Volkswagen Passat | Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat

Arrives in the North American Market as the "Passat"

Volkswagen unveiled its North America-exclusive model, previously teased under the codename "NMS (New Midsize Sedan)," at the Detroit Motor Show. The company also announced that the car will indeed be named "Passat."

By Dai Matsuo

An Important Model Born from a New Factory

This Passat, formerly known as the "NMS," is distinct from the B7 Passat (the model sold in Europe) which received a model change to its seventh generation last year. There are three major changes.

It is available only as a four-door sedan; no wagon body style will be offered.
The body size has been increased.
It is a model that will be produced within the United States.

Production will take place at a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, built with an investment of approximately $1 billion. Volkswagen withdrew from US production in 1988, making this Passat a highly significant model, as it marks the first US-produced Volkswagen in about 20 years. The new plant is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and an additional 10,000 related jobs. Volkswagen aims to produce 800,000 vehicles in the US by 2018.

A Premium Sedan with Excellent Environmental Performance

Compared to the European specification, the body dimensions have been increased across the board: 99mm longer, 15mm wider, and with a 91mm longer wheelbase. The increased body size has primarily been allocated to interior space.
The exterior design is somewhat angular, reminiscent of the Jetta, which is popular in America. Volkswagen has announced that the design imparts a sense of luxury that exceeds its actual price point.

Turning to the interior, the instrument panel is similar to that found in the Touareg. Chrome trim surrounds the multi-function display, and chrome accents adorn various switches, including air vents, the headlight switch, and the parking brake, adding a touch of flair.

Three engine options are available. The standard 2.5-liter inline-five unit produces 170 hp (127 kW) and 170 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. Its highway fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg (13.2 km/l), allowing for a range of 573 miles (924 km) on a full tank. The top-tier 3.6-liter V6 VR6 unit delivers 280 hp (209 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm), with a fuel economy of 28 mpg (12.0 km/l) and a range of 518 miles (834 km). Of particular note is the 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel model, also featured in the Jetta. It meets NOx emission regulations in all 50 US states, making it one of the cleanest diesel engines globally. Its environmental performance—140 hp (104 kW), 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque, 43 mpg (18.3 km/l) fuel economy, and a range of 795 miles (1,280 km)—presents a formidable challenge even to mid-size hybrid vehicles.

This North America-exclusive Passat is slated for market launch in late 2011, with a starting price announced at approximately $20,000 for the base model.