New Car: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack


Audi’s third-generation A6 Allroad Quattro has yet to make its public launch, but its cousin – the new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack – will make its official debut at next week’s 2011 Tokyo auto show.

Based off the new Passat wagon, the Passat Alltrack employs much of the same formula Audi established with its Allroad series. All-wheel-drive? Check. Raised stance? Check. Macho dress-up kit? Check.

Though it does without the adaptive air suspension deployed on the A6 Allroad, the Passat’s ride height has been raised. As a result, ground clearance is increased from 5.3 inches to 6.5 inches, while approach and departure angles have increased to 13.6 and 12.8 degrees, respectively.

VW says the stainless-look front and rear skidplates serve as protective armor for underpinnings, but they – along with flared rocker sills trimmed in a similar finish – will likely serve as little more than cosmetic flair. Other exterior revisions, including flared wheel arches, large “snowflake” wheels, pronounced roof rails, and chunky lower bumper trim, attempt to lend the Alltrack wagon more visual heft.

Predictably, the Alltrack employs Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. In most situations, 90 percent of the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels, but a Haldex clutch pack can send all of that power to the rear axle. A new off-road mode not only triggers a brake-based hill descent control, but modifies the ABS programming for off-road use and adjusts the threshold of the electronic differential locks.

Whether owners will actively use the car off-road remains to be seen. Less uncertain are the Alltrack’s chances of heading stateside. Seeing as we only get the U.S.-produced Passat sedan here in North America, it seems unlikely that the Alltrack will reach our shores.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

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