VOLKSWAGEN'S 1999 PASSAT

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Since its introduction in the fall of 1997, the Volkswagen Passat has enjoyed record-breaking sales by single-handedly redefining what is possible in the mid-sized family car market.

For 1999, the Volkswagen Passat lineup continues to stand out in a sea of mid size look alikes and European wannabes by offering dynamic styling and an invigorating German driving experience.

New for 1999, Volkswagen will introduce a supremely equipped Passat GLX sedan complete with Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system. This system also comes on the 1999 Passat GLS V6 wagon and as an option on the GLS V6 sedan. All cars with this system will be introduced later in the 1999 model year.

Volkswagen's Passat models, both the sedan and wagon, are technically advanced mid-size cars, employing innovative technology that includes Volkswagen's revolutionary new four-link front suspension system and five-valve per cylinder engine technology. An array of passive safety features include standard front seat-mounted side airbags.

The 1999 Passat sedan and wagon lineup includes a well-equipped GLS trim level that can be equipped with Volkswagen's award-winning 20-valve, 1.8 T, 150 horsepower four-cylinder or a refined 30-valve, 2.8 liter, 190 horsepower V6. The top-of-the-line GLX trim level is available as an all-wheel-drive V6 sedan.

Introduced in the spring of 1998, Volkswagen's 2.8 liter V6 features five-valve technology, twin dual overhead cams, variable intake valve timing, and a variable geometry composite intake manifold. This advanced 30-valve V6 delivers 190 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 206 ft. lbs. of torque at just 3,200 rpm. The result is an engine that delivers its exceptional pulling power smoothly and consistently over a broad rpm range.

This innovative five-valve technology is also employed in the 1.8 T four-cylinder engine. Providing substantial, six-cylinder-like power and performance, this remarkably efficient powerplant uses a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, high-density intake air-a basic ingredient of power. Of course, its five-valves per cylinder provide for excellent top-end breathing, and the double overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. All of this is built into a compact and efficient long-stroke 1.8 liter four-cylinder package. The result: 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 155 ft. lbs. of torque all the way from 1,750 to 4,600 rpm-an extraordinarily flat torque curve that provides plenty of pulling power from the low end through the top.

Volkswagen's five-valve technology offers significant advantages over conventional two and four-valve engines, in that it allows for greater operating efficiency. This translates into more torque and power with optimal fuel consumption.

Mated to these advanced engines are a standard five-speed manual transmission, or an optional five-speed automatic with TiptroniclD*, that can either be operated as a normal automatic transmission or, when the driver desires more control, it can be shifted through the gears manually using a special shift gate.

All Passats employ power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated in front) with the latest generation ABS. This advanced electronic ABS allows for standard traction control via electronic differential locking and anti-slip reduction, ASR, on V6 versions.

As Volkswagen's flagship sedan, the Passat GLX offers Volkswagen's highest level of refinement, convenience, and comfort.