Volkswagen of America, Inc. debuted the 2018 Passat GT special model at the North American International Auto Show. The production model, previewed by a concept at Automobility LA in 2016, was designed by the company's North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, Tennessee, based on extensive feedback from U.S. customers and dealers.
The Passat GT joins the Passat lineup in the U.S for model year 2018 as a limited-run special model based off the R-Line trim. It will be available in four exterior colours - Pure White, Reflex Silver, Platinum Grey, and Deep Black.
Starting at the front, Passat GT differentiates itself from standard Passat models with standard LED head lights and LED daytime running lights. It borrows the R-Line bumper and adds a honeycomb grille, GT badge, and a red accent line, reminiscent of the high-performance Golf GTI. A sport suspension gives it a more planted stance and cements the aggressive look.
The new Passat GT will be powered by Volkswagen's 3.6-litre VR6 engine, making it a true sport sedan. Producing an impressive 280bhp at 6,200rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,500rpm with regular fuel, it offers power and luxury-class driving comfort with surprising fuel economy - EPA estimated fuel economy is 19mpg city and 28mpg highway. Shifting is handled by a standard six-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic, which features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
