You know what they say: safety first makes safety last, and the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat made a lasting impression on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) judges, who awarded it with their Top Safety Pick rating for 2011, the highest possible rating from the non-profit safety research organization.
The Institute rewards vehicles that do the best job of protecting passengers in front, side and rear crash tests, as well as in roof-strength evaluations. The all-new Passat also features electronic stability control, which, according to Institute president Adrian Lund, is “the most important feature in helping drivers avoid many kinds of crashes in the first place.”
But that’s not the Passat’s only praiseworthy feature. It also offers best-in-class rear-seat legroom, fuel economy and range, and, best of all, is made in America. For more information on the award, read full press release.
Not that we’re counting, but the all-new Passat joins seven other Volkswagen models as 2011 IIHS Top Safety Picks: CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models.
You’ll get your chance to buy an all-new 2012 Passat and ride in stylish safety soon enough; it goes on sale in the US the third week of September.
Saturday Night Live comedian Bill Hader and Volkswagen Product Specialist Danielle Gumro compare the 2012 VW Passat to the Honda Accord in a hilarious new exchange that features the Passat’s impressive rear legroom, available remote start and a TDI Clean Diesel option that goes 795 miles on a tank of fuel.
In case you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for more information and check out our Passat videos on YouTube — including the Passat’s exciting debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
Most of you know Danielle Gumro, Volkswagen Product Specialist, as someone who can answer just about any question regarding a VW thrown at her. But to keep things interesting, we judo-flipped the script and sent her out on the floor of the 2011 North American International Auto show in Detroit armed with nothing more than a microphone to ask automotive insiders their opinion on the launch of the all-new 2012 Passat, and how it will affect the American mid-sized sedan market.
Danielle fought the crowds, and jockeyed for position with hoards of hungry journalists hunting for a tasty sound bite. When the chaos ended, she had a bucketful of behind-the-scene interviews from some heavy hitters in the automotive world. Check out some of the interviews with VW designers, executives, dealers, and automotive journalists here.
If you don’t have press credentials or a family member on the Board of Directors at Volkswagen, then you probably weren’t at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit for the spectacular unveiling of the all-new 2012 Passat. But fear not, with the help of Danielle Gumro, VW product specialist, and the marvels of modern day photography, you can get a firsthand look at the show-stopping drama, theatrics, and media frenzy that surrounded this historic reveal. Check out the gallery of pictures that put you in the front row of this closed-door event.
Our all-new 2012 Passat hit the stage earlier this week at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. You’ve probably seen a couple images and thought to yourself, “Ooh. I can definitely see myself behind the wheel of that midsize beauty.” You may have even caught a review or two and thought, “Bravo, VW. Bra. Vo.” But what you may not have seen yet is an up-close-and-personal video tour of the newest member of our family. Enter: Danielle Gumro, VW product specialist.
Danielle was on hand at the NAIAS, answering questions, and acting as our eyes and ears on the ground. We asked her if she’d be kind enough to give our fans a quick video tour of the Passat, and lucky for all of us, she happily obliged. While only two minutes long, her video gives some great insight into what it means to bring accessible German engineering to the midsize sedan segment. She also does an admirable job of explaining and showcasing the new exterior styling, the many engine options, the feature-laden interior, and even the brand-new Fender Premium Audio sound system.
So go ahead and have a look. We know you’re curious, and we know you’ve got two minutes. After all, if a picture is worth a thousand words, what does that mean for an informative two-minute video? You be the judge.
Volkswagen lifted the curtain on the all-new 2012 Passat at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and Volkswagen product specialist Danielle Gumro was there to capture all the action.
America welcomed a first to its shores: A German-engineered midsize sedan with a price tag around $20,000. Then, after speeches from top VW brass, and theatrics that would have made a French circus troop jealous, the Passat appeared out of a cloud of smoke. The reaction was overwhelming positive, much like the cheers when Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen of America introduced the new Chattanooga assembly plant where the Passat will be manufactured. The plant will create more than 12,000 jobs in America. But right now your job is to watch this video.
Disclaimer: (Preproduction model shown. Actual model and price may vary. Vehicle available early Fall 2011.)
Wolfsburg / Herndon / Detroit — Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced the world debut of the all-new Passat, a transformational car in Volkswagen’s ambitious growth plan for the U.S. market.
Designed in Germany and made in America, the Passat was developed as a larger vehicle with premium features and handling characteristics that will perfectly match it with the tastes and lifestyles of Americans. It will be built in Chattanooga, Tenn., at the world’s newest, most advanced and environmentally responsible auto assembly plant.
The new Passat, the largest ever, is the only midsize sedan that offers superior German engineering at an accessible price. The Passat TDI — the only clean diesel option in the segment — is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, with a range of approximately 800 miles.
Final pricing will be announced in the spring, but the Passat will start at around $20,000 when it arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. It will come with premium standard features that include automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new Passat offers best-in-class legroom, Volkswagen’s Care Free Maintenance program (3 years/36,000 miles) and the safety of Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System.
Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga plant that will produce the Passat is part of a $4 billion investment by the company in the U.S. market. The environmentally friendly facility includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions. A state-of-the art $40 million employee training center ensures adherence to Volkswagen’s exacting quality standards.
The Passat will set new benchmarks for safety, driving performance and environmental responsibility in the midsize segment.
Engine and Transmission
The all-new Passat offers three drivetrain options: a responsive 2.5L gasoline engine, a remarkably eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and a powerful 3.6L VR6.
The 2.5L five cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb.-ft.), which is being offered in the Passat for the first time, will be mated to a standard 5 speed manual transmission. As an alternative, the 2.5 multi port injection engine may be paired with a 6-speed automatic.
The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236 lb.-ft.) has the power of a six cylinder gasoline engine and the fuel economy of a hybrid. The Passat TDI is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, with a range of approximately 800 miles. Volkswagen’s TDI clean diesel engines, which come with a NOx storage catalytic converter, are among the cleanest engines in the world, fulfilling emissions requirements in all 50 states. Optional on the Passat TDI will be Volkswagen’s legendary 6-speed DSG transmission.
The 3.6 liter VR6 (280 hp/258 lb.-ft.) makes the new Passat a top-flight sport sedan. It offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, with European-type restraint in its fuel consumption — estimated at 28 mpg on the highway.
Gear shifting on the new Passat VR6 is handled by a standard 6-speed DSG; the dual-clutch transmission is considered the most efficient automatic in the world. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts, without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox.
Premium Features
The Passat will be offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL, with a total of 16 equipment levels. All will offer first-in-class safety and comfort.
The Passat’s safety features include Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response Systems, which initiates automatic safety protections in a collision — the fuel supply and high consumption electronic equipment shuts off; the doors unlock; the battery terminal disconnects from the alternator cable; the hazard lights switch on.
The Passat also comes with a tire pressure monitoring system, ESP electronic stabilization program, ABS with braking assistant, Hill Climb Assist (with manual transmission), six airbags and an extremely rigid body structure to protect the driver and passengers.
The Passat sets new standards for comfort, with a significantly larger rear seating area, best-in-class rear seat legroom, well-designed controls and superior touring properties.
Other standard features include automatic climate control, power windows all around, air conditioning, insulating glass, a distinctive analog clock at the center of the instrument panel, cruise control, outside temperature display with frost warning, radio-CD system (MP3-capable, plus external audio input) and Bluetooth connectivity.
Premium options include 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, power seat adjustment, leather, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen satellite radio, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 510 or RNS 315 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, wood decor, new ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, and keyless access with push button start.
The Passat will also offer the new Fender premium audio system, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combined quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.
Exterior
The Passat’s balanced proportions give it a unique, timeless and dominant styling reflecting the “design DNA” developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand. The signature clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat’s position as the sophisticated choice in the midsize segment. The bottom line: this car looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here the Passat displays the new horizontal brand face, with the grille and headlights forming a single unit. Unlike models in the compact class, the Passat’s grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape. Moreover, the grille stands more upright and makes a more distinctive and elegant impression in its stricter geometry.
From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheel arches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. In the balance of the side profile, the roof lines flow toward the back with a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury class style with a long, extended glass surface.
The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights (integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid).
Interior
The Passat shows the look of considerably more expensive cars. The new, larger Passat is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase, which translates into a noticeable increase in rear seating space.
Like the exterior, the interior is also marked by a clean and geometric formal structure. Interior styling consistently follows the maxims of functionality. Controls are attractive and easy to operate.
The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen’s flagship vehicle, the all-new Touareg. Chrome trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome. Except for the base version, all other Passat trims have chrome interior accents on the window, mirror adjustment and trunk opening switches.
The upper and lower instrument areas are visually distinguished by various decorative accents, depending on the equipment version. Decorative elements in “Titan” design are used in the S version; the elegant “Titan Silver Printed” decor is used in the SE version, wood décor “Autumn Nut Burl” is featured in the exclusive SEL version. The accents not only upgrade the instruments, but also the center console as well as the door trim panels.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable. Even in the base version, the driver’s seat is adjustable eight ways, including lumbar support.
The new Passat and the all-new Jetta are expected to be the sales leaders in Volkswagen’s plan to significantly increase market share in the United States. The company’s strategy is built on a broad portfolio of products that offers cars accessible to the majority as well as vehicles for car enthusiasts.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG
or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All fuel economy values (mpg) are forecast manufacturer values for the USA.
WHAT’S NEW — 2012 VW Passat: All-new for 2012, the VW Passat offers a more spacious cabin but keeps the luxurious interior and affordable German engineering that car shoppers expect from Volkswagen. The mid-size sedan, which debuted at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, will be built in America at VW’s new Chattanooga assembly plant. New features include a TDI Clean Diesel engine option, an Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS), available remote start and, on certain models, the available Fender Premium Audio System – a nine-speaker sound system that gives you the power to share your favorite song with just about everyone in the neighborhood. Or at the stop light.
