VW Horizons

Really?

GTI CVT? –  You know that cool 1.8-L turbo 189-hp 4-banger in the Audi TT? Well VW is testing it with a GTI. The unit that a spy spotted (can I say that?) in the desert had the engine coupled up with a new continuously variable automatic transmission designed to handle the engine’s torque.

Volkswagen Sport Ute – Resembling a tall wagon almost as much as a macho off-roader, VW’s upcoming sport-ute, the Colorado, is expected to make its first public outing at the Frankfurt show next year. A 3.2–liter V-6 should power the Colorado, although an Audi A8-derived 4.2-liter V-8 may be an option.

For Real!

PASSAT 4MOTION - Available in Europe for 3-years, all-wheel-drive Passat has finally reached our shores, the first AWD VW in the U.S. since the unlamented 1988 Quantum wagon. Now, it's called 4motion, reasonably priced $1650 option, found exclusively on V-6 powered Passat sedans and wagons in GLS or GLX trim, fitted with the 5-speed Tiptronic gearbox. 4Motion is mechanically identical to the proven quattro system of Audi's A4, A6, & A8. Power reaches the wheels via a Torsen center differential, a mechanical torque-sensing device in the rear of the transmission case that distributes the torque 50/50 in ideal conditions but can apportion as much as 67 percent of it forward or rearward when need arises. This happens seamlessly, without driver input.

Also of help are electronic "differential locks" front and rear - whenever wheel spin is detected below 50 MPH, the brakes are automatically applied to the offending wheel (or wheels) ... normal differential action causes power to shift to opposite wheel with more traction.

EPA mileage rating drops a mile to 17 city/24 highway. Maybe because the weight increases by 270 lbs over the front-drive only version. A manual gearbox is not available at this time. Prices for the 4Motion begin at $26,525 for the sedan and $27,325 for the wagon. GLX prices are higher.