Does VW’s Passat GT Makeup Do The Trick For You?

Designed by VW's North American engineering hub in Chattanooga and on display at the 2016 LA Auto Show, the Passat GT Concept is an actual preview of something the automaker considers adding to their lineup.

Currently, the most powerful Passat US buyers can purchase is the V6 version with its 280 HP 3.6-liter FSI VR6 engine. Curiously, it's this exact engine that resides underneath the hood of the GT Concept, however, unlike the production car, the concept isn't shy about letting you know of its intentions.

It does this through its styling updates, which range from the Golf GTI-like black honeycomb grille insert with red accent lines, to the unique bumper treatments, black window surrounds, black roof & trunk spoiler, LED headlights, smoked taillights, dual trapezoidal exhaust and finally a sport muffler.

The 19" Tornado wheels may not be larger than the ones you get on the regular R-Line model, but they do feature a more aggressive design that masks a set of sporty-looking red calipers.

Inside, the carbon-fiber pattern door trim, two-tone black & grey sports seats with contrast stitching, black headliner and piano black center console trim make for a very somber cabin, yet that's not necessarily a bad thing for a sporty saloon.

Overall, you could say the GT Concept is nothing more than a Passat V6 with a GTI-like trimmings and accents over the regular R-Line kit. And while it would have made more of a splash if it packed north of 280 HP, visual upgrades may prove effective in boosting its appeal.