Jan. 10, 2014—The Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that Volkswagen will debut its rumored concept Passat, as well as its new Golf R, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
Details to emerge about the Golf R include four-wheel drive, 290 horsepower (making it the fastest car in the Golf series), and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
Other improvements include modifications to the cylinder head and turbocharge within the engine, as well as standard leather seats and a 15 percent improvement on fuel economy.
The Golf R is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2015.
Volkswagen’s latest concept car, called the Passat BlueMotion Concept, will also be at the auto show. According to the automaker, it can get 42 mpg without the use of a hybrid or diesel powertrain.
It has a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. To reduce gasoline use it utilizes “Active Cylinder Management,” a technology that deactivates cylinders at low speeds, a coasting function that disconnects the transmission from the engine when letting off the accelerator; and a function that allows the car to shut off when stopped before automatically restarting when the driver hits the gas pedal.
