2006 Volkswagen Passat Preview

In North America, the engine lineup will consist of three motors. A 200-horsepower 2.0L FSI-T turbo four from the

While the Passat will be offered with three different engines, the 280-hp VR6 motor is said to be a North American exclusive. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

upcoming Golf GTI will act as the base motor, with the optional gasoline engine being a 3.6L VR6 with FSI technology. The 136-horsepower 2.0L TDI diesel with Pump-Duse technology will complete the trio.

The VR6 motor is said to be a North American exclusive, producing 280 horsepower, enough to successfully challenge the midsize powerhouse competition like the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima and Pontiac Grand Prix GXP.

The smaller inline-four will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic function - incidentally Aisin is a subsidiary of Toyota. The TDI and VR6 models will be automatic-only. Unfortunately, the advanced

The inline-four engine will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

Borg-Warner-developed dual-clutch DSG sequential gearbox won't be available.

In Europe, it's a completely different story - the Passat's gasoline and diesel engine ranges are much larger. A total of seven gasoline-powered engines will be available, six of which feature FSI technology. The range includes a 102-horsepower 1.6L inline-four without FSI, a 115-horsepower 1.6L inline-four with FSI, a 150- horsepower 2.0L inline-four, and a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L motor.

The 250-horsepower 3.2L FSI VR6 from the new A6 will act as the top-of-the-line powerplant for European models. Most models will be available with a choice between six-speed manual, automatic and DSG.