2012 Passat to be Priced $7K Less Than Its Predecessor

Volkswagen has officially released pricing and configuration information regarding the upcoming 2012 Passat, to officially launch in the US in September. That's right! September! Here's what they had to say about this exciting and more reasonably-priced Passat with a German-engineered soul and Made in America attention to detail!

Herndon, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, a vehicle that brings new standards to the highly competitive midsize segment, with a starting MSRP of $19,995. The 2012 Passat offers exceptional features and premium options in three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels, with equally impressive pricing.

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The 2.5L model with manual transmission and 170 horsepower has a starting MSRP of $19,995.The 2.5L model, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Volkswagen’s no-charge three- year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program. The up-level SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel (see 2012 Passat pricing chart for further details and additional model information).

The 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is expected to deliver 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s automatic DSG® transmission is optional. This direct-shift gearbox is a technologically advanced six-speed transmission that incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal.

The powerful 3.6L VR6® is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. The VR6 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission and offers a highly competitive 280 horsepower. Additional standard premium features in the VR6® model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof, and a class exclusive Fender® Premium Audio System.

The new Passat, designed specifically for the North American market, provides premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., yet maintains the dynamic character that is expected of a Volkswagen. For instance, the new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The all- new midsize sedan is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.

Premium options include leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, and keyless access with push button start.

The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

Content courtesy of VW Vortex. See vwvortex.com.

Volkswagen's Chattanooga Factory

2011 Geneva Autoshow: Mazda's Minagi (CX-5) Concept!

The Geneva Autoshow could quite possibly be the most exciting event of the year; not only for Auto companies, who often unveil their most prized concepts, but for Auto enthusiasts the world over.

See Edmund's Coverage of the Minagi unveiling

This year, Mazda decided to unveil their near production ready Mazda CX-5 concept, the Minagi Concept. The all-new KODO design language. To understand what inspired Masashi Nakayama, the Chief Designer for Mazda, we have included pieces of the Press Release to understand his design perspective.

"I wanted to convey something different from the Mazda SHINARI. I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement; the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture."

"The Mazda MINAGI is a stylish expression of pent-up energy. In Japanese, its name conjures up the image of an object pulsating with energy and perfectly reflects the vehicle's speed, agility and spirited character. For MINAGI, Mazda designers looked at different aspects of cheetahs as they hunt. A cheetah's head is positioned high, while long, powerful and supple limbs hold its lean torso upright to enable it to change direction quickly at high speed. Mazda's designers set out to evoke the moment when an animal contracts its muscles, ready to sprint and lunge at its prey. Furthermore, such a lunge can be in any direction; an idea which fits with the function of an agile crossover SUV as it nimbly darts through a sprawling cityscape."

It is hinted that the production model Mazda CX-5 will debut at the Frankfurt Autoshow later this year. Some minor changes might occur (most likely different mirrors) and likely a less-flashy set of wheels in favor of something more mass-market appropriate. But one thing that remains Mazda's clear focus is to incorporate each new upcoming model with technologies and feats of automotive engineering they've termed SkyActiv. This commitment to clean and sustainable zoom-zoom incorporates advanced technologies in the areas of a new generation of highly-efficient direct-injection gasoline engines, a next-generation of highly-efficient clean diesel engines, and highly-efficient transmissions. Areas of weight-saving and more rigid, but lightweight designs have been incorporated as well.

Look for more information in the future as this exciting new story for Mazda unfolds. Eich Mazda wishes to keep you informed about the newest automotive technologies and it's our goal to bring value and money-saving technologies to you. Check back for more on the SkyActiv Technologies and product benefits explained. Best wishes from all of us here!