Volkswagen has released the first details of its upcoming Passat. The company’s press release has mainly focus on technical details though.
Chassis details include the use of high-strength, “hot-formed” steel and aluminium. The result is, partly owing to the use of these materials, an 85 kg reduction in weight of the new eight-generation Passat compared to the current car.
Interestingly, the new Passat’s exterior dimensions will be fractionally smaller if parked next to the current Passat, although Volkswagen’s claims interior space has been improved, leading to more leg- and headroom as well as more luggage space.
The highlight of the engine range will be a new 2,0-litre biturbo engine, which will develop 177 kW and 500 N.m from 1 750 r/min. At this stage it seems the engine will only be connected to a new seven-speed DSG transmission.
Volkswagen also confirmed that the new Passat would also be available as a plug-in hybrid. An electric-only range for this model will be 50 km, while the car’s overall fuel range will be up to 1 000 km.
Volkswagen confirmed that the car would be released in July, followed by the official public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Expect the new Volkswagen Passat sedan to arrive in South Africa during the first quarter of 2015.