STATS
FUEL ECONOMY
2.5L 170-hp engine, 31 mpg highway and 573 miles/tank
3.6L 280-hp engine, 28 mpg highway and 518 miles/tank
2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, 43 mpg highway and 795 miles/tank
Figures are manufacturer estimates. 1
We all love the lux interiors, the cool gauges, even the authoritative “thunk” the door makes when you close it . But those aren’t the only reasons you buy a Volkswagen. They’re not even the most important. It’s that German engineering thing that puts a smile on your face every time you slip behind the wheel. The way the suspension handles the road like you’re driving a sporty coupe, all while having your kids safely ensconced in a spacious backseat.
UNDER THE HOOD: Sure, you love the interior materials. And the way the door closes with an authoritative “thunk” when you climb inside. But that’s not why you buy a VW – not really. It’s that German engineering thing that just seems to get you every time you slip behind the wheel. The way the steering wheel feels in your hands as you pilot down the road, the grip of the tires, and the way the suspension makes the car behave like a car ought to behave on a winding road. That’s called engineering – affordable engineering – and it’s what people expect from VW. For the all-new 2012 Passat, that hasn’t changed one bit. Buyers can expect 12.3 inch disc brakes on all four corners, for example, and a multi-link suspension in back. They can also expect to choose between three engine choices and four transmissions: A 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. There’s also the 3.6-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. torque) with VW’s popular DSG® transmission. That’s DSG, as inone of the best features about VWs. Also known as a two-clutch transmission, the DSG helps reduce lag between shifts, making driving more fun and efficient.* And of course, there’s the diesel – or TDI Clean Diesel – with rocks green lights with 236 lb-ft. of torque and puts out 140 horsepower. The TDI engine is mated to either manual or DSG transmission.
Steering comes courtesy of two different systems: Passats with the 2.5-liter engine get hydraulic steering assist, while TDI and V6 models come with electronic steering. Safety features include a new steering column designed to help protect the driver during a frontal collision, reinforced door panels to guard against side impact, front and side curtain airbags and VW’s Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).**
TDI CLEAN DIESEL: We know what you’re thinking. Diesel used to be smelly, loud and nasty, and as a result got a bad rap in the states thanks to big trucks and long-ago mistakes by automakers. It’s just not true anymore, so – get over it. Today’s diesel is clean, thanks to the fuel and engine technology that VW uses to help improve efficiency and boost performance.† Fact is, TDI Clean Diesel models are arguably better and more efficient than their gasoline-powered siblings. There’s also the feel-good angle: the 2012 VW Passat TDI meets BIN5/LEV2 emissions standards, courtesy of a computer-controlled injection system that sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber. At high pressure, this helps to promote more complete combustion. In addition, Passat TDI models use a special catalyst and urea-injection system that reduces NOx emissions by up to 95 percent. Filled by a 4.9 gallon tank located inside the trunk, the injection system delivers a range of approximately 15,500 miles. Service is handled at your local VW dealership and is covered by the Passat model’s no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. ††
TECHNOLOGY: The all-new 2012 VW Passat wouldn’t be a VW without some seriously cool tech on board. This is the stuff that makes life with the Passat a fun ride down the interstate, warms up cold mornings and equips you with a well-earned smugness when you roll through the neighborhood. It starts with music, of course: Passat buyers choose between several entertainment systems, starting with the RCD 310 – a two color display unit with AM/FM radio and CD player. That’s standard on the Passat S, while the Passat SE gets either the RCD 510 and its full color touch screen display, six disc CD changer, SD card reader, and an MP3 player, or the optional RNS 315, which adds a navigation system, a 5” color display and touch screen and Media Device Interface (MDI) for MP3 players. SEL buyers upgrade to the RNS 510 and its navigation system with a 6.5” color display and touch screen, 30 GB hard drive and simultaneous route guidance. Also available is Sirius Satellite Radio® with a three-month free trial, and, best of all, the Fender® Premium Audio System, consisting of nine speakers (including subwoofer). Fender Premium Audiois available on certain trims.
The Passat also features available keyless entry and push button start as well as remote start, a new feature for the Passat that allows you to heat up the car from outside the vehicle. Just press the lock button once followed by the remote start button twice and the engine starts, returning the car to the temperature last set in the vehicle. Remote start is offered on select trim lines with automatic transmission.
INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS: The all-new 2012 VW Passat upholds VW’s reputation as the maker of refined and comfortable interiors. It’s also spacious – especially when it comes to rear leg room – thanks to a wheelbase that measures 3 inches longer than the previous Passat. Add to this increased elbow room a smartly designed interior that places a premium on ergonomics and convenience. From the center console to the armrests, glovebox and cupholders, the Passat is roomy, comfortable and built with quality materials. Colors include Titan Black, Moonrock Gray and Cornsilk Beige.
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1Range based on highway mpg manufacturer’s estimate and an 18.5-gallon tank. Your mileage will vary. Fuel economy values are based on manufacturer’s preliminary testing. EPA estimates not available at time of posting.
2 The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2009 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
**Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
†† The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2009 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
