The 280-horsepower V6 Volkswagen Passat getting even sportier thanks to the new GT trim, announced ahead of its official debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
With a lowered suspension, a sports exhaust, and countless visual cues, the Chattanooga-designed special edition Volkswagen Passat GT is offered in four colors: Pure White, Reflex Silver, Platinum Grey, and Deep Black.
“The Passat GT illustrates how the North American Region can shape Volkswagen vehicles specifically for the U.S. market,” said Dr. Matthias Erb, Chief Engineering Officer, North American Region, in a statement. “Combining a local perspective with our global engineering expertise allows us to create vehicles that meet the needs and desires of customers here.”
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The GT belongs to the R-Line, but differentiates itself from the Passat R-Line, thanks to its larger 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Although no power has been added over the standard Passat VR6, the suspension and exhaust have been tuned to show off the best of what the motor can do.
Visually, it differentiates itself from the standard Passat with a red stripe along its grille — a nod to the GTI —valong with countless other visual treats. Among them: standard LED DRLs, R-Line bumper, a GT badge, a black roof, black mirror caps, blackened LED taillights, a black spoiler, double-tailpipes, and more.
The changes aren’t all exterior, though. Inside, the GT the Composition Media Package’s 6.3-inch infotainment display, Car-Net, App-Connect, a black headliner, aluminum inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, contrast stitching and more.
The Volkswagen Passat GT will come with VW’s six-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel-mounted paddles. Making 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 rpm on regular fuel, it will hustle.
Starting at just $29,940 (including destination fee in the U.S.) the Volkswagen Passat GT will be sold with VW’s People First Warranty, that’s good for 72,000 miles or six years. Expect to see it at your local dealership in the second quarter of 2018.
