VOSA Fun Fact: VW introduced the Passat to the U.S. market under the name of Dasher.
The History of the Passat
The Passat is currently the largest car in the VW
lineup. While the European Passats have always kept the Passat name, the
US market has had a few name changes since the first Passat. In the US,
the Passat was first introduced as the Dasher. Then came the Quantum/Santana.
And for the last three generations VW's largest car has been named Passat.
Launched in 1973, the Dasher was the replacement for the 1600 series.
The top of the line Passat TS featured an 85HP water-cooled 1.5L four-cylinder
motor with an overhead camshaft driving the front wheels. This Dasher
was good for 0-100KM/h in 12 seconds with a top speed of 105 MPH. Getting
23.5 MPG it was pretty economical too, perfect for the oil crisis. The
Dasher got a facelift in fall 1977 along with a few improvements including
all motors were equipped with hardened valve seats so they could run unleaded
fuel.
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Dasher: 1975 - 1980 |
The Quantum/Santana replaced the Dasher in 1980 it was longer, wider, and had more interior space than its predecessor. There were four engines to choose from, a 1.6L diesel, 1.3L and 1.6L four cylinder motors, and a top of the line five cylinder motor good for 115 HP. The US got the Quantum Syncro Wagon starting in 1985. By 1986, the QSW had a base price of $15,645 including standard Cruise Control, and could be optioned out with power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, and an AM/FM cassette stereo for $17,280. While this sounds steep, the only other car of its time that could compete was the twice as costly Audi 5000 Quattro Wagon. For 1988, VW presented the world with the third generation Passat, although it wasn't readily available in the US until 1990. This model is easily identified by its lack of a front grill. The 1990 B3 Passat came standard with the 2.0L 16V motor. Rated at 134HP and 133lbs/ft torque it was capable of 0-60MPH in 9.8 seconds and could go on to a top speed of 125MPH. One notable feature of the B3 Passat was the adjustable rear seats. While the B3 Passat compared favorably to it's Japanese and American competitors, it was never able to keep up in sales volume. For 1991(1992 US), the Passat was the first VW to receive the all-new VR6 motor. With 172 HP on tap, it made the 5 speed Passat go 0-60MPH in 7.9 seconds. |
In 1995, VW freshened the Passats' design with the
new B4 series. Standard fare was the 8-valve 2 liter four, but the GLX
model still got the 2.8L VR6. With almost 3100 lbs. of car to pull, the
8 valve motor needed 9.8 seconds to hit 60MPH. The GLX took only 8 seconds
with the VR6. New to the B4 were driver and passenger airbags up front
in place of motorized seat belts. Also the B4 now sported a grilled nose.
Standard equipment included power windows, locks, heated power mirrors,
factory alarm, AM/FM Cassette stereo with 8 speakers, and CFC free air
conditioning.
B5 Passats were first introduced in 1998 and were initially available
only in the base GLS model with the 1.8t motor. Soon thereafter a GLX
model with the Audi 30V V6 came along and the GLS V6. The B5 Passat is
based off of the same platform as the Audi A4 and Audi A6. It even shares
the 1.8t I4 and 30V V6 with the Audi models. The newest Passat has a five
valve per cylinder dual over-head cam (V6 with variable valve timing)
longitudinally mounted engine that drives the front wheels. It has a multilink
front suspension that is designed to effectively eliminate torque steer,
while the rear gets a torsion beam setup. Standard equipment includes
driver and front passenger front and side airbags, ABS, electronic differential
lock, power windows, locks, heated power mirrors, factory alarm, MFA,
AM/FM Cassette stereo with 8 speakers, and CFC free air conditioning.
A power glass sunroof, heated seats, and a five-speed tiptronic auto transmission
are options. For 1999 the Passat got the new blue and red dashboard lighting.
The hot setup for B5's? 1.8 turbo 5speed with a performance chip: 190-200HP,
230-255lb/ft of torque.
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Quantum: 1980 - 1988 |
B3 Passat: 1990 -1994 |
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B4 Passat: 1995 -1997 |
B5 Passat: 1998 - Present |
With the release of the Passat W-8 VW has introduced their first vehicle to use their new eight-cylinder engine that uses a unique "W" configuration as opposed to the traditional "V" setup in most eight-cylinders. The 4.0-liter engine produces 275 horsepower and propels the car to a top speed of 155 mph. A standard six-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed Tiptronic is optional) sends power through VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system (also standard) that uses an automatic locking Torsen center differential and multiple electronic differential locks to provide optimum grip. Electronic stability and traction control systems are also employed to maintain maximum control. Exterior enhancements include two sets of twin chromed tailpipes, standard bi-xenon headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 tires. Inside, these premium Passats get front and rear head curtain airbags, chrome trim and wood paneling, exclusive leather upholstery, an on-board computer and electronic climate control. If that's not enough, optional accessories include Alcantara sport seats, a navigation system with integrated audio and TV unit, a digital sound package and even deep-tinted windows for a true custom look right from the factory. With the W8, VW is creating a whole new category that falls somewhere between the traditional six-cylinder sport sedans (3 Series, C-Class, A4) and the larger V8-powered midsize offerings from BMW and Mercedes. It's no secret that VW is targeting Germany's big two with its increasingly upscale models. This car signals the rise of VW into the true luxury car ranks and will place them in a perfect postion to introduce their upcoming luxury vehicle the Phaeton.
The New Passat W8
