WASHINGTON -- VW says the Passat GT concept has more than 20 design changes from the standard Passat midsize sedan, including a suspension that’s been lowered by 0.6 inch and a unique grille, fascia and other accents.
Under the hood is the same 280 hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine used in the 2017 Passat.
VW of America said in a statement that the Passat GT concept previews a “potential addition” to the midsize sedan’s lineup.
It was designed by VW engineers at the company's North American engineering and planning center in Chattanooga based on feedback from U.S. consumers and dealers, and shows how the brand will shape future VW products here, the company said in a statement.
“We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the U.S., combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team.” Matthias Erb, VW’s engineering chief for North America, said in a statement.
U.S. sales of the Passat have suffered amid the shift in consumer preferences toward crossovers and SUVs. Deliveries have declined 17 percent this year through October to 59,320, while the overall midsize sedan segment has shrunk 13 percent.
