Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept

Volkswagen has unveiled a Passat Performance Concept at the 2013 Detroit motor show. With a subtly beefed up exterior appearance and a 247bhp 1.8-litre TSI petrol turbo engine, it helps explore the Passat’s sporty side and create a spiritual successor to the rare Passat R36.

Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here This one won’t reach European shores, however. It is based on the US version of the Passat, for starters, a bigger car than Europe’s and one that’s constructed in America as opposed to Germany. A performance Passat would prove a minority seller in the UK, too, where the current range-topping petrol, which uses the 207bhp 2-litre TSI engine from the Golf GTI, makes up less than two per cent of Passat registrations. We could, however, see an R-line bodykit for the Passat later in its life. A similar treatment has already proved popular on other models, including the sporty Scirocco coupe, reviewed here.

Full 2013 Detroit motor show coverage here