Engineering:Volkswagen Passat (NMS)

Short description: Car model series

Volkswagen Passat (NMS)
Overview
Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	2011–present
Model years	2012–present
Assembly	United States: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant) (first and second generations) China: Nanjing (SAIC-VW)
Designer	Oliver Stefani
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size (D)
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group PQ46
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 1.8 L I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 2.0 L I4 (turbocharged gasoline) 2.0 L I4 (turbocharged diesel) 2.5 L I5 (gasoline) 3.6 L VR6 (gasoline) 3.0L VR6 (gasoline) 3.6L V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed DSG automatic 7-speed DSG automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,803 mm (110.4 in)
Length	4,870 mm (191.7 in) (first generation) 4,875 mm (191.9 in) (second generation)
Width	1,834 mm (72.2 in)
Height	1,472 mm (58.0 in) (First generation) 1,487 mm (58.5 in) (second generation)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volkswagen Passat (B6) Volkswagen Passat Lingyu (China)

The Volkswagen Passat (internally designated Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan, or NMS while under development) is a mid-sized sedan that debuted in January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show, is manufactured at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant, replaces the Passat B6 in the North American market, and is marketed also in South Korea.

At its introduction, the Passat NMS was part of Volkswagen Group's strategy to sell over 800,000 vehicles per year in the North American market. The vehicle was developed by Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive and Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and is partially based on the PQ46 platform used by the European Passat.

First generation (2012)

Volkswagen Passat NMS

North American, Middle Eastern and South Korean models are built at Volkswagen Group of America's new Chattanooga, Tennessee production facility. The new facility is a "Flex Plant" which will allow for the production of vehicles based on the NMS and MQB platforms. VW announced in October 2016 that a seven-seat crossover vehicle to be called Atlas and based on the MQB platform would be built at the plant beginning in late 2016.

The Passat NMS is marketed in the North American (United States, Canada, and Mexico), South Korean, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets, with no plans for a wagon/estate version. With the differing B7, and now B8, Passat models sold outside of these markets, Volkswagen is marketing, worldwide and concurrently, two different Passats. The Passat NMS won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The 2013 Passat TDI sets new Guinness World Record for fuel economy under the Non-Hybrid car category. It achieved a fuel consumption of only 3.02 liters on 100 kilometers (77.99 mpg).

In China, the new model is built by Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive and is marketed as a more upscale model with some interior and exterior differences to the North American model, such as wood-trimmed steering wheel, rear air vents, and LED accented headlights. It is sold alongside models such as the long-wheelbase version of the European Passat known as the Magotan and a B5 Passat-based Passat LingYu. The Passat NMS is manufactured at its Nanjing factory.

The VW Passat NMS from SAIC-VW.

Due to LHD, Passat NMS is not sold in Japan , but instead offers European Passat models, currently series B8.

Year-to-year changes

United States

• 2013: Changes to the American market NMS Passat for 2013 include such upgrades as plastic covers for both trunk hinges (although they still remain of an intrusive variety). The 2013 Passat is available in S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium trims with either a five-cylinder, inline-four-cylinder diesel or V-6 powertrains. All SE and higher trimmed models also get a new center console design that now sports a pair of rear-passenger air vents, new cupholder designs, and a new cover for the front storage area. On the SE trim levels a back-up camera is optional. A backup camera is standard on all SEL-trimmed models. Volkswagen did, however, remove Dual-Zone climate control from all models except the SEL.
• Another change added to the 2013–current models was mirrors from the MK6(2011–current) Jetta whereas the 2012 Passat had the same mirrors as the Volkswagen CC.
• 2014: Changes to the American market NMS Passat for 2014 include the engine upgrade of the in-line 5 cylinder being replaced by a 1.8 liter turbo charged in-line 4 cylinder. The new engine delivers 170 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. Compared to the 2.5-liter, horsepower is the same and torque is slightly higher. The 2014 Passat also now uses electro-mechanical steering, instead of the previous hydraulic setup. Also new for 2014 is the VW Car-Net connection service system. Like GM's OnStar safety and communication system, Car-Net offers crash notification, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle location services. Through a smartphone app, users can also remotely start their vehicle, set boundary and speed alerts, and get a vehicle health report. In the 2014 Passat, the system is available on the Wolfsburg Edition trim and higher. The 2014 Passat is available in S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims with either a five-cylinder, inline-four-cylinder diesel or V-6 powertrains. VW says the Passat Wolfsburg Edition "offers a number of additional convenience features for a competitive price." The Wolfsburg Edition will sit between the base S ($21,640) and the midlevel SE ($24,740) trims and go on sale starting at $24,290. To the S model — which comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, Bluetooth connectivity, a steering wheel with audio and phone controls, automatic headlights, power exterior mirrors, and driver's seat lumbar support — the Wolfsburg Edition adds 16-inch alloy wheels, perforated V-Tex leatherette seats, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, satellite radio and a Media Device-Interface with iPod cable. Other model-year 2014 changes include more available features for the SE model, such as a backup camera, two-tone seats, and keyless access with push-button start. Wolfsburg Edition cars get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake for 2014. The 2014 Sport sits in between the mid-level SE and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim models. It features 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, foglights, sport seats, carbon fiber-like accents, aluminum sport pedals, unique floor mats, and stainless steel door sills. Three paint choices are available. Urano Gray paint is exclusive to the Sport model, while Candy White and Tungsten Silver feature a contrasting black roof and mirror caps. The Passat Sport also comes standard with items found in the SE model.
  

