2008 Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan and wagon

By George Skentzos | August 14th, 2008

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Volkswagen has introduced its newest and fastest model into the potent R Series line-up, joining the powerful Touareg R50 and agile Golf R32.

Available as either a sedan or wagon, the new Passat R36 is the third model to debut under Volkswagen’s R Series label.

Under the bonnet lies a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engine producing peak power of 220kW and 350Nm.

This is coupled with VW’s six speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission and 4MOTION all wheel drive system as standard equipment.

The result is Volkswagen’s fastest current production model in the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, with the sedan reaching the 100km/h mark in just 5.6 seconds and the wagon model lagging just 0.2 seconds behind.

The R36 variant is distinguishable from its less fortunate Passat counterparts with a host of R-range specific features including a new front bumper with radiator grille surround in matte chrome finish, a functional spoiler for the sedan and wagon, dual chrome exhaust pipes and a unique rear bumper.

A few more subtle exterior refinements have also been added such as the 18-inch “Omanyt” alloy wheels, colour coded wheel arch extensions, darkened rear tail light clusters, body side lower sill extensions and bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering.

The interior is equally as impressive, featuring a dark brushed aluminium décor, leather steering wheel with gear shift paddles, 12-way adjustable electric sports seats with electro-pneumatic side bolsters and leather combination upholstery, R36 door sill trims, new dashboard with white illumination and an automatic transmission selector lever.

A six disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility and 250W amplifier delivers crystal clear sound through 10 speakers, while rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and parking distance sensors, front and rear respond automatically to environmental changes outside.

Despite this impressive range of standard equipment, a premium 600W Dynaudio system, automatic tailgate, electric glass sunroof, sat nav, and rear view camera are also available as optional extras.

In addition to the active safety and agility of the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, the R36 also boasts ABS with Brake Assist, electronic stability program, Electronic Brake-Pressure Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and eight airbags.

Recommended Retail Pricing

Passat R36 Sedan 6 speed DSG $64,990
Passat R36 Wagon 6 speed DSG $66,990

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Frugal One

*****PRIMO!****

You sure C/A isn’t on the VW payroll?

Seems just a little to obvious for mine…

Cheers

F-0
Frugal One

Not sure about this one, good performance and nice quality, but whatever happened to VW being the cheap PeoplesCar?

What about a el_cheapo cloned SEAT or Skoda one?

Around the price of a WRX Sti Wagonoid.

Cheers

F-0
http://www.ausringers.com Liam

Volkswagen stopped being the cheap people’s car about 10-15 years ago … where have you been?

There already is a Skoda clone, of sorts, the Octavia Rs with the GTI turbo engine. But, I get your point, 4motion would be nice also.

I’ve checked out the R36 at my local stealer and I reckon it looks pretty good. They’re supposed to go okay too. The auto opening hatch is pretty cool too.
Jimbo

Looks like a brilliant alternative to an Audi RS6 to me.
Or the poor mans Audi if you like.
An XR6T is a little quicker and a lot cheaper, but not so much if your looking at the comparable G6E Turbo. Hmmm…national pride aside, I think the VW is a whole lot nicer, If I ever have that much money to lay out on my ride I know which I would choose.
Jimbo

Come to think of it, the Germans can build a naturally aspirated V6 sedan that is larger and more functional than a G6ET perhaps not in size but definitely in functionality and almost get the same performance as a turbo six.
They really are the kings. I just hope Ford and Holden can achieve the same standards sooner rather than later. Ford is well on their way though and for $10K less for a G6ET they are bloody close.
Myke

I think to get an R badge it could use a bit more power/torque, I have no doubt that it will be a good vehicle but considering the 3.2FSI has only about 40kw less power.
Reckless1

$67000 for the wagon is almost into the $75000 starting price of the Touareg V6 Diesel.

It’s clearly not as fast as the R36, but if you wanted carrying/towing capacity you might step up into big brother.

They look super in the flesh, was eyeing one off at the stealer when collecting the GTI. SWMBO wasn’t amused when I said I might get one of those too

I live the narrow angle V6 – check out the spark plug location – it’s damn near a straight 6 !

