Volkswagen is working to spread its new MQB scalable platform to more models, and next up is the Passat, a car which our spy photographers found testing in the wild.

The Passat will be the largest Volkswagen vehicle to ride on the MQB platform, and still the car is expected to lose around 200 pounds thanks to the new lightweight chassis. That chassis will also help the Passat become more spacious than the previous model in terms of legroom and in the trunk.

Only turbocharged four-cylinder engines will be available, though there will be both gasoline and diesel offerings. A plug-in hybrid variant along with a new wagon version of the Passat are both expected. This car will also serve as the base for a new Volkswagen CC that should land in 2015.

Range-topping Passat R could have 300 HP

Our spies have already caught the 2015 Volkswagen Passat on numerous occasions but new details are starting to emerge about the Euro-spec model.
According to Autobild's sources, the Passat will ride on the MQB platform and could spawn a number of variants including a sedan, wagon, hatchback, coupe, convertible and Alltrack.

The sedan and wagon are expected to be introduced in November 2014, while the Alltrack is due for a 2015 launch. A year later, we can expect a new Passat CC. The coupe and convertible are reportedly projects at this point and it remains unclear if they will be green-lighted for production.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but will reportedly include:

• A 1.4-liter TSI with outputs of 125 HP (92 kW) and 150 HP (110 kW)
• A 1.8-liter TSI with 180 HP (132 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TSI with outputs of 220 HP (162 kW) and 280 HP (206 kW)
• A 1.6-liter TDI with 116 HP (85 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TDI with outputs of 150 HP (110 kW), 184 HP (135 kW) and 231 HP (170 kW)

There could also be a range-topping Passat R with either a 300 HP (220 kW) petrol engine or a 258 HP (189 kW) diesel engine.

Whereas the North American VW Passat is reportedly heading for a heavy facelift in 2015, for Europe and other global markets, the Germans are working on a brand-new generation codenamed B8 that will sit on the group's modular MQB platform.

It is this car that the crew over at GTB Photography filmed testing in southern Europe, while covered under plenty of wraps that manage to hide the styling direction followed by VW, though we do expect a refinement of the B7's design with tauter surfaces and edgier lines, much like the latest Golf.

The 2015 Passat will be the biggest car to date to use the MQB architecture, which together with other measures, is anticipated to help reduce weight by as much as 100kg (220 pounds).

The comprehensive engine lineup will include turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units in all states of tunes, with some combining cylinder shutdown and start-stop systems to help improve efficiency. A plug-in hybrid version is very likely, while there have been rumors floating around about a performance version with a six-cylinder unit and all-wheel drive.

If we don't see the new European Passat B8 at the Paris Motor Show this fall, then it should make it debut at next year's Geneva event.

Chinese version has a 10cm longer wheelbase

Chinese spy photographers were able to capture a prototype of the 2015 Volkswagen Magotan without any sort of camouflage.

For those unfamiliar with the Magotan moniker, this is basically the Chinese version of the Volkswagen Passat manufactured by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. Through these spy shots we get a sneak preview of the next-gen Euro-spec Passat B8 set to debut most likely in October at the Paris Motor Show.

As expected from a Volkswagen product, the design is far from being a departure compared to the outgoing model as the changes are not significant. It should be mentioned the Magotan pictured here has a 10cm stretched wheelbase compared to the upcoming Euro-spec Passat but other than that the two cars should be pretty much the same.

The front fascia seems to be more flat and has lots of chrome accents on both upper and lower grilles, while the headlights are equipped with a strip of LED daytime running lights positioned at the bottom. The side profile image shows a more pronounced character line and a considerably longer rear door as a result of stretching the wheelbase. VW decided to integrate the chromed dual exhaust pipes within the rear bumper where we also notice very familiar taillights along with a built-in trunk lip spoiler.

Moving inside the cabin, it's typical VAG business but there seems to be a different steering wheel and a larger display for the infotainment system, along with yet more chrome accents.

Could be introduced later this year

Development work continues on the 2015 Volkswagen Passat as our spies have shot a new video of the sedan and wagon undergoing testing in Europe.

While both models are heavily disguised, they will likely borrow some cues from the Magotan which was spied undisguised earlier this week. This means we can expect sportier styling with gently curved surfaces and a prominent character line.

Volkswagen has been coy on technical specifications but the model will ride on the MQB platform and feature an assortment of petrol and diesel engines. Nothing is official but options could include:

• A 1.4-liter TSI with outputs of 125 PS (92 kW) and 150 PS (110 kW)
• A 1.8-liter TSI with 180 PS (132 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TSI with outputs of 220 PS (162 kW) and 280 PS (206 kW)
• A 1.6-liter TDI with 116 PS (85 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque
• A 2.0-liter TDI with outputs of 150 PS (110 kW), 184 PS (135 kW) and 231 PS (170 kW)

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is expected in be introduce at the Paris Motor Show, so expect to learn more in the coming months.

