all, if the TDI engine has more power and maintains the amazing fuel economy in the vicinity of the Jetta TDI, it will be a very enticing buy!
     
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  3. fb_177501124 avatar fb_177501124 Posted: 1/9/2011 5:44pm PST

    I personally think it looks good. The design is still quite conservative, but it is modern and appealing. IMO, it definitely looks better than the new Jetta.
    My question is, will the TDI diesel engine remain at 140 horsepower like the Jetta, or will the power be boosted to accommodate the Passat's larger size? All, in all, if the TDI engine has more power and maintains the amazing fuel economy in the vicinity of the Jetta TDI, it will be a very enticing buy!
     
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  4. By Abox5 Posted: 1/9/2011 6:02pm PST

    It looks very good, much more elegant and powerful than the anti-excitment poster child Camry. I like the interior as well.
     
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  5. By Countach Posted: 1/11/2011 6:53am PST

    I think the design is still very conservative but it does have a very robust and handsome look to it. I will take this over an Accord or Camry anytime but I already have my eyes set on the VW CC!
     
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  6. By Mr. D Posted: 1/12/2011 7:50am PST

    The styling to me is a step backward from the current Passat. Sort of like the new Jetta is a step backward from the 2005 to 2010 version of the Jetta. The designs seem to be trending closer to Audi. Walter D'Silva is losing his design touch. Where is the excitement and a wedge design! I guess if you want exciting styling you have to go for the CC before he touches it. Hey, VW would you please add a TDI versions to not only the CC lineup, but also the Beetle, Eos, and Tiguan lineups.
     
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