Volkswagen Passat R36 Variant Styling Study

This years GTI meet at Wörthersee in Austria saw Volkswagen display an impressive range of rather special models including the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro, the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro and the Scirocco GT24 race car, built to compete in last weekend’s Nurburgring 24 hour race.

In addition to these gems, Volkswagen took the wraps off a rather serious looking version of their already rather serious Passat R36 – the Passat R36 Variant Styling Study. Volkswagen do not refer to it as a styling study for no reason. This low-slung, big wheeled, de-chromed cruiser will not be heading to showrooms but you may find that some if its hardware shows up on the Passat options list.

The transformation from Passat R36 to Passat R36 Variant Styling Study includes an improved cat-back exhaust system for the otherwise standard 3.6-litre V6 engine. Exterior chrome trim has found the dumpster, being replaced with Moonlight Blue coloured trim to match the bodywork, while upgraded 20-inch wheels (borrowed from the Toureg R-Line) house retro-fitted six-piston Brembo callipers up front.

The interior features a set of race inspired Recaro front pews in two-tone black and white to match the leather bound wheel, shifter boot, seatbelts and door trims.

Who would have thought a Passat could look this good!

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