VW Golf R32's big brother revealed

This, it seems, is the car for you if you quite fancy Volkswagen's stove-hot Golf R32, but reckon it's a bit small for your needs. Say hello to the new Passat R36 -- billed as the most potent 'R' model to ever trundle out of VW's Wolfsburg skunkworks.

Adding to the newcomer's all-round appeal is the fact that it will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles; the latter is said to be the fastest estate car Volkswagen has ever built.

The basis for the R36 is a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 220kW. It's mated to VW's excellent six-speed DSG gearbox and drive is channelled through all four wheels via Veedub's 4Motion system to maximise traction. 

Net result? The Passat R36 sedan sprints from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.6sec, and the wagon is only two tenths of a second slower. Both variants are electronically limited to a V-max of 250km/h.

Further enhancing the R36's performance credentials are revised springs and dampers as well as a beefed-up braking package comprising bespoke discs and calipers.

Clothing the mechanical changes is a subtle yet purposeful looking bodykit that includes an aggressive front spoiler assembly with Audi R8-style air intakes. There's also deep sideskirts and a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/40 R18 tyres. 

At the rear, a deeper bumper houses a pair of chrome-tipped tailpipes and revised tail-light clusters. The estate version also scores a discreet spoiler on the trailing edge of the rear window.

The overtly sporting theme extends to the interior, which gains sculpted sports seats bearing the R36 logo, brushed aluminium trim and bespoke 'R' polished pedals.

Standard kit includes ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Xenon headlights, '2Zone' electronic climate control, heated windscreen and seats, six airbags and a premium audio system.

The Passat R36 makes its public debut at the Essen Motorshow on November 30, and we can expect it locally in 2007.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but given the aggressive pricing of the Golf R32 -- which starts at $55K -- we're speculating VW Group Australia will go in similarly hard with the Passat R36. This could mean a starting price around $70K.

Watch out BMW...