  2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL – 2011 DC
  

  Volkswagen Passat NMS GT
• For 2015, the Passat receives minor changes. New features have been added to some trim levels throughout the Passat lineup and an all new diesel engine with 10 more horsepower than its predecessor is now offered. Diesel models also see a slight uptick in EPA estimated fuel economy with the manual transmission TDI models scoring up to 44MPG highway. For 2015, the SE with Sun and Nav package adds curve-illuminating foglights that had been previously available only on the SEL trim level. Later in 2015, Volkswagen has announced new trim level packages that will be released that bundle more features into the Passat for less money.
• 2016: For 2016, the Passat receives a mid-cycle restyling, with revised front and rear end styling, a more upscale interior design, fewer trim levels, and the latest-generation Volkswagen Composition and Discover infotainment systems (most were also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Due to the Volkswagen emissions scandal, TDI models were permanently discontinued after the 2015 model year.
• 2018: For 2018, a new trim level for the Passat, the Passat GT, is positioned below the top-of-the-line Passat V6 SEL Premium, and includes Volkswagen GTI-inspired styling elements (specifically, a body kit and red-lined front grille, as well as black trim strips on the front and rear bumpers and side skirts), a two-tone Moonrock Gray and Titan Black VW V-Tex leatherette-trimmed interior, nineteen-inch (19") "Tornado" aluminum-alloy wheels, and a black roof and side mirrors for most exterior color options. Exterior color options are Reflex Silver Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl. Base pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT V6 begins at $29,145 MSRP, without options, excluding taxes and destination charges. The previous 170-horsepower, 1.8L Turbocharged TSI Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gasoline engine for base Passat models has been replaced by a 174-horsepower, 2.0L Turbocharged TSI Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gasoline engine, sourced from the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. The 280-horsepower, 3.6L VR6 V6 gasoline engine remains an option for GT and SEL Premium trim levels.
• 2019: For 2019, trim levels are reduced to base Wolfsburg Edition and up-level SE R-Line. All V6-powered Passat models are discontinued.
• 2020: For 2020, the Passat NMS receives a second generation (see below).

Design

Volkswagen released a sketch of the NMS in February 2009 and a more detailed, second sketch on 28 October 2009. The Passat NMS reflects a design language developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group, and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand. The Passat NMS interior borrows design elements from the European Passat, e.g., the traditional clock.

Engines

In Canada and the United States, the Passat NMS was initially released with a 2.5L 5-Cylinder engine, 2.0 TDI engine and 3.6L VR6 engine. The 2.5L 5-Cylinder engine was mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 2.0TDI was offered with a 6-speed manual or optional DSG (automated dual clutch transmission). The 3.6L VR6 was only mated with an automatic transmission

The 2.0 TDI engine is not offered in Mexico or China.

In China, the NMS is offered with a base 1.4L TSI available with a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG. The 1.8L variant was available with the 6 speed automatic or 7 speed DSG gearbox and the 2.0L TSI and 3.0L VR6 come standard with 6- and 7-speed DSG gearboxes.

For the 2014 model year, a new 1.8L TSI four cylinder engine replaced the 2.5L inline-5 in North America.

For the 2015 model year, a new 2.0L EA288 TDI with increased power replaced the previous EA189 2.0L TDI in North America.

For the 2015 model year the 3.6L VR6 remained the same in North America.

Models with the 3.6 VR6 engine were discontinued after the 2018 model year in the US.

