Volkswagen has officially launched the Passat R36 in the UK. The Passat R36 — which can be had as a sedan or wagon — is powered by a 3.6L V6 — rated at 300 horsepower and 258 lb-ft or torque — and uses VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
Thanks to the boost in power, the Passat R36 sedan can accelerate from 0-62 in 5.6 seconds, while the wagon-variant is just a few ticks behind at 5.8 seconds. Both versions boast an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The lone transmission option in both vehicles in VW’s six-speed DSG gearbox.
To separate the R36 from lesser Passats, VW will equip the Passat R36 with 18 inch wheels (19 inchers will be available at a later date), Volkswagen ‘R’ blue brake callipers and a 20mm lower ride height. The Passat R36 will also sport a new grille, Bi-Xenon headlights, dual exhaust and ‘R36″ badging.
Prices for the R36 sedan will start at £30,990 and £32,150 for the wagon. No word if the Passat R36 will make it Stateside.
04/29, 6:21 PM
posted by:
frost
nice looking cars, but the price is more reasonable then here
04/29, 7:09 PM
posted by:
FlyingB
According to my handy-dandy currency converter (and the exchange rate as of this posting), that would mean shelling out a cool $61,000 for a sedan. As for me, thanks, but no thanks.
04/29, 7:14 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Dumb, and dumber: VW, and Audi.
04/29, 8:18 PM
posted by:
autonut
Interior is very nice. I don’t know if price is all that outrageous. My colleagues are making £100,000 plus bonuses in London and they all cry that they are underpaid. But their petrol is about $10/gallon and V6 with 300 ponies got to love all that gas. There is a reason why 70% pf BMW are diesels as well as all other marques.
04/29, 8:46 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
60k large for a Passat? Yikes! Got to agree with howsmydriving on this one.
04/29, 9:15 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Why grab this when you can get a Passat W8 4Motion for under 15k, more torque, with close mpg figures.
04/29, 10:06 PM
posted by:
autonut
IN US you can get Volvo AWD for less and a better car to boot.
04/29, 10:31 PM
posted by:
josh
Can anyone else see whats happening?? This is going to be the next engine in the golf! The golf R36. Wow, that car will fly when its made.
04/29, 11:38 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
I agree with Autonut although the T5 awd S40 was made as a FWD chassis and handles like one stock. I have yet to find anyone in my area with one and the modified Haldex diff and a sports suspension. Although the C30 has some nice torque and is fun on the highway. Volvo is going to become the underground car such as the B5 was for Audi, the S60R is on the list as my next car with ECU tune, and upgraded turbo if I choose that route.
Also Autonut companies in the UK offer company cars and diesels tend to be the fav of most because sometimes it has included ins.
04/29, 11:47 PM
posted by:
Carwatcher
Nice but not that nice as to why it should stay in Europe.
04/30, 12:29 AM
posted by:
A4
it needs a heftier power boost for the US. At least 350 hp.
04/30, 1:50 AM
posted by:
bigp
the gti has grown up
04/30, 5:07 AM
posted by:
fan
i dont know why youre all making a big fuzz about the price… have a look at the prices of regular passats over in europe, then compare them to the us-prices… VWs are WAY cheaper in the US than in europe, as are all other cars. stop the whining, car manufacturers love you guys…
04/30, 7:14 AM
posted by:
spud
Fan has hit the nail on the head. In the UK this passat will be reasonably priced for a new car.
04/30, 7:51 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Pity the passat is rather dull, even though it is trying to be a Phaeton now… Phaeton had air of mystery and sexiness about it… Passat just seems like a wannabe.
04/30, 10:22 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
They launched it, but being a VW it broke down before getting it off the dealer lot.
04/30, 10:40 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Normally I like VW interiors, but that one is horrid. That metal stuff looks cheap with a capital C. Not to mention the dash has almost no style to it at all.
And what’s with the power levels? GM gets more power from their 3.6L V-6 than the Germans can come up with?
05/01, 12:39 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Heh its funny the engine the 3.6L is based off the old L81 V6 from the Caddy Catera/Opel Omega. I was suprised to read Ricardo had some help in developing GMs new V6. I forgot about that engine but isn’t it rated like 350-260bhp?
05/01, 12:39 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
oops I meant 250-260bhp.