Allegedly on course to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month, the trio of drawings sees the Passat incorporating a distinctly fastback-like appearance similar to the Arteon, while the front is clearly derived from the new Jetta as well as the Touareg to a degree.
In a surprise twist though, Volkswagen as reportedly stated that the newcomer will not be based on the MQB platform like the Chinese spec derivative that bowed two months ago, meaning it will continue to be underpinned by the PL46 architecture that can trace its roots back to B6/B7 Passat that debuted in Europe 13 years ago.
Whereas the interior, so far unseen, is expected to be new and incorporate technology such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the Active Info Display digital instrument cluster and an array of new safety and driver assistance systems, US customers will now only have the option of a single powertrain, a 130kW/280Nm 2.0 TSI mated to a six-speed DSG.
Though it will continue to be offered in the Atlas, the 206kW/350Nm 3.6 VR6 will not be carried over for the Passat, effectively also ending the availability of the 4Motion all-wheel drive system used in the sporty GT.
Meanwhile, the European-spec Passat that is MQB based has been spotted testing in the icy conditions of what appears to be Finland or Sweden in both sedan and Variant guises, wearing substantial camouflage on the front and rear facias.
Halfway through its lifecycle having debuted in 2014, the internally designated B8’s exterior changes are difficult to make out, but expect these to consist out of redesigned bumpers, a new grille, restyled headlights likely to be Arteon inspired and an updated bootlid.
Although the images taken by carscoops.com does not show the interior, the online platform claims that the changes will be minor and restricted to a new infotainment system, upgraded materials and a new steering wheel. Don’t be surprised if a new clutch of safety systems are also added.
Up front, Volkswagen is expected to discontinue the 1.4 TSI motor completely leaving the 110kW 1.5 TSI Evo as the new entry-level petrol engine, while the current 1.8 TSI could speculatively also bow out in favour of a less powerful version of the range topping 2.0 TSI. Both the 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI motors are however expected to be carried over, with the biggest and so far unconfirmed rumour being the inclusion of a R model powered by a 3.0 TSI V6. The plug-in hybrid Passat GTE will also live on and offer an all-electric range of 70km
According to the article, the updated Passat will make its premiere sometime next year, allegedly at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
