The 2018 Passat and Beetle will arrive in dealers with a new 2.0-liter TSI engine. The
new engine, known internally as the Gen3.B, premiered in last year’s Audi A3
and Audi A4 Ultra and is a development of the company’s familiar EA888 engine.
A host of mechanical changes separate the Gen3.B
from the EA888, including new pistons, a redesigned valvetrain with variable
intake valves, an 11.7:1 compression ratio and higher pressure fuel injectors. The Miller-cycle engine receives additional grunt from a small turbocharger.
When fitted into the 2018 Tiguan, the new engine
delivers 184 hp at 4,400 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Car and
Driver says it is likely that these figures will be maintained for the 2018
Passat and Beetle models, meaning both will have 14 hp and 37 lb-ft more than
the current 1.8-liter engine they share.
Complementing the increase in grunt will be improved
fuel economy with VW claiming that the Passat should be about 8 per cent more
efficient than the outgoing model. The Tiguan and Beetle should see similar
improvements.
