Just hours before the press start of the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen officially unveiled the 2012 Passat. The next generation Passat will now ride on a 110.4-inch wheelbase which makes it the biggest Passat ever.
It was specifically designed for the American market and VW says, “Designed in Germany and made in America, the Passat was developed as a larger vehicle with premium features and handling characteristics that will perfectly match it with 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 will go on sale later this year, and will come with a choice of three engines according to VW, “a responsive 2.5L gasoline engine, a remarkably eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and a powerful 3.6L VR6.”
1) 2.5L five cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb.-ft.)
2) 3.6 liter VR6 (280 hp/258 lb.-ft.)
3) 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236 lb.-ft.)
Perhaps the biggest news (besides the bigger size of the new Passat) is that the TDI Diesel Passat is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway (and get this) it should have a range of approximately 800 miles.
Volkswagen also says that the entry level Passat will be priced at under $20K.
BTW: Check out the Volkswagen video below of the all new 2012 Passat.
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