Passat GT reignites 'R' moniker hopes

Volkswagen's American arm will this week launch its Passat GT concept at the LA motor show.

Designed in the US, it's possible the US-market model could provide styling hints for a reborn ballistic Passat R that could come to Australia – a spiritual successor to the Passat R36.

The impending arrival of the 206kW four-cylinder Passat R-Line is set to hold the fort as the halo model Passat the short-term, launching this month and priced from around $58K.

The Passat GT concept pictured here is based on an older platform than new Aussie versions of the popular mid-sized car, which is only sold in the USA and China but the design, differentiated by more than 20 design changes, including a black honeycomb grille with red accent lines reminiscent of the Golf GTI's, sheds light on Volkswagen's thinking for future go-fast models.

There's also model-specific bumpers and LED headlights, black window surrounds and a black boot-lid spoiler, smoked tail-lights and dual trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

Riding on 19-inch Tornado alloys over red-painted brake calipers, the Passat GT concept sits 15mm closer to the ground than regular models, the lowered look said to give it a road-hugging stance.

The Passat GT concept is powered by a 3.6-litre TSI VR6 engine and mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It pumps out 208kW and 350Nm of torque.

Inside, the Passat GT concept features carbon-fibre-look door cards and instrument panel, two-tone black and grey sport seats with contrast stitching, a black headliner and piano black center console.

"The Passat GT is an early example of how the new Volkswagen North American Region will meet the needs and desires of American customers going forward," explained Volkswagen American chief engineering officer, Dr Matthias Erb.

"We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the US, combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team," he said.

Volkswagen is clearly showing intent to to ramp up performance models globally, but as the Dieselgate scandal continues to sap time and capital from the world's second-large car maker, the company has already reined in spending, putting many projects on ice.

It remains to be seen whether this is the case for a reborn Passat R.