At this Detroit Motor Show, the German giant Volkswagen will not go unnoticed, bringing with it a heavy armada for the Passat range. The brand surprises, with 2 proposals: the Performance version and the Bluemotion Concept version.
Let's start with the spicier version, the Passat Performance Concept, which introduces an important novelty in terms of power. The Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept is equipped with the 1.8 TSi block with 250 horsepower, associated with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The performances were not disclosed, but values are expected very close to what the Golf VII GTI is capable of, with less than 30 horses.
Volkswagen is no use, but this Performance Concept, it seems, will replace the Passat Sport in the US, equipped with the same engine but with 180 horsepower and also the European version with the 3.6 V6 block, not sold in Portugal.
Aesthetically, this Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept is distinguished by 19-inch wheels, LED lighting and double Xenon. At the rear we have double exhaust pipes and a small spoiler. In the range of colors, so far we know that it will only be available in Candy White, Tungsten Silver and Uranus Grey.
If the Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept is totally dedicated to emotions, the Passat Bluemotion is precisely the opposite, its main concern being emissions and consumption.
The Passat Bluemotion Concept is not a hybrid at all, but Volkswagen wants this principle applied to the Passat Bluemotion to be a transitional alternative.
The Passat Blemotion Concept comes equipped with the 1.4 TSi 150 horsepower block, associated with the DSG gearbox, but the big news that makes this Passat a more environmentally friendly vehicle is the cylinder deactivation system, called ACT (Active Cilinder Management).
The ACT acts on cylinders number 2 and 3 only when the accelerator pedal is not depressed. When depressing the accelerator pedal fully, the system reactivates all cylinders. Although already present in the Polo Blue GT, in the Passat range it is a novelty.
Another novelty in this Passat Bluemotion Concept is the new system for decoupling the gearbox from the engine's steering wheel, as if it were circulating in slow gear, but actually with gearshift, a system that Volkswagen calls “circular sailing”.
With regard to aesthetic differences, the presentation color of this Passat Bluemotion Cencept is Metallic Coral Blue, but it is expected that in case of production, the entire range of colors will be available. Inside we have the sports steering wheel with Piano Black finish, contrasting beige leather seats and blue stitching. Two different proposals to mark the Passat range, before the next version, which is being prepared for 2015.
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