VW will present the new 2018 Passat GT at the
Detroit Auto Show as the sportiest member of the family, packing the company’s
280 hp 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Based off the R-Line trim, the new Passat GT is a
limited-run special model designed in VW’s North American hub, based on
extensive feedback from customers and dealers in the US.
The new Passat GT comes with standard
LED headlights and DRLs and features the R-Line bumper but with a different,
honeycomb grille. The red stripe is reminiscent of the Golf GTI and the roof is
finished in black with matching door mirror caps.
A set of 19-inch Tornado alloy wheels, a black rear
spoiler, a sportier rear bumper and a set of darkened taillights together with
the dual exhaust tips complete the differences over the standard Passat models.
The 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 engine makes 280 Hp and
258 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with
paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city
and 28 mpg highway.
The sporty theme continues inside, with the interior
of the new Passat GT featuring black piano trim, carbon fiber optic décor,
black headliner, and aluminum GT-badged sills. The seats are dressed with black
leatherette and Moonrock Gray inserts.
VW says that the 2018 Passat GT will arrive at US
dealers in the second quarter of 2018, with prices starting at US$ 29,940,
including a US$ 850 destination fee.
