Power: a 300 hp powerhouse
A touring saloon, family estate car or a business vehicle – that's what the Volkswagen Passat has been for almost 50 years. But it can also be different: R36 is the abbreviation under which the Passat 3C mutated into a real competitive athlete. Its six-cylinder engine without a turbo(!) draws a whopping 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque from a displacement of 3.6 litres. Its 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a DSG transmission catapult the R36 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (sedan) and 5.8 seconds (estate) respectively. At its première at the end of 2006 it was the most powerful and fastest Passat of all time. And it remained so until it disappeared from the price lists again in 2010
Exterior: a muscular appearance
In addition to the technology, the dynamic look also makes the Passat R36 unmistakable: bumpers with special aprons and wheel arch and sill extensions make it appear beefier. The radiator grille in matt chrome bears a discreet R36 emblem. At the rear, darkened tail lights, a spoiler and the double exhaust with chrome-plated tailpipes add sporty accents. Sports suspension with 25 mm lowering and the 8 J x 18" large "Omanyt" alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres ensure the best contact with the road. Another exclusive detail of the R36: the blue painted brake callipers front and rear.
Interior: sport meets comfort
Of course, attention to detail does not stop at the interior: the "performance" sports seats at the front and rear with "Monte Carlo" fabric covers have R36 emblems in the backrests. The R36 logo can also be found on the door entry strips and the sports steering wheel. The pedals and footrest are made of brushed stainless steel, while the decorative inserts on the control panel and centre console are housed in "dark brushed aluminium".
R36: tomorrow’s classic
Volkswagen also offered the 3.6 litre engine in the successor model, but as an equipment line, the Passat R36 was already history after about three years. No wonder that it has long been regarded as an upcoming classic not only by fans. At Volkswagen Classic Parts, we have recognised the signs of the times. We are already committed to a reliable supply of parts for this modern classic. We have recently added the first new productions for the R36 to our product range – so that the once most powerful Passat will not be yesterday's car tomorrow.
