Volkswagen has revealed a sporty new Passat in concept form, previewing a hot addition to its executive saloon range in the near future.
The Passat GT concept is based on the North American version of Volkswagen’s saloon – UK buyers already get a Passat GT and this is not a European model, so it only hints at a potential new addition to the American line-up.
The sporty spruce-up is still interesting though, given many of the car’s design enhancements are clearly inspired by the Golf GTI.
Volkswagen says that there are more than 20 design changes marking this Passat out against the standard US model. The most distinctive additions are at the front in the form of the black honeycomb grille and red accent lines, sat above the aggressive, Golf GTI mimicking front bumper and air vents.
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It gets big 19 inch ‘Tornado’ alloy wheels, masking brakes with painted red calipers. All around the car there are blacked-out trims and finishes, such as the window surrounds, lip spoiler and roof, as well as darker looking ‘smoked’ taillights.
Volkswagen also points out the LED headlamps, the sporty looking dual exhaust exists around the back, as well as the car’s unique interior.
Carbon-fibre trim pieces are dotted around the cabin and on the instrument panel, and the GT gets two-tone black and grey sport seats with contrasting stitching.
Underneath the cosmetic tweaks is a 276bhp 3.6-litre TSI VR6 engine, mated to a six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. It’s not a new drivetrain, but in the GT it’s paired with a lower ride height as well as the new sports exhaust system to make the overall package look, feel, and sound more purposeful.
Should the UK spec Passat GT go down the same sporty route, or remain understated? Let us know your thoughts...