Volkswagen has revealed the Passat GT concept ahead of the US-fettled vehicle’s official unveiling at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Passat GT concept was designed by the company’s North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, and is of course based on the American-spec Passat (underpinned by an older platform), rather than the Euro-spec, MQB-based model we’re used to here in South Africa. The concept employs a VR6 engine, with VW saying it “previews a potential addition to the Passat line-up”.
So, what else sets it apart from the standard (US-spec) Passat? Well, there’s a GTI-mimicking black honeycomb grille insert with red accent lines, unique bumper treatments, black window surrounds, a black roof and spoiler, LED headlamps, smoked taillights and a dual trapezoidal exhaust.
The 19-inch “Tornado” alloys, meanwhile, cover red-painted brake calipers, while the ride height has been dropped by around 15 mm.
Inside, the Passat GT concept features faux-carbon-fibre treatment for the door trim and instrument panel, black-and-grey sport seats with contrasting stitching, a black headliner and piano black centre console trim.
The 3,6-litre VR6 mill makes 208 kW and is linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.