As part of the standard equipment, the power transmission is managed 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 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 Wagon).

The new Passat R36 was developed by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for very fast and/or special models. Following the Golf R32 and the Touareg R50, the Passat R36 will be the third series version to be debuting under the “R” sports label. The “R32” label already represents a top-selling model; the first Golf R32 (177 kW) based on the fourth generation VW Golf and introduced in the first quarter of 2004, took off better than expected in every way; 14,000 cars were sold globally. On the foundation of this success the idea arose to develop a whole series of “R” models in the future. In 2006 the second Golf R32, based on the fifth generation VW Golf, with 184 kW, was introduced. This was also a terrific seller and continues to sell well today.

Visually, with a whole range of specific features the new 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 radiator grille in matte chrome finish. Other “R” exclusives are the dual fins of the upper radiator grille designed in an aluminium look and the radiator air inlets in a slatted look.

The rear of the Passat R36 Sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the luggage compartment lid; in the case of the Passat R36 Wagon a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions, chrome dual exhaust pipes. From the side it is, among other things, the recently designed 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels and colour coded wheel arch extensions that were specially developed for the Passat R36.

A partial overview of the R36 exterior details:

• Chrome radiator grille highlights
• Front and rear bumpers in “R” sports design
• Body side lower sill extension
• Wheel arch extensions
• Rear boot lid or roof spoiler
• Dual chrome exhaust tailpipes
• R36 badges on front and rear
• Darkened rear tail light clusters
• Bi-xenon headlights
• 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels with 235/40 R18 tyres

Similar to the Golf R32, Volkswagen Individual designed the interior equipment especially for the Passat R36. The instruments and centre console are finished in a dark brushed aluminium décor. The leather steering wheel in “R” design is especially slip-proof; it features an R36 logo in the lower spokes and gear shift paddles as standard. In addition, as standard equipment, the Passat R36 will be delivered with a sport seating system together with electric 12-way adjustment and electro-pneumatic side bolsters, R36 door sill trims, new instrument lights (white illumination) and an automatic transmission selector lever in aluminium look.

A partial overview of the R36 interior details:

• 8 channel 250 W amplifier with 10 speakers
• Dark brushed aluminium inserts in dashboard and centre console
• Aluminium accelerator and brake pedals with “R” flags
• Aluminium door fill inlays with R36 emblem in the front
• Sports leather steering wheel with aluminium inserts and “R36” emblem and gear shift paddles
• San Remo micro fibre/Vienna leather combination upholstery

Models and Recommended Retail Pricing

- Passat R36 Sedan 6speed DSG $64,990
- Passat R36 Wagon 6speed DSG  $66,990