OFFICIAL: This Is 2012 American Volkswagen Passat

This Is The American Volkswagen Passat - Front Grille

The star from the Volkswagen stand at Detroit Auto Show is the American version of the European Volkswagen Passat. But the model has suffered some significant changes.

The first day of the Detroit Auto Show brings a major wave of premiers at the main automakers. Volkswagen has started with the new sedan, anticipated for long time by specialists and by teasers. Seen as a mid-range sedan able to fight with his rival Toyota Camry, the new German model gets the name of the European Passat.

However, the differences between the European version and the American version are major. The model sold in United States is longer with 3.9 inches and is also wider. Ready to debut in production this summer at the plant from Tennessee, the new Passat has a multi-link rear suspension, similar to the model sold on the Old Continent.

Although at the exterior only the front grille and the taillights reminds the apparent to a different market, significant changes were observed at the interior, where VW has changed the door panels, the dashboard and trim level.

The American Passat comes with three engines. The propulsion of the entry-level version will be provided by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with five-cylinder engine capable to delivering 170 HP at 5,700 rpm. Coupled to a manual gearbox, the new Passat can reach 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The automatic gearbox will increase this time to 8.7 seconds.

The other gasoline version is a 3.6-liters engine with six cylinders, capable to delivering 278 HP at 6,200 rpm. Guided by a DSG transmission, the propeller can provide a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The American public will get also a diesel version, the 2.0-liter TDI engine, with four-cylinder and common-rail technology, capable to delivering 140 HP. The resources are sufficient to ensure an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. The consumption will stop at only 44.3 mi/gal and a tank is enough to drive 795 miles. Passat becomes the only model from segment that offers a diesel version for the U.S. market.

The production of the new sedan at the plant from Tennessee will help Volkswagen to reduce the costs and to propose an attractive price on the U.S. market, already estimated at $ 20,000.