Volkswagen’s Passat premium saloon curbs body weight by 85 kg with the use of aluminium

German auto maker, Volkswagen has confirmed unveiling of new Passat premium saloon and estate. The unveiling will be done in the month of July prior to the 2014 Paris Motor Show, where the new models will be revealed globally. Volkswagen will first launch the new Passat in UK market by the end of this year, but deliveries will commence effective early 2015. India launch is likely by second quarter of next calendar year. The new generation Passat will come with comprehensive changes. Advanced material like high strength, hot formed steel and aluminium have been used in some of the places that helped curb the overall body weight by 85 kg. This in turn enabled the vehicle to deliver 20 per cent improved fuel economy. Dimensions have been chopped a tad on the exterior, however the 8th generation Passat offers increased cabin space.

Volkswagen has packed new Passat with a new range of high on performance engines including a 2.0 litre, four cylinder, bi-turbo diesel powerplant, yielding a maximum power output of 240 PS along with a top torque of 500 Nm. A seven-speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive will be offered on the new Passat. The company will also roll out a new plug-in hybrid model that could be run up to 31 miles alone on battery power, however the its is said to capable of returning a maximum range of close to 600 miles.