Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept Revealed In Detroit

Volkswagen has revealed something of a spiritual successor to the Passat R36 this week, in the form of the Passat Performance Concept.

Based on the US-market Passat (Australia gets the updated European version), the 'PC' is light on concept looks, but packs an extra dollop of power under the bonnet.

Using Volkswagen's direct-injected and turbocharged 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the sedan sends 184kW to the front wheels - setting it a level down from the old 220kW V6 all-paw R36.

So, it's no Passat R flagship, but Volkswagen has at least confirmed that the Performance Concept previews a new sports variant due in North America in the coming year. 

Styling features don't do much to set the model apart, but you'll find 19-inch wheels on lowered suspension and electro-mechanical steering, along with a dual-exhaust setup, along with bi-Xenon headlights and LED tail-lights.

Volkswagen says the cabin - which is yet to be revealed - shows off carbon-effect highlights and inserts, two-tone leather seats, and a black headliner and pillars combo. 

The headlining model in the local Passat range continues to be the V6 FSI model - largely a softened version of the earlier R36 model.

• Passat | Volkswagen | Family Cars 
• Detroit Auto Show