2011 Volkswagen 'NMS' New Medium Sedan Previewed

WITH MORE spy photos of Volkswagen's next generation 'New Medium Sedan' test car showing the new model moving closer to production, its final appearance is now becoming clearer.

To add to the anticipation, Volkswagen has released two renderings: a highly stylised and streamlined illustration earlier in the year giving way to a more production-realistic sketch last month.

Our new rendering (top and below) offers a glimpse at what might lurk beneath the test car's heavy camouflage, revealing what the sketches might finally become.

Following in the footsteps of the new Golf, squarer headlights are expected, flanking a slightly taller, three-faced version of the corporate 'letterbox' grille.

While it is known that the NMS has been designed specifically for the US market - including a production schedule for assembly in the US - rumours abound that the new sedan will be the international successor to either the Passat or the Jetta.

Speaking with TMR recently, Volkswagen Group Australia’s General Manager for Press, Karl Gehling, would not speculate on the possibility of the NMS’s availability in a right-hand-drive layout.

The as yet unnamed sedan is expected go on sale in the US around the first quarter of next year, but no official word has been offered on a launch date. A Detroit Motor Show debut in January is likely.

[rendering courtesy of Irmao Do Decio Automotive Design]