Detroit Auto Show 2011: VW rolls out American Passat

Volkswagen rolled out the long awaited update to the Passat at the Detroit Auto Show this morning. The big news is that for the first time since 2005, Volkswagen will offer its biggest sedan with its clean diesel TDI engine. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel puts out 140 hp. The Passat will also be offered with Volkswagen's 170-hp, five-cylinder gas engine and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. The five-cylinder and diesel will be offered with a five-speed manual transmission, and a six-speed automatic transmission will be optional on the five-cylinder. The TDI and the V6 offer an optional six-speed, dual-clutch automated manual DSG transmission. Volkswagen claims the diesel will return 43 mpg on the highway and have a range of more than 800 miles.

The new Passat is the largest Passat yet, three inches longer in length and wheelbase than its predecessor. Volkswagen claims this will give it best in class rear legroom.

The S, SE, and SEL trim levels will be available and standard equipment includes a dual-zone climate control system and Bluetooth cell-phone connection. Memory position seats, leather, keyless entry, satellite radio, and a navigation system will be optional.

Perhaps most significant, the base version is due to start at less than $20,000, taking advantage of exchange rates by being built at VW's new factory in Chattanooga, Tenn., the company's first U.S. plant since it closed its Pennsylvania factory in 1988.

The Passat is following in the footsteps of the 2011 Jetta sedan, which uses cheaper interior materials and an older, less sophisticated, and less powerful engine design to meet a lower price point. The new model goes on sale in August.

—Eric Evarts