Automotive News, Media & Press - Volkswagen has redesigned the Passat...




ActionJack
12-22-2004, 02:24 PM
I think the new design takes on some similiar lines to the new design for BMW.

Article:

Volkswagen has released the first official photos of the all-new sixth generation Passat. The B6 (sixth generation B-class platform, also known as the PQ46) has grown larger in all dimensions, offers a range of new powerplants including an all-new 280hp 3.6l six-cylinder and has an overall more upscale appearance that continues the legacy that the B5 Passat leaves behind.

The Passat has grown in size with the sixth generation model to an overall length of 187.7 inches and a width of 71.7 inches. That brings the length up 2.5 inches and width a whopping 3 inches over the outgoing B5 Passat. We were given a sneak peak at the new B6 Passat several months ago and in the metal the new Passat has a bit of Audi A6 meets B5 Passat meets Chrysler 300M meets Phaeton. Proportions look great on the new car, especially the extra width which give the car a much better stance - the car actually looks much wider than these photos show it.

The B6 Passat will be available with a 200hp 2.0l turbocharged 4-cylinder with FSI currently found in the GTI. This engine will replace the venerable 1.8T as the new base engine. The 2.0T FSI will be mated to either the MQ350 six-speed transmission or the butter-smooth Aisin built six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Also new to the Passat and unique to the U.S. market is an all-new 280hp 3.6l VR6 FSI that replaces the current 2.8l Audi V6. This new 3.6l VR6 model will only be sold in the U.S. market B6 Passat initially (Germany will get a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI) and will be available only with a six-speed tiptronic in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. Since the new B6 Passat utilizes Golf V component sharing (HVAC, engines, transmissions, etc., etc.) the B6 Passat has moved to a transverse engine layout which also means a switch from a Torsen-based AWD system to a Haldex-based AWD system.

The new Passat is also a recipient of the Golf V's vastly improved revised Macpherson strut front suspension and all-new full indepenent rear suspension. Coupled with a claimed 57% increase in torsional rigidity over the outgoing model, the new B6 Passat reportedly rides and handles wonderfully with virtually no dive, no squat and no roll even on base configurations.

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/001__scaled_600_047.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/004__scaled_600_022.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/002__scaled_600_044.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/003__scaled_600_039.jpg


BTW, I was in a couple of these the other day and you can definately feel the larger space in the car and the interior design is more refined.


Transamula
12-22-2004, 03:54 PM
RSX taillights anyone?

Huge improvement over the current passat tho :)

Dom
12-23-2004, 12:49 AM
Looks like a mini Phaeton.


ActionJack
12-23-2004, 08:43 AM
Looks like a mini Phaeton.

Sounds about right. The Phaeton is to A8 as VW is to Audi and the Passat is to A6 what VW is to Audi and both brands have similiar designs in their brands.

Shinkaze
12-23-2004, 10:12 AM
Love that interior. I have to wonder if VW is spending more on VW or Audi design these days.

Shinkaze
12-23-2004, 10:13 AM
PS I've seen (4) different Phaetons around town. Damn nice looking understated car.

-Adam

ActionJack
12-23-2004, 11:14 AM
PS I've seen (4) different Phaetons around town. Damn nice looking understated car.

-Adam

I see them every day (just about) and they are truly a very nice car and worth the money. The problem (IMO) is that VW jumped to far and should have taken a few more steps so as to get customers acquainted with a much higher end Volkswagen. However, one of the CEOs had to see it come to fruition before retirement... :secret2:

Dom
12-23-2004, 01:25 PM
PS I've seen (4) different Phaetons around town. Damn nice looking understated car.

-Adam

I've driven the V8s and W12s. I had a few at my house too. Nice cars.

Shinkaze
12-23-2004, 02:26 PM
I see them every day (just about) and they are truly a very nice car and worth the money. The problem (IMO) is that VW jumped to far and should have taken a few more steps so as to get customers acquainted with a much higher end Volkswagen. However, one of the CEOs had to see it come to fruition before retirement... :secret2:yea, I think the Touraegg is a more logical upmarket vehicle for VW, and I thinkthe Phaeton probably competes more with the Audi A8 than Merc, BMW, Alfa or Maseratti. that said I can see the appeal of someone wanting a nice car without being "showy" about it.

ActionJack
12-23-2004, 02:56 PM
The Touareg has been a great move for VW and with it's awards for having a mid size SUV that not only can handle city driving but off roading as well while maintaining a certain level of creature comforts says alot and many of the skeptics I think agree on that. I hope to see it move up to the W12 engine and be able to step all over the Cayenne which shares the same platform.

Frontman
12-28-2004, 01:16 AM
Wow. I like it alot actually. Damn nice looking car.