HDClown

Just compare Avants to Sedans or the current passat wagon with a V6 to the passat sedan.

And remember, once you get over $30k, the people buyins that level of care have a VERY different mindset then the people buying camaros and mustangs for stop light racing. The thought of buying a $40K VW will be a critical factor when you can buy a $40K BMW or $40K Audi or a $40K mercedes which is a much better car in every aspect, except for a smaller engine.

phred

Many have driven, many have commented.

My take on their postings was, cool idea, nice try, in reality not much different than the V6.

Gandalf The Silver

Bottom line...a 6spd W8 sedan will likely post better numbers than an A4 3.0 6spd.

I don't think they'll break sales records, but Audi's market share is small enough, that it should be a concern.

vplaza

C&D article from late last year said the US bound Passats were auto only. 0-60 was 7.9 for sedan and 8.1 for wagon, I think. Totally disappointing for an 8 cylinder, 270hp engine. The article quoted a VW person saying they were after "packaging" in the car's engine and not necessarily performance. Whatever, if they think that's enough to sell it, I guess.

Bada Bing

I think it will be a good idea for VW to introduce the W8 in this form, but it will cannibalize sales of A4 and A6 models big time.

The thing that has kept the A4 in business has been the combination of quattro, manual transmission and a sport suspension. Add these features to the roomier Passat, and it's hard to justify the A4.

April

But will North America get that combo ? Not if they are chasing Mercedes and not BMW ( Audi's job ).