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While VW is working on a successor for the MkV Golf, its engineers haven't finished with the current machine.

Test drivers are evaluating a final flagship for the hatchback range, badged the R36. Powered by the 3.6-litre V6 that debuted in the Passat, the car will offer between 280 and 300bhp. Due on sale early next year, it will hit the road 12 months ahead of the March 2008 debut of the new-look Golf. Prices are still being kept under wraps, although it's expected the newcomer will cost at least £1,500 more than the current R32, weighing in at £26,000.

The model is based on the four-wheel-drive R32, but the increased performance means changes will be made to the suspension and brakes. Extra cooling will also be required to feed cold air to the bigger engine. New 19-inch alloys, inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo's rims, will be available, too.

Thanks to the revised suspension settings and larger wheels, the car will be more driver-focused and less refined than the R32, which was praised for its ability to cover ground quickly, but criticised for its lack of character. With an additional 50bhp, the new car is expected to be able to sprint from 0-60mph in only 6.0 seconds, while the maximum speed will be limited to 155mph. However, in-gear performance is likely to give the R36 its greatest appeal, although the engineers' biggest challenge will be retaining the light, direct steering and supple ride of the brilliant Golf GTI.

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The Geneva Motor Show is coming up in a little over five weeks and the news about debuts is starting to roll out. One of the new models that will see the light of day in Switzerland is the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion. VW is using the BlueMotion label to indicate the least-thirsty version of each of their models, such as the Polo BlueMotion. Since Volkswagen doesn't make any hybrids, that means all the BlueMotion models will be diesels. In the case of the Passat, it will emit 103g/km of CO2 and have a fuel consumption rating of 60.3 mpg. In order to achieve those figures, VW will probably be tweaking the aerodynamics, possibly including smaller mirrors, modified fascia with openings closed off and narrower tires. The gearing will probably be optimized and lower rolling resistance tires will be used.

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Volkswagen have premiered their all-new Passat CC at Detroit today, presenting it as a car 'anything but mainstream'. Based off the Passat platform, the new coupe is a model whose concept is based around that of the Mercedes CLS, Volkswagen maintaining its new CC is a vehicle 'embracing differences'; from comfort to dynamism and from sporty interior to a spacious one.

Riding 5cm lower than a standard Passat and lengthened by some 3cm, the new CC has an accentuated fluid design and a more sporting stance, while sharing no body panels with that of its sedan counterpart. Suiting the car's sweeping lines is a new panoramic glass roof, providing an airier cabin.
The initial engine line-up will consist of a 160 hp 1.8-litre TSI unit with the range topped by a 3.6-litre V6 FSI model producing 300 hp. Following its European launch in the second quarter of 2008 and in the fourth quarter for North American markets, a 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI engine is likely to join the range. Power is mated to Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG gearbox, while drive is sent to solely the front wheels or optionally to all.

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