Volkswagen Passat GT concept headed to LA motor show

This is the Volkswagen Passat GT concept car that is due to be shown in the metal at the LA motor show this week.

The car is based on the seventh-generation Passat, which is still on sale in America in facelifted form, and has been designed by Volkswagen’s North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

It’s said to preview future a hot model destined for the US market’s Passat range, and uses a 3.6-litre VR6 six-cylinder engine that produces 280bhp and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The car receives more than 20 design changes compared with the regular Passat. These include a Golf GTI-inspired honeycomb grille with a red surround, black window surrounds, a black roof and boot spoiler, LED headlights and smoked taillights.

There’s also angular exhaust surrounds, 19in alloy wheels and red brake calipers, and the car sits 15mm lower than usual.

The interior features carbonfibre-effect trim on the doors and instrument panel, two-tone black and grey sports seats with contrasting stitching, a black headliner and piano black centre console trim.

“The Passat GT is an early example of how the new Volkswagen North American Region will meet the needs and desires of American customers going forward,” said Dr Matthias Erb, Volkswagen’s North American region CEO.