2001 Volkswagen Passat on 2040-cars

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2016 VW Passat starts at $23,260

With the recent reveal of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, VW has shown a refusal to let the company's diesel-emissions scandal keep it from launching updated models in the US. When the sheet came off, the company told us that the refreshed sedan would start at $23,260, after the $820 destination charge on all versions. Now, we're getting the pricing details for the entire revised lineup. On all but the very top model, buyers get a 1.8 TSI turbo four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and six-speed automatic transmission. The base Passat S offers that combo for the same price as last year, but VW claims $1,315 in extra equipment is now included, like a five-inch MIB II infotainment system and automatic post-collision braking system. An optional LED lighting package runs $1,245 on the S, but prices differ on other levels. Pricing has not been released for the 2016 Passat TDI. That model needs a fix for its emissions cheating software before it can be certified by the EPA, and go on sale. Jumping to the Passat R-Line for $24,975 gets buyers black accents on the front bumper, 19-inch wheels and a tweaked rear diffuser. Another $775 adds the R-Line comfort package with a power driver's seat, heated front chairs, leatherette upholstery, and heat for the exterior mirrors and washer nozzles. Paying $27,100 for the Passat SE includes amenities like 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, 6.3-inch MIB II system, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, there's the SE with Technology for $29,230 with a blind-spot monitoring, push-button start, rear-traffic alert, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The next step up is the SEL for $31,315 with a plethora of extra luxuries. It gets 18-inch wheels, an upgraded Fender stereo, Vienna leather seats, power front chairs, and a rear pass-through. Sitting at the top of the range is the SEL Premium for $35,090. This trim has even more tech, including lane departure warning with active steering, active blind-spot monitor, front and rear park-distance control, and parking steering assistant. The LED lights are standard, as well. Plus, for $37,655 buyers can get the V6 SEL Premium with a 3.6-liter VR6. It makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft and is linked to a six-speed DSG. Getting the bigger engine also adds dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips and Hill Hold Control.

2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring

The upcoming version of the Volkswagen Golf R is nearly ready for prime time, if this video of the car flying around the Nürburgring is any indication. The all-wheel-drive R seems to make quick, neat work of the corners we see here, and sounds pretty devilish in the process.
Expectations are that the new Golf R will run a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (what else?), tuned to produce even more than the current car's 256 horsepower. (Some sources have indicated outputs as high as 286 horsepower, with 280 pound-feet of torque. It's still not clear if Volkswagen will bring the six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the US-spec Golf R in this next go-round or if we'll stick to having only... eh... the stick.
In either case - watching the video below will only whet your appetite for the new, highest performing member of the Golf family.

Autoblog Podcast #406

Episode #406 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Brandon Turkus, and Chris Bruce talk about the Mustang Shelby GT 350, the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Volkswagen Golf winning Motor Trend Car of the Year honors. We start with what's in the Autoblog Garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #406: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics: Ford Shelby GT350 LA Auto Show Volkswagen Golf wins Motor Trend COTY In The Autoblog Garage: 2015 Ford Fiesta SFE 2015 Honda CR-V 2015 Audi Q3 Hosts: Dan Roth, Brandon Turkus, Chris Bruce Runtime: 01:26:07 Rundown: Intro and Garage - 00:00 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 - 29:21 LA Auto Show - 40:36 Golf is Motor Trend COTY - 53:50 Q&A - 01:00:42 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes