New VW Passat Future 2012

Volkswagen will facelift the Passat one more time in 2009 before the all-new Passat v7.0 arrives in 2012. The new B7 Passat will more than likely retain its existing transverse architecture on a new flexible platform codenamed MQB, instead of moving to an Audi-sourced longitudal platform. This platform will also underpin the successor to the Passat CC as well as a new mid-size sedan and SUV that will be sold here in North America.
The 2012 will retain its transversely mounted engine, although it will ride on an all-new platform. Dubbed MQB, the architecture will prevent VW from putting obscure engines — such as the ill-fated W8 — in the Passat and should ensure that VW doesn’t move the Passat too far up-scale.

VW’s new MQB architecture is a transverse architecture that’s designed specially to underpin all the group’s larger mainstream Volkswagens: the Passat saloon and estate, the Passat CC successor, and a new mid-size sedan and SUV for North America. Above this MQB platform, there will be just three VWs. That’s the Mk2 Touareg and Phaeton – and the long-awaited E-class/5-series rival which will be developed alongside the next Audi A6/A7.

The decision to use the MQB platform rather than the architecture that underpins the Audi A4/A5 rules out any longitudinally-mounted engines VW has in the wings. The new MQB will underpin several of VW’s mid-size vehicles, including the Passat sedan and estate, the next-generation Passat CC and a new sedan and SUV headed for the U.S. Therefore the German automaker will make use of several smaller gas and diesel engines, most of which will offer a hybrid powertrain. According to a UK media report, the Passat will use 1.4L and 1.6L gas engines that utilize the automaker’s ‘Twin Charger’ technology — which combines turbo and supercharging technologies. Diesel powerplant choices will include a 1.6L and a 2.0L

Topping off the next-gen Passat will be a myriad of advanced features like airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, active park assist, optional rear-wheel steering, 360 degree cameras, sensors for lateral accident prevention, automatic countersteer assistance, adaptive cruise control that obeys speed limits, and even color changing magnetic low-voltage paint. As for the coming facelift, it should give the Passat revamped lights and front and rear fascias, reduce the amount of chrome on the car, and add a goody bag of features like a backup camera and parking aids.
The facelift includes the usual cosmetic changes which should reduce the chrome content, add new lights, restyle the bumpers and spice up the equipment with goodies like a rear-view camera and automatic parking aids. There will also be a new semi-active air suspension, lightweight low-friction 4Motion system with dynamic torque split, and lightweight LED-film tail and indicator lights.
The diesel engines switch to common-rail injection, and we should also see a new base unit in the shape of the 110bhp/184lb ft 2.0-litre EU5 motor as well as more potent 2.0-litre TDIs mustering 204bhp/332lb ft.

The 2012 Passat might be shedding some weight, but that doesn’t mean VW will skimp on the car’s technical features — many of which are futuristic and have never even seen automotive applications. The new Passat will get: a semi-active budget-cost air suspension, a much lighter low-friction 4Motion system with dynamic torque split, airless tyres by Conti, a wiperless window cleaning system by Bosch, an active park assistant, optional rear-wheel steering (a module also to be found in MLB), 360deg cameras with multiple functions, a new set of sensors for improved lateral accident prevention, ESP with automatic countersteer assistance, adaptive cruise control which will obey speed limits, magnetic low-voltage paint which can change colour by changing the current, personalised window graphics with message function and, last but not least, lightweight, low-depth LED-film taillights/indicators.