Description
In 2008, Volkswagen decided to give a performance boost for its mid-size sedan, the Passat. The car was well known in Europe, but mostly for its fuel-efficient TDI engine.
The change from the fifth to the sixth generation of the Passat was big. That generation was considered one of the best vehicles ever made by Volkswagen. It also featured a powerful version such as the W8 that offered 271 hp. Considering this, the German car-maker installed a new top-model on the sixth generation of the Passat: the R36.
Its look was not so much different than the rest of its lineup. Some details were telling that that was not the regular, economic vehicle. Upfront, there was a massive silver grille instead of the body-colored one on the rest of the Passat's range. Bigger air-scoops were installed on the modified front bumper and special 18” light-alloy-wheels were fitted as standard. The bi-xenon headlights and the LED taillights were standard as well.
Inside, there was an abundance of carbon-fiber decals on the dashboard, instrument cluster, and center console. The aluminum pedals were part of the pack. The front bucket-seats were highly bolstered for supplementary side support during high-speed cornering. But, most importantly, the 3.6-liter engine offered more power than the previous W8 Passat, even if it had a smaller displacement and two cylinders less. In fact, it was the most powerful Passat ever built by Volkswagen.
Press Release
A 220 kW / 300 hp 3.6 liter six cylinder direct injection gasoline engine will power the Volkswagen Passat R36 - the most powerful Passat of all time. As part of standard equipment power transmission is handled by a direct shift gearbox (DSG) and permanent four-wheel drive (4MOTION). The top speed of the sedan is an electronically regulated 250 km/h. In terms of speed, the Volkswagen Passat R36 outstrips every other Volkswagen in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h: the sedan reaches the 100 km/h mark in 5.6 seconds (5.8 seconds for the Variant).
The VW Passat R36 was conceived by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for very fast and/or special models. Following the Golf R32, the Volkswagen Passat R36 is the second series version under the "R" sports label. The "R32" label already represents a top-selling model; the first Golf R32 (177 kW / 241 hp) based on the VW Golf Mk IV and introduced in midsummer 2002, took off better than expected in every way; 14,000 cars were sold. On the foundation of this success the idea arose to develop a whole series of R models in the future. In Autumn 2005 the second Golf R32, 184 kW / 250 hp, equipped with 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard equipment, was introduced. It was also a terrific seller. And it continues to sell well today. The "R36" shows how sporty a Passat Sedan and a Passat Variant can be.
Visually, with a whole range of specific features the Volkswagen Passat R36 shows that it is the most dynamic model of the globally successful series. Special features of the front section: an R-specific bumper and a crest radiator grill in matte chrome finish. Other R exclusives are the dual fins of the upper radiator grill designed in aluminum look and the radiator air inlets in slatted look.
The rear of the Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the luggage compartment lid; in the case of the Volkswagen Passat R36 Variant a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions: the chrome dual exhaust pipes. On the sides it is, among other things, the newly designed 18-inch "Omanyt" alloy wheels and wheel arch extensions in the car color that were specially developed for the Volkswagen Passat R36.
An overview (partial) of R36 exterior details:
Chrome exhaust pipe ends
Bi-xenon headlights
Disk brake calipers painted black
Roof edge spoiler (Variant)
Trunk lid spoiler (Sedan)
Radiator grill in matte chrome, fins in aluminum look and "R36" lettering
Air grille in slatted look
R-specific bumpers front and back
Rear LED tinted lights
Wheel arch extensions in car color
Chrome protective trim on sides and back
Door sill extensions in car color
Door closing trim in car color
18 inch "Omanyt" alloy wheels (tires: 235/40)
Similar to the Golf R32, Volkswagen Individual designed interior equipment especially for the sportiest Passat. The instruments and middle console are finished in "Engine Spin" décor. The leather steering wheel in R design is especially slip-proof; it features an R36 logo in the lower spokes. The pedals have a stainless steel finish. In addition, as standard equipment the Passat R36 will be delivered with a sport seating system together with electric 12-way adjustment, R36 door sill trims, new instrument lights (white illumination) and an automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look. A special highlight is the optionally available 14-way leather seating system with seats that are electrically adjustable on the sides, affording optimal side support for drivers and passengers of different sizes.
An overview (partial) of R36 interior details:
Automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look
Engine Spin décor inlays, light-colored
Door sill trims with R36 lettering in front
Instrument cluster with R logo and white illumination
R design pedal caps
R-specific multifunctional steering wheel
Seat covers and door coverings in flat woven fabric "Monte Carlo" design
Sport seats in front, 12-way electric, R logo on backrest
Sport seating system in back, separately folding backrests with middle armrest
Heatable front and outer rear seats
