Volkswagen Passat GT concept makes debut at LA Motor Show

Volkswagen has previewed a sporty new addition to its US Passat range at the Los Angeles Motor Show, in the form of the Passat GT concept.

It’s based on the North American Passat, and hints only at a new model for Volkswagen’s US line-up. We already get a Passat GT here in the UK, but it’s not as eye-catching as this.

The Passat wears plenty of new sporty design tweaks, many of them clearly inspired by the Golf GTI.

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Overall there are more than 20 design changes compared to the standard US sedan, with the most distinctive additions coming at the front. It sports a sleek, black honeycomb grille with red accents. It also gets a new, aggressive looking front bumper with a two finned c-shaped intakes and another honeycomb insert, which is visually similar to the one you'll find on the latest version of Volkswagen's iconic hot Golf. 

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It gets big 19 inch ‘Tornado’ alloy wheels, masking brakes with painted red calipers. All around the car there are blacked-out trims and finishes, such as the window surrounds, lip spoiler and roof, as well as darker looking ‘smoked’ taillights.

Volkswagen also points out the LED headlamps, the sporty looking dual exhaust exists around the back, as well as the car’s unique interior.

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Carbon-fibre trim pieces are dotted around the cabin and on the instrument panel, and the GT gets two-tone black and grey sport seats with contrasting stitching.

Underneath the cosmetic tweaks is a 276bhp 3.6-litre TSI VR6 engine, mated to a six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. It’s not a new drivetrain, but in the GT it’s paired with a lower ride height as well as the new sports exhaust system to make the overall package look, feel, and sound more purposeful.

Should the UK spec Passat GT go down the same sporty route, or remain understated? Let us know your thoughts...