VW Says Passat GT Has Production Potential

Volkswagen of America shows off a Passat GT concept at Automobility LA, the technology conference precursor to the Los Angeles auto show opening this week.

The automaker says the concept, powered by VW’s 280-hp VR6 engine, “previews a potential addition to the Passat lineup.” The car was created by VW’s new North American Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga, TN, where the Passat is built.

“The Passat GT is an early example of how the new Volkswagen North American Region will meet the needs and desires of American customers going forward,” Matthias Erb, chief engineering officer-North American Region, Volkswagen, says in a statement.

“We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the U.S., combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team.”

Among the more than 20 design changes from the standard Passat are a black honeycomb grille insert with red accent lines that mimic that of the Golf GTI, special bumper treatment and black roof and trunk spoiler.

The car also gets LED headlights, smoked taillights, a dual trapezoidal exhaust and a sport muffler.

Inside are carbon-fiber accent trim, black-and-gray sport seats with contrast stitching, a black headliner and piano-black center console trim.

The car’s V-6 engine drives the front wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifting.

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