Tuesday 29th April 2008

VW Passat R36

New Passat range-topper has 300bhp and four-wheel drive

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Passat R36 - well 'ard

The most powerful VW Passat ever has now gone on sale.

In a clear attempt by the firm to spruce up the rather dull image of their mid-sized saloon Volkswagen has squeezed in a 3.6-litre V6 and called it the R36.

The new engine develops 300bhp and has 258 lbs ft of torque and if the Golf R32 is anything to go by it will sound fantastic.

Drive is channelled via a six-speed DSG gearbox through a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system capable of diverting torque to either axle depending on the grip available.

This means that you can now by a Passat that can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds (saloon) or 5.8 seconds (estate).

Both models have been restricted to a top speed of 155mph.

The R36 has split opinion here at PH Towers but I'm going to stick my neck out and say I quite like the lunacy of a 300bhp Passat (I'll get me coat).

A set of 18-inch wheels housing Volkswagen ‘R’ blue brake callipers and a ride height lowered by 20 mm help distinguish the Passat R36 from its lesser repmobile cousins.

The car gets a set of Bi-Xe non headlights and three deep airdams in the new front bumper.

Inside there are unique front seats designed to offer greater lateral support and a sculpted sports steering wheel integrated into which are paddles for the DSG gearbox. 

A set of recalibrated ‘R’ dials are fitted alongside turned aluminium dashboard highlights, alloy pedals and sill plates bearing the ‘R’ logo.

Prices for new Passat R36 start at £30,990 on-the-road for the saloon and £32,150 for the estate model. 

Options include a choice of four colours ranging from silver to black, blue and grey. 

A further option of 19-inch wheels will also be offered at a later date.

[brotherharry]

hmmmm. cut price RS4?

[bob1179]

I like that. Especially the estate!

I wonder what they'll cost when they get to a couple of years old?

[Fetchez la vache]

Had to google the W8 to make sure this was more powerful, but it is. W8 was 275bhp.
Preferred the idea behind the W8 - at least it didn't shout about it. A bespoilered Passat seems a little odd to me.
Lets see how well it does in the depreciation top 10

[Mike Roberts]

^ exactly - that's going to be one cheap second hand weapon!

Edited by Mike Roberts on Tuesday 29th April 11:08

[vino 187]

brotherharry said:

hmmmm. cut price RS4?

slightly cheaper less powerful s4 maybe (probably not much cheaper at all though)as that has 340bhp. and rs4 would kill it as it has over 410bhp.

[Dr G]

I give it 6 months until this motor appears in a MK2 Golf near you!

[isherdholi]

I think you'll find the S4 (and RS4) both have V8 engines. This is a V6.

[iluvmercs]

So FINALLY the R36 is released!

And my goodness that car looks fantastic, and goes extremely well!

I want one!

Darren

[HazT]

It was only a matter of time after they released the rediculous R50.

Which leaves a new Polo...

R28 anyone?

[OperationAlfa]

Boring german rubbish..

[Plotloss]

bob1179 said:

I wonder what they'll cost when they get to a couple of years old?

About £12.

[dr matt uk]

Just what the range needed IMO - looks interesting!

Not sure I'd buy one new with my own money though. Will be a 3 yr old bargain I reckon.

[off_again]

In general I like the idea and I am sure it will be pretty good.

The problem I see is spending £30k on a Passat is going to be tough for most people. That is a lot of money and you can have the choice of a lot of cars, new or second hand, and a rather dull looking Passat wont be top of the shopping list.

Then there is the depreciation issue - bargain in 6 months!

At least Ford has a bit of a heritage in this area and even their models get crucified on resale!

[LukeBird]

Mad in a good way!

[chunkymonkey71]

I like it! Especially the estate.

[gmackay2]

looks nice!! Just hope it handles better than the last V6 passat??? I had a V6 Syncro and it was rubbish! It didn't handle properly, the steering had no feedback, the engine was as rough as the proverbial badger above 4000 rpm and to make matters worse it couldn't even keep up with my mate's chipped 130tdi sport! This one does at least look a little more aggressive. But yea i agree with some of the other comments made it'll be a great second hand buy in a few years (let someone else pay the £950 tax first!!!)

[anonymous-user]

Wonder if there's space for a turbo or super-charger under the hood?

[oagent]

bob1179 said:

I like that. Especially the estate!

I wonder what they'll cost when they get to a couple of years old?

Will probably hold its value quite well. Its not like VW will sell many of them in this country. Badge snobs and those who can afford to fuel a rocket ship family car will buy the audi version of it for a few quid more. VW buyers and high milage drivers will buy the TDi version with the body kit added by the third owner from halfords.

[bradmitchell]

I would rather have a re-mapped A4 Avant 3.0 tdi with 300 bhp and 400 + lbs of torque... it wouldnt sound as good but would do everything else better and be worth more than £12 after a few years.

[d.rocky]

its still a passat...