Description
Known mostly by its fuel-efficient versions, the Passat was one of the most common choices in the European mid-size segment, but in 2008 also came with the R36 sporty version, available as a sedan or station wagon.
Families who needed a larger vehicle could always opt for a station wagon, but fast drivers needed more powerful engines and transmissions on which they could rely on. Volkswagen already knew that since its premium brother Audi already made big money with the RS4/RS6 Avant models. Considering this, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker dropped a potent engine under the Passat's hood, and thus the R36 was born.
You didn't have to be a champion at a "find the differences" game to recognize an R36 from a mundane TDI version of the Passat. First of all, there was a completely different front bumper extended downwards and included a broad center grille flanked by two air-intakes to cool the brakes. Moreover, the ground clearance was lowered, and a pair of aerodynamically-profiled skirts adorned the sides of the vehicle. Last but not least, the back of the car received a wider roof spoiler than the rest of its Varian siblings, and a dual exhaust system flanked the rear apron.
Inside, Volkswagen added a pair of sport bucket seats with R36 logos embroidered on the front seats' seatbacks. Moreover, the steering wheel was decorated with the same badge on the lower of the three spokes it featured, while the pedals were finished with a stainless steel aspect. Finally, on the center console, the gear selector for the automatic transmission had an aluminum look.
But all those visual modifications were meant to complete the drivetrain. Volkswagen installed a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood that developed 295 hp (300 PS) and a healthy dose of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox (DSG) that sent the power in all corners via a Haldex electronically controlled system.
Press Release
A 220 kW / 300 hp 3.6 liter six cylinder direct injection gasoline engine will power the Volkswagen Passat R36 - the most powerful Passat of all time. As part of standard equipment power transmission is handled by a direct shift gearbox (DSG) and permanent four-wheel drive (4MOTION). The top speed of the sedan is an electronically regulated 250 km/h. In terms of speed, the Volkswagen Passat R36 outstrips every other Volkswagen in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h: the sedan reaches the 100 km/h mark in 5.6 seconds (5.8 seconds for the Variant).
The VW Passat R36 was conceived by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for very fast and/or special models. Following the Golf R32, the Volkswagen Passat R36 is the second series version under the "R" sports label. The "R32" label already represents a top-selling model; the first Golf R32 (177 kW / 241 hp) based on the VW Golf Mk IV and introduced in midsummer 2002, took off better than expected in every way; 14,000 cars were sold. On the foundation of this success the idea arose to develop a whole series of R models in the future. In Autumn 2005 the second Golf R32, 184 kW / 250 hp, equipped with 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard equipment, was introduced. It was also a terrific seller. And it continues to sell well today. The "R36" shows how sporty a Passat Sedan and a Passat Variant can be.
Visually, with a whole range of specific features the Volkswagen Passat R36 shows that it is the most dynamic model of the globally successful series. Special features of the front section: an R-specific bumper and a crest radiator grill in matte chrome finish. Other R exclusives are the dual fins of the upper radiator grill designed in aluminum look and the radiator air inlets in slatted look.
The rear of the Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the luggage compartment lid; in the case of the Volkswagen Passat R36 Variant a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions: the chrome dual exhaust pipes. On the sides it is, among other things, the newly designed 18-inch "Omanyt" alloy wheels and wheel arch extensions in the car color that were specially developed for the Volkswagen Passat R36.
An overview (partial) of R36 exterior details:
Chrome exhaust pipe ends
Bi-xenon headlights
Disk brake calipers painted black
Roof edge spoiler (Variant)
Trunk lid spoiler (Sedan)
Radiator grill in matte chrome, fins in aluminum look and "R36" lettering
Air grille in slatted look
R-specific bumpers front and back
Rear LED tinted lights
Wheel arch extensions in car color
Chrome protective trim on sides and back
Door sill extensions in car color
Door closing trim in car color
18 inch "Omanyt" alloy wheels (tires: 235/40)
Similar to the Golf R32, Volkswagen Individual designed interior equipment especially for the sportiest Passat. The instruments and middle console are finished in "Engine Spin" décor. The leather steering wheel in R design is especially slip-proof; it features an R36 logo in the lower spokes. The pedals have a stainless steel finish. In addition, as standard equipment the Passat R36 will be delivered with a sport seating system together with electric 12-way adjustment, R36 door sill trims, new instrument lights (white illumination) and an automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look. A special highlight is the optionally available 14-way leather seating system with seats that are electrically adjustable on the sides, affording optimal side support for drivers and passengers of different sizes.
An overview (partial) of R36 interior details:
Automatic transmission selector lever in aluminum look
Engine Spin décor inlays, light-colored
Door sill trims with R36 lettering in front
Instrument cluster with R logo and white illumination
R design pedal caps
R-specific multifunctional steering wheel
Seat covers and door coverings in flat woven fabric "Monte Carlo" design
Sport seats in front, 12-way electric, R logo on backrest
Sport seating system in back, separately folding backrests with middle armrest
Heatable front and outer rear seats