Any bets on whether the Golf VI R version gets this donk????
A Different Liam

This doesn’t amount to more than just a pasted press release, which I guess would be fine if it was hot off the press, but it isn’t.

Those pics aren’t even of the production interior, they didn’t go with that metallic engine-spin trim on the dash oh and at least paste a pic from the Aussie VW site with the tiller on the right side.

Lift your game CA. Sorry but ya gotta be cruel to be kind.
John

VW really need to add some spark to the Golf R range and driop this 3.6 W6 into it. The “Golf R36″ would do an easy low 5secs 0-100k’s and low 13 second 1/4 mile. If anything that’s all the R32 lacks is the power of this engine to make it king of hot hatches. Do this VW without an increase in $ and you have my business.
BOSSCR

I saw a black R36 sedan in Richmond a few weeks ago, it looked the business! I expected more power, but to be honest, i also expected a higher price tag. When you look at dollar for dollar, much better than any offerings from BMW or Mercedes. Better looking than Liberty B Spec, and Saab, Renault, Peugot, Citroen dont come close. VE Calais V Sportswagon V6? I reckon its a real winner
Carl

There was no mention of the fuel consumption for those 3.6 V6′s, They have similar torque to a “good” 2 litre diesel but i bet they are a lot thirstier.
No Name

Bloody hell you lot. Not enough Power could do with more torque. Jeeze, what more do you want 0-100 in what 5.6 seconds heavier than an Aurion and 1 second faster from a similar sized more powerfull engine. Its the bees knees.
SSBob

Corners like a big, heavy FWD 90% of the time. Shame as it is great in other respects and fast enough.
Flying High

have driven the DSG in the R32 and am not convinced. For mine, I would possibly be convinced if it had just one clutch that I could press in and release at my pleasure…
SSBob

If you are not convinced by DSG there is no hope for you. Aside from manual.

Can someone draw me a picture of a W6 engine please.
Jimbo

Flying High…….ah der, try driving the manual
SamR

These seem like a good bit of gear.

Aren’t they are better value proposition then a Impreza WRX STI ?

Probably faster too!
Golfschwein

SSBob, I couldn’t find the reference to a W6 engine. Maybe I read the article too quickly. You’re right!

You can have a W8 (the previous Passat had one) but a W6 is not possible.
SSBob

VR6? Perhaps?

Jimbo, I think flying high meant that the R36 Passat only comes as a DSG and he doesn’t like it much in the R32 so that would put him off the R36.

Try a DSG along a very tight mountain road sometime.
fasthonda

I don’t understand why this car is in the market.I really don’t see where it fits?A very good looking vehicle,well I hope it’s reliable.The Passats for some reason,have one of the worst reputations(worldwide)for reliability in the VW stable.
Flying High

SSBob thanks for clarifying for Jimbo. there is no manual version, just the manumatic. However, irrespective of a mountain pass, having driven the R32, for all the hype about the gearbox, it remains a glorified auto I am afraid. Albeit with somewhat quicker gear changes
Jimbo

Really, I’m sorry I thought there was a manual. If this is true I apologise.
Rob

I just got my lucky hands on one of these and let me tell you this car kills everything in its class. Think about it. German made (unlike the entry level BMW and Mercs which are made in South Africa) an it keeps up with a 6L HSV! Not to mention have you ever looked into the build quality of a HSV or FPV (I have first hand experience) if the AUS motor sector doesn’t lift its game soon we should just close the door on them.
weirluo

when can we expect a full road test review? it looks like an exiting car on paper, but… can somebody here tell me the truth?
http://www.carbodyparts.net Salvame

Amazing Car…The interior is equally as impressive, featuring a dark brushed aluminium décor, leather steering wheel with gear shift paddles.. Cool
greencoopers

Verdict? volvo t6 or the r36?. both similar money
Blackie

Very disappointing that towing specs state 2200kgs but towball limit is 85Kgs,This rules out a lot of caravan & large boats & is really disappointing for a powerful motor car.