Volkswagen is taking platform sharing to the next level with its brand-new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) vehicle architecture that is flexible enough to be used in some 60 different models ranging in size from the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza to the next generations of the Audi TT sports car and the VW Passat.
We’ll have the chance to see the first application of the MQB platform with the new Audi A3 hatch at next month’s Geneva Auto Salon followed by the Mk7 VW Golf at the Paris Motor Show in September.
As evidenced by these spy photos, the German automaker has also began developing the MQB platform for the next iteration of the global Volkswagen Passat codenamed B8 (not to be confused with the North American market model) that is due in 2014.
The vehicle seen in these pictures is a test mule, meaning that VW’s engineers have placed the body of a current Passat Estate on top of the new MQB platform, which features wider front and rear tracks.
Another key feature of the new platform is the uniform mounting position of all engines, which VW says, will reduce the Group’s engine and gearbox variants in the MQB system by approximately 90 per cent.
While the German company has not yet provided specific details about the next Passat’s lineup, it did reveal that the MQB models would be offered with two new four–cylinder engine lineups.
These include the smaller displacement EA211 petrol series (with outputs from 60PS / 59bhp to 150PS / 148bhp) that will encompass the world’s first four-cylinder engine (a 1.4-liter TSI) with cylinder deactivation, and the EA288 diesel series (90PS / 89bhp to 190PS / 187bhp). Evidently, the Passat will get the more powerful iterations of both engine ranges
At the top end of the range, we’ll find the larger EA888 petrol engines in 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter displacements. Furthermore, the Passat will also be offered with one or more mild hybrid versions along with a more sophisticated plug-in hybrid variant.
We still don’t know what the 2014 Passat will look like, but the upcoming Mk7 Golf should hint at the design direction VW plans to follow for its entire portfolio.
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