Volkswagen Passat R wanted

Volkswagen continues to expand the performance envelope of its top-selling Golf model family, as evidenced by the Golf GTI Clubsport, but the German company's other big seller – the Passat – has been left without a halo model.

That could change, however, with the current eighth-generation Passat that launches in Australia next month.

Although there are no official plans to develop a successor for the previous Passat R36, which was launched in 2008 at a price of around $65,000 but was discontinued here in late 2010, there's a desire from some within the company to develop a head-turning, soul-stirring Passat.

The Passat is, after all, one of Volkswagens top-selling cars. It has passed the 20-million sales mark and that it doesn't currently have a halo model seems incongruous.

Heiko Nause, the Passat's technical project manager, agreed.

"I believe we cannot stand still, we have to continue development and move forward into the future," he told motoring.com.au when asked about his thoughts on a high-performance Passat.

"Many people are talking about it," he smiled but cautioned that there are no official plans yet.
The short-lived Passat R36 was powered by a 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6 that transferred 220kW/350Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed DSG auto.

Featuring retuned suspension, sporty interior trimmings and striking body work, it took just 5.6 seconds to hit 100km/h.

It's not clear what engine would power a potential new-generation Passat R, with Nause making a 'my lips are sealed' gesture when asked if it could be diesel or petrol. But he did confirm he was personally in favour of the concept.

"I would love to do it, I'm all for it," he opined. "You can never tell the future."