2011 Detroit Auto Show: The 2012 VW Passat is Set to Be Built in the U.S.A

As the previous owner of a 2002 VW Passat sedan that I owned for 8 blissfully trouble free years, I have to say that I had more than just a professional interest in the new 2012 version that debuted today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. And let me just say that after my disappointment with the current version's styling that I am definitely liking the looks of the upcoming 2012 version. In fact, I think I kind of want one.

It does share a lot of visual cues with the Jetta but in this enlarged form it looks much more substantial and, dare I say it, much more Germanic. The interior, too, is a masterwork of understated Teutonic functionality that flies in the face of so many of the over-styled insides of modern day family sedans.

The 2012 VW Passat you see in these pictures is not the same model the rest of the world will get. Our version will be built at an all new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee that VW is touting as the world's most advanced and most environmentally friendly. Let's just hope it has the highest quality standards too for it is this measure of judgment that will prove most important to the Passat's long term success in our market.

Volkswagen is also promising best in class rear legroom as well as best in class fuel economy with the optional 2.0 liter 140 horsepower/236 lb. feet of torque TDI diesel 4-cylinder returning up to 43 miles per gallon. The base engine will be a 2.5 liter 170 horsepower/177 lb. feet of torque 5-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The TDI will be offered with either six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSG double clutch automatic. The top-grade 3.6 liter 280 horsepower/258 lb. feet of torque V6 will come as standard with the 6-speed DSG unit. EPA Highway estimates for the 3.6 liter are hoped to come in at an excellent 28 miles per gallon.

The 2012 VW Passat will be offered in S, SE and SEL trim level with up to 16 different equipment levels on offer. Clearly VW is serious about taking on the Camry, Accord, Sonata, Fusion, Malibu, Optima and Altima directly at all of their respective price points.

Just like my 2002 VW Passat kept me from buying an Audi A4, I think the 2012 Passat might steal a few sales from premium German rivals. But all of that, dear readers, depends on how VW decides to price this good looking new family sedan. Here's to the stylish return of the VW Passat. Born, as it were, in the U.S.A.