Volkswagen has been working on the next-generation Passat for some time and the online debut is rumored to take place on July 3 with public debut most likely at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Changes will be big both in and outside. Engine range gets a reportedly a new twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder engine producing 240 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque connected to a seven-speed DSG transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.
A plug-in hybrid variant will follow soon after sometimes in 2015, combining a 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine and a 102 hp electric motor, for a combined maximum output of 204 hp and a range of up to 31 (50 km) in purely electric mode.
Riding on a stretched version of the MQB platform, it will be up to 85 kg (188 lbs) lighter than the model it replaces.
New model is 2mm shorter, but the wheelbase is reportedly longer, enable the new Passat to offer a 33mm increased passenger area.
Front seats are sitting 10mm lower and there is also extra 26mm of rear headroom, while the trunk size of the Passat Estate is up to 650 liters with the rear seats in place.
Other new goodies we can expect include an updated electronic tailgate, rear bench with a 40:20:40-split configuration, dual-level trunk floor.
The range will start as a sedan, followed by wagon, a CC four-door coupe, and also a rugged higher riding Alltrack wagon. A Shooting Brake version of the CC is also rumored.