New 2.0-liter TDI biturbo engine will produce 236 bhp (176 kW)

Volkswagen has revealed some new details about their future product lineup at the Vienna Motor Symposium.

First and foremost, the company confirmed the next-generation Passat Variant will go into production this fall at the company's Zwickau factory.

Volkswagen didn't have much else to say about the model but they confirmed it will be offered with a new 2.0-liter TDI biturbo engine that develops 236 bhp (176 kW).

Volkswagen also confirmed the development of a brand-new ten-speed DSG gearbox which can handle more than 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. There's no word on what models will use the transmission but we should learn more closer to launch.

Last but not least, Volkswagen confirmed their new 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder engine - that recently debuted in the facelifted Polo - will eventually be offered in CNG guise.

Should make the Americans pretty jealous

Volkswagen has released the first details about the 2015 Passat.

Set to be introduced this fall, the redesigned model has a sportier appearance as it adopts a stylish front fascia with a prominent grille and distinctive headlights. The sporty styling continues out back as the sedan appears to resemble a four-door coupe. We can also see bulging wheel arches, chrome trim and a dual exhaust system.

Interior pictures were not released but the model will reportedly be offered with a heads up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. We can also expect a new infotainment system which can be synched with tablets and smartphones.

Under the hood, there will be a new twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder engine that develops 240 PS (176 kW) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. It will be connected to a seven-speed DSG transmission and an all-wheel drive system which will enable it to return approximately 5 L/100km (47 mpg US / 56.4 mpg UK).

In 2015, we can expect a plug-in hybrid variant that has a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine and a 102 PS (75 kW) electric motor. This setup will reportedly give the car a combined maximum output of 204 PS (150 kW) and an electric-only range of 50 km (31 miles).

There will also be an assortment of other engines with outputs ranging from 120-280 PS (88- 206 kW).

Promises to be a major leap foward

Volkswagen has quietly released a new teaser image of the 2015 Passat.

Set to be introduced next month, the redesigned model appears to have a sportier front fascia with LED-infused headlights. We can also see a contoured hood, prominent character lines and muscular wheel arches.

The Euro-spec model will be slightly smaller than its predecessor and feature aluminum and high-strength steel construction. This will enable the car to weigh up to 85 kg (188 lbs) less than its predecessor.

Volkswagen has remained relatively coy on specifications but they have already confirmed it will be offered with a twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI engine that develops 240 PS (176 kW) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. It will be connected to a seven-speed DSG transmission and an all-wheel drive system which could enable it to return approximately 5 L/100km (47 mpg US / 56.4 mpg UK).

The Passat will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that could feature a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine and a 102 PS (75 kW) electric motor. This setup will reportedly give the car a combined maximum output of 204 PS (150 kW) and an electric-only range of 50 km (31 miles).

Will have a 280 PS 2.0 TSI engine

Extensive details about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have emerged through a leaked presentation, prior to next month's confirmed official introduction.

First up, the diesel engine lineup will include a 1.6-liter TDI with 120 PS (88 kW) along with three 2.0-liter TDIs delivering 150 PS (110 kW), 190 PS (140 kW) and 240 PS (176 kW).

On the gasoline side, we find two 1.4 TSIs with 125 PS (92 kW) and 150 PS (110 kW), with the latter featuring Active Cylinder Technology (ACT). There's also a 1.8 TSI with 180 PS (132 kW) and two 2.0-liter TSIs with 220 PS (162 kW) and 280 PS (206 kW).

All these engines meet Euro 6 emissions standards and Volkswagen is also planning a plug-in hybrid version with an electric motor and a 9.9 kWh battery pack granting a maximum electric range of around 31 miles (50 km) and a combined range of 600 miles (966 km). On this version, the charging socket will be positioned in the badge on the front grille.

The all-new Passat is going to be 4767mm long and will be up to 85 kg (188 lbs) lighter than its predecessor. It will come as standard with full LED taillights and will be optionally available with LED headlights with a Dynamic Light Assist system. Inside the cabin it will boast Audi TT's 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels and will be offered with a head-up display system and park assist. There's also a 360-degree camera and a trailer assistant system.

Many of these details were already announced by Volkswagen at the end of May when they said the 2015 Passat is going to pack a variety of safety and assistance systems such as City Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist and others.

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat will be unveiled online next month and it's set to go on sale before the end of the year, following a public debut in October at the Paris Motor Show.