Volkswagen of America will show off a Passat GT concept in Los Angeles this week that was designed at the automaker's North American engineering hub in Chattanooga.
The vehicle would sport more than 20 interior and exterior updates and create the most aggressive Passat ever, according VW.
The vehicle, which would be assembled at VW's Chattanooga factory if it receives the company's green light, would combine a 280-horsepower VR6 engine with lowered suspension and sport exhaust.
The Passat will be shown off at Automobility LA, the press preview before the public Los Angeles Auto Show begins.
The concept was created by Volkswagen's North American Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga based on extensive feedback from U.S. customers and dealers, the company said.
"The Passat GT is an early example of how the new Volkswagen North American Region will meet the needs and desires of American customers going forward," said Dr. Matthias Erb, chief engineering officer for VW's North American Region, in a statement. "We have the freedom and the responsibility to shape future North American vehicles here in