Volkswagen gives American made Passat an uprated engine

Volkswagen unveiled a Passat concept at the NAIAS in Detroit where the sedan's sportier side was surfaced. It looks largely similar because the changes are largely made under the hood.

The Passat Performance Concept - as Volkswagen calls it - features a modified 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which has an output of 250bhp and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which Volkswagen claims is popular among the European and Asian markets. All that power can be enjoyed through an enhanced handling package that includes a lowered sport suspension and an electro-mechanical steering.

The Passat Performance Concept can be differentiated from the regular Passat with a dual exhaust, 19-inch 'Luxor' alloy wheels and LED taillights among others. Certain cosmetic details include carbon fibre mirror housings. Carbon-like details for the dashboard and leather seating surfaces also complement the black headliner and side pillars.