New VW Passat - In Detail

Press Release

Body Technology

• Solid as a rock: Best torsional stiffness value in midrange class
• As light as a feather: Galvanised steel body breaks weight spiral

On the outside, everything about the new Passat design is new and different just like the whole body. The dimensions are one example. The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62mm), 1.82 metres wide (+ 74mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+ 10 mm). Its wheelbase measures 2.71 metres and the boot has a maximum volume of 565 litres (+ 90 litres). These values see the Passat truly mix up the terms mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury class.

This also applies for the quality and safety standards. One real indicator of both is the static torsional stiffness. It is 57 percent higher than that of the very good predecessor and represents the best value in this class. Furthermore, thanks to highly innovative production methods and material, we have improved the body properties of the new Passat considerably. The weight spiral has been broken despite the growth in length, width and height. The body of the new Passat does not weigh any more than that of its predecessor.

This weight optimisation quality combined with increased accident safety and stiffness would not have been possible without the appropriate use of different steel qualities. The proportion of highstrength and higher-strength steels in the Passat body structure is around 79 percent, of which so-called die-quenched steels account for around 15 percent. Sheets made from die-quenched steel are used in the areas of the passenger cell that are subject to extreme loads. Their extraordinary stiffness also reduces the risk of injury in severe collisions.