Just as Michigan-based Volkswagen of America, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it proudly debuts the all-new, sixth generation, 2006 Passat at the 2005 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in Rochester Hills, Mich. This marks the first time a European automaker has revealed a new product at the prestigious event. It is the world debut of the new 2006 Passat with a new narrow-angle V6 engine and the North American debut of the 2.0T engine.

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The 2006 Passat is completely redesigned inside and out, with contemporary, sporty European styling and a powerful new base engine. The new Passat further invigorates the affordable midsize family car market by offering a car that is both a responsible family choice and a desirable driver's car.

Powered by a sophisticated new four-cylinder, two-liter base engine called the 2.0T, the Passat delivers 200 horsepower at 5,100 revolutions per minute and offers extraordinary pulling power or torque through a wide and useable range. Following the launch of the new 2.0T engine, Volkswagen's renowned narrow-angle V6 concept, commonly known as the VR6, returns to the Passat with a more refined higher displacement, and powerful version of its 3.6L engine that creates 280 horsepower.

The value edition Passat will be base-priced at an MSRP of $22,950. The next step up in the 2.0T starts at $23,900 and the 3.6L starts at $29,950.

In addition to engine changes, the new Passat is also equipped with an advanced four-link independent rear suspension and a new handling system that provides active-return steering and straight-ahead driving correction assistance.

The new Passat is larger, allowing for greater comfort and function while maintaining a sporty, confident design that commands respect.

The Passat is one of the safest vehicles, consistently ranking high in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety real world studies. The new Passat delivers advanced occupant protection, with six airbags and available rear torso airbags, including Autobahn-bred safety features. The 2006 Passat continues to be among the leaders in its segment in offering a list of performance features that can help avoid accidents, including advanced power steering systems and electronic stabilization and anti-slip features.

Since its introduction in North America in 1997, the Passat has averaged more than 75,000 a year in U.S. sales, making it the most successful Volkswagen midsize car.