New Passat Spy Pics

[Rocket36]

It looks very similar to the old one in basic outline shape.

That's because it's the same car with different front and rear ends.

The wheels look exactly the same as the Laguna wheels on my Passat CC!

That's because they are. They won't be the FINAL result. They can use any wheels for testing.

To be honest (and perhaps a few of you will disagree) I cannot understand why the Passat CC shape could not be the foundation of the entire Passat range. I even saw a spy (concept?) shot of a CC wagon somewhere which looked promising.

Because CC refers to the original "Concept Coupe". The CC is a Coupe, not a Sedan and the market for everything to be Coupe styling based is not as large as more traditional saloon style. There cannot be a CC wagon simply because it wouldn't be a CC any more. Anything you've seen is a render at best.

[Tim]

I like this bit..

Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.

Some interesting technologies listed there! Given VWs reliability track record over the past few years Im not sure id like my car to have the potential to randomly counter steer me into a truck.

[Rocket36]

You seem to be implying a poor reliability track record there...

[Tim]

That was more than an implication! Love my VWs but id never talk my mrs into buying one. Reliability isnt the topic of the thread anyways. Its new features. Im sure VW would build in some sort of failsafe to such systems. I was more implying that I would rather drive a car than a car drive me.

Getting back on topic. The airless tyre bit intrigues me. Im guessing theyre not just referring to runflats. Anyone heard anything more on that bit?

[team_v]

I like this bit..

Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.

Airless tyres i believe refers to the ones with rubber support structures instead of air i.e. http://www.google.com.au/images?hl=e...og&sa=N&tab=wi.
Would cost a potload to replace when they wear down though.



Wiperless windscreen = rainex????

[Rocket36]

Wiperless windscreen = rainex????

Not a wiperless windscreen... Wiperless window cleaning system. BIG difference.

[Rocket36]

Airless tyres i believe refers to the ones with rubber support structures instead of air i.e. airless tyres - Google Search.

Those sort of airless tyres have been around for over 5 years now!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/03/au...er=rssuserland





If something was going to go mainstream, it would have by now. While I reckon they'd perform better, be safer, provide more grip and wear longer - they are also ugly and people simply don't understand them (when they look at them). Not to mention a higher cost. I reckon we'll be in hover cars before these ever go into mass production.

Although people are making bigger and better versions of things all the time...

[Tim]

i originally thought of the tweel. I guess a system like that would be able to hit the market so long as they were willing to put a sidewall on it. Wonder if thats the sort of thing they are talking about though

[GHW]

On the subject of future engines, I mentioned to two dealers on seperate occasions that if the R36 reverts to a hypo 4 cylinder like the "R" Golf then my next car will not be another VW.
Interestingly both implied that a detuned version of the Audi 4.2 litre V8 may replace the 3.6 in the 'hero' Passat (don't shoot the messenger, just what I was told) if this is the case I'm staying put!
Anyone heard the same?

[Tim]

maybe the new Passat R could get a quad turbo W16?