I just finally got to read about the upcoming B6 Passat. It looks like the replacement for the 30-valve 2.8 will be a 3.6 litre V6 making 280 horsepower, and I still hear rumors of 300 horsepower version, perhaps powered by a turbocharged 3.2 VR6. Audi's new top-spec motor for the A4 (not counting the S4) is the 3.2 litre, 250 horspower FSI V6, and the Passat's new interior is awful similar. I didn't think much of the Pheaton, because everyone knew it was bound for nearly non-existant sales numbers and with a mostly steel body and frame it's not quite as "nimble" as the A8. But the new (MKV) Golf and upcoming B6 Passat are very odd choices, they really do step on Audi's shoes, namely the A3 and A4 models. With VW continuing to press on Audi's heels and Audi apparently either unwilling or uncapable of making a BMW beater (at least with the non-S cars) it seems like either Audi is not long for this world, or VW is seriously over-extending the boundries of what people want, expect and will pay for in a VW badged car. We love the two we have and are considering a third (a
2005 Jetta GLI), but god, this is strange marketing. It's almost as distrubing as how close the Corvette is getting to the 911 in terms of performance. Steve Grauman- posted
19 years ago