3.6-LITRE V6, 300 PS: NEW PASSAT R36 MAKES UK DEBUT

The most powerful Passat ever produced is now on sale.

The new Passat R36, available in either saloon or estate bodystyles, is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine developing 300 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. Drive is channelled via a six-speed DSG gearbox through a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system capable of diverting torque to either axle depending on the grip available. As a result the saloon is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds while the estate takes 5.8 seconds. Both models have limiters in place to restrict the top speed to 155 mph.

A set of 18-inch wheels housing Volkswagen ‘R’ blue brake callipers and a ride height lowered by 20 mm help distinguish the Passat R36 from the conventional vehicle. A new front bumper featuring a trio of deep airdams is joined by the distinctive chrome grille section inset into which is the ‘R36 badge’. A set of Bi-Xenon headlight units complete the changes. At the rear a set of twin tailpipes, routed to either side of the bumper, compliment a subtle lip spoiler. The only badging comprises a simple ‘R36’ logo and the Volkswagen roundel.

The changes continue to the vehicle’s interior. Unique front seats designed to offer greater lateral support are placed behind a sculpted sports steering wheel integrated into which are paddles for the DSG gearbox. A set of recalibrated ‘R’ dials are fitted alongside turned aluminium dashboard highlights, alloy pedals and sill plates bearing the ‘R’ logo.

Prices for new Passat R36 start at £30,990 on-the-road for the saloon and £32,150 for the estate model. Options include a choice of four colours ranging from silver to black, blue and grey. A further option of 19-inch wheels will also be offered at a later date.

As with the Golf R32 and Touareg R50 the Passat R36 was designed, engineered and developed by Volkswagen Individual. Established in 2003 and based in Wolfsburg, Individual is assigned with producing bespoke and highly focused vehicles such as the ‘R’ line-up as well as the BlueMotion range. The Passat R36 represents the fastest accelerating vehicle currently produced by Individual and Volkswagen.

THE GOLF GTI PIRELLI RETURNS 25 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL

The iconic Pirelli name is set to make a return to the Golf GTI range exactly 25 years after the original made its debut as the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli is launched in the UK.

Originally introduced in May 1983 the GTI Pirelli was based on the MkI Golf and featured the distinctive Pirelli ‘P’ alloy wheels. The vehicle proved to be an instant hit with its planned production run of just 10,500 vehicles selling out within six-months.

For 2008 the GTI Pirelli returns to the UK. Based on the MkV GTI bodyshell the new vehicle features uprated dynamics and aesthetics to distinguish it from the standard car.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre T-FSI engine with its output raised from the standard 200 PS to 230 PS. Drive is channelled through a choice of six-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car’s 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds to 6.8 seconds while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152 mph.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique alloy wheels. The modest 13-inch wheels fitted to the 1983 car have evolved into a set of five-spoke 18-inch versions fitted, appropriately, with a set of 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Body-coloured elements including the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper are complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. A unique Pirelli badge mounted on the bootlid further distinguishes the new car which will be available in a choice of three colours – reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite.

The Pirelli theme continues to the vehicle’s interior which features unique half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Despite the focused nature of the vehicle the standard specification remains high. A total of six airbags, 2Zone electronic climate control, a CD stereo system and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) are all fitted as standard.

The new Golf GTI Pirelli is available to order now with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country in June. Prices will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

MORE POWER, FEWER EMISSIONS: NEW COMMON RAIL DIESEL IN TOUAREG

The Touareg range is set to benefit from the introduction of a revised 3.0-litre V6 TDI common rail diesel engine which promises to deliver greater refinement and a useful boost in power while returning higher fuel economy and emitting less CO₂.

The 3.0-litre diesel engine fitted to the Touareg has enjoyed sustained popularity with UK buyers, accounting for 68 per cent of all sales of the vehicle. The new common rail engine draws on the virtues of the outgoing unit yet raises the power output by 15 PS to a total of 240 PS and the available torque from 369 lbs ft to 406 lbs ft. The result is a significant gain in performance, with the time taken to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph dropping from 9.2 to 8.3 seconds. Despite these gains, CO₂ output falls from 278 g/km to 262 g/km. The 3.0-litre V6 engine is linked to a six speed tiptronic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

The new Euro 5 compliant engine also features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust system, and joins the existing 2.5-litre TDI and 5.0-litre V10 TDI diesel and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines in the Touareg range.

The new engine will be available in three trim levels – Touareg, SE and Altitude – all of which come with a comprehensive list of standard equipment. Advanced 4XMOTION all-wheel-drive linked to an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), hill start and descent assist, air conditioning and six airbags are all fitted as standard.

Prices for the new Touareg 3.0-litre V6 TDI start at £33,465 RRP on the road, rising to £36,865 for the SE model and £39,665 for the range-topping Altitude trim level.