North America
Model	Engine type	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm	0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration	Top speed	Fuel Economy (City / Highway) (MPG)
2.5 L	151.0 cu in (2,474 cc) I5	170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) @5700	177 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m) @4250	8.8s	110 mph (177 km/h) limited	22/31
3.6 VR6	219.4 cu in (3,595 cc) VR6	280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) @6200	258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) @2500 – 5000	6.5s	N/A	20/28
2.0 TDI(−2014)	120.1 cu in (1,968 cc) I4	140 hp (104 kW; 142 PS) @4000	236 lb⋅ft (320 N⋅m) @1750	8.7s	115 mph (185 km/h) limited	31/43(M) / 30/40(A)
2.0 TDI (−2015)	120.1 cu in (1,968 cc) I4	150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) @4000	236 lb⋅ft (320 N⋅m) @1750	8.5s	115 mph (185 km/h) limited	30/44
1.8 TSI	109.7 cu in (1,798 cc) I4	170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) @4800	184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) @1500 – 4500	7.8s	115 mph (185 km/h) Limited	24/35
China
Model	Engine type	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration	Top speed	Fuel Economy (Litres/100 km @90 km/h)
1.4 TSI (280 TSI)	84.823 cu in (1,390 cc) I4	130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) @5000	220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) @1750 – 3500	10.4s	200 km/h (124 mph)	5
1.8 TSI (330 TSI)	109.7 cu in (1,798 cc) I4	160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @4500	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) @1500 – 4500	9s	210 km/h (130 mph)	5.3
2.0 TSI (380 TSI)	121.1 cu in (1,984 cc) I4	200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @5100	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) @1800 – 5000	8s	230 km/h (143 mph)	5.7
3.0 L V6 (VR6)	181.545 cu in (2,975 cc)VR6	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @6400	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) @3500	7.4s	240 km/h (149 mph)	6.0

Transmissions

Transmissions
Model	Years	Standard	Optional
2.5 L	2011–	5-speed manual	6-speed automatic
3.6 VR6	2011–	6-speed DSG	-
2.0TDI	2011–	6-speed manual	6-speed DSG
1.4TSI	2014–	5-speed manual	7-speed DSG
1.8 TSI	2014–	5-speed manual	6-speed Automatic	6-speed DSG	7-speed DSG
2.0 TSI	2011–	6-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	-
3.0 V6 (VR6)	2011–	6-speed DSG	-

Second generation (2020)

Volkswagen Passat NMS (North America second generation)
Second generation Passat R-Line
Overview
Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	2019–present
Assembly	United States: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group PQ46
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L I4 (turbocharged gasoline)
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,803 mm (110.4 in)
Length	4,875 mm (191.9 in)
Width	1,834 mm (72.2 in)
Height	1,487 mm (58.5 in)

For the 2020 model year, the Volkswagen Passat NMS was redesigned featuring revised exterior styling, new wheel and tire combinations, and more standard safety and technology features, which include a suite of standard driver assistance technologies, and a 6.33-inch glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system with next-generation VW CarNet 4G LTE in-vehicle telematics. The second generation is still powered by a 174-horsepower, 2.0L TSI Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) gasoline engine and six-speed automatic transmission from the first generation, the new Passat is available in four distinct trim levels: base S, midlevel SE, sporty R-Line, and range-topping SEL. Only the SEL offers full leather-trimmed seating surfaces (versus either cloth or "V-Tex" leatherette seating surfaces in all other trims), a Fender premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer, and Park Distance Control (PDC). The R-Line sports a unique front fascia, as well as larger alloy wheels and tires. S and SE includes many modern technology features such as LED front headlamps, driver assistance technologies, and remote start (SE only). The 2020 Passat went on sale at Volkswagen dealerships nationwide in the fall of 2019. Due to the decreasing popularity of sedans in North America, Volkswagen decided not to design the second generation Passat NMS on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform that underpins most new Audi and Volkswagen products. This means that the new Passat NMS does not offer some features such as a fully digital LCD instrument cluster or an eight-speed automatic transmission that are otherwise offered on other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup.

The second generation Passat NMS is exclusive to North America, as China gets its own version of Passat.

Reception

The Volkswagen Passat NMS won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Volkswagen Passat NMS came in first place out of six cars. In a November 2012 comparison by the same magazine with three since-redesigned competitors, the Passat placed last.

In a 2012 comparison test by Motor Trend, the Volkswagen Passat NMS came in first place out of six cars.

Yearly American sales

Year	Sales
2011	22,779
2012	117,023
2013	109,652
2014	96,649
2015	78,207
2016	73,002
2017	60,722

See also

• Volkswagen New Compact Sedan
• Volkswagen emissions scandal

External links

• Volkswagen of America Passat page
• Volkswagen Canada Passat Page
• Volkswagen Mexico Passat Page
• Volkswagen China New Passat Page
• Volkswagen China Passat Interactive Page
• Shanghai Volkswagen Passat Site
• South Korean Volkswagen Passat Site