|
300-Horse Super Passat With DSG Nov. 20, 2006 ) The European Passat R36 will come as a sedan and wagon. Click on images for larger views. Bristling with 300 horsepower, 4Motion all-wheel drive and a new direct-shift gearbox (DSG) that can handle the big muscle, the Passat is the latest VW to get the high-performance R treatment.
The Passat R36 is set for European release by mid-2007 as both a sedan and wagon. The big news here, however, is the mating of Volkswagen's slick DSG transmission to a very powerful engine. Up until now, the dual-clutch DSG, an automatic with a lightning-quick manual mode, hasn't been put to work with much more than 250 horsepower, reportedly because it can't handle much more. This limits the Eos V6 and the Golf-based R32 (not to mention sister-brand Audi's TT) to 250 horsepower — and relegates the 280-horse Passat 3.6 to the slower-reacting Tiptronic transmission. (VolksWatch calls this the 3.6's biggest downfall in our road test "Worthy Competitor To Many — But There's Only One VR6.") No longer mutually exclusive, both big power and the fabulous DSG may soon make it into many VWs. Back to the Passat R36, it is distinguished by many design cues including exclusive Pearlescent Deep Blue paint, trademark R chrome grille in matt finish with double slats, subtle rear spoiler, dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels under slightly extended fenders, blue brake calipers, metallic decorative look inside, leather steering wheel, R metal pedals, sport seats and white instrument lights. Volkswagen is set to roll out many more R models. ) )
 |
|
|