"Project R GT " - Page 2/2

Passat As much as the Jetta “Project R” concept wears it’s competitive roots on its sleeve, the Passat prefers a much more refined, subtle approach to barnstorming performance. Possessing more of the elegant, quietly intimidating aura of the best European touring sedans, many casual observers wouldn’t expect 575hp to be quietly nestled under the hood. While the European-spec Passat this concept is based on is certainly not wanting for power, the 3.2L V6 FSI powerplant was capably “massaged” to possess truly monsterous capacity. To begin with, HPA included a twin-turbo conversion package that features dual exhaust manifolds, each carrying a Garrett GT25R ball-bearing turbocharger, cooled by twin intercoolers. Amazingly, the exhaust gasses still flow through a quad-bypass emissions system that retains the catalytic converters. Nearly six hundred horsepower with emissions that the smog man can handle! – Where do we sign up?

Suspension is another KW variant coil over, similar to the one used in the Jetta Project R. The braking system is the same Brembo system available on the VW Phaeton. Wheels and tires are the same as on the Jetta Project R, but HPA modified the DSG gearbox to allow more revs between upshifts to match the engine’s dramatically increased output.

As we alluded to earlier, aesthetically, the Passat is a much more “subtle” car than the Jetta Project R. Paintwork is a gleaming white, nicely contrasted by both the dark wheels and the black leather interior. Furthermore, the interior is definitely focused on long distance comfort, as it includes VW’s top-spec sound system, an iPod up front and a Sony PSP in the rear. Definitely a super-saloon in the highest order then…

Specifications:

- 575-bhp, 3.2-liter Twin Turbo MPI (non FSI) V6 engine
- Twin Turbo conversion Package to include:
     - Dual Garrett GT25 ball-bearing-based turbochargers   
     - Dual proprietary HGP exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings
     - Cast aluminum short runner intake manifold
     - Dual air-to-air intercoolers
     - Dual 3-in. (70-mm) ceramic-coated down pipes
     - Upgraded fuel system
- Quad by-pass emissions-legal exhaust system
- 4MOTION® system
- KW Variant 3 Coilover suspension       
- Brembo performance brake system:
     - 365 x 34-mm front discs with Brembo 8-piston monobloc calipers
     - 365 x 22-mm rear discs
- DSGTM transmission featuring lengthened gears and sport-shifting calibrations
Trim Recommendation and Concepts from Volkswagen Design Center California (DCC)

Exterior:

- Candy White with contrast graphics
- 19 x 9.5-in.  custom-built forged aluminum modular Avus® wheels
- Michelin tires: Pilot Sport2 245/30R19
- New front and rear bumper fascias and side rocker panels
- Rear spoiler
- Llumar glass treatment

Interior:

- Black Leather
- White piano lacquer
- Dual white Apple iPod in arm rest           
- Dual white Sony PSP in seatbacks
- Full navigation with highest-option sound system

Verdict: Volkswagen is quick to point out that these cars are only concepts at this point, but that if interest was high enough, elements (or indeed the entire car) may end up in production. When I queried the friendly PR people, they were also quick to confirm that all of the interest at SEMA had been incredibly positive on both vehicles.

With any luck, the positive response to the cars will not only encourage Volkswagen to shed the “practical” image for the “dynamic” one, at least from time to time, but also drive them to bring cars like these into full-scale production.

All I’d like to know is, “Who do I make the check out to?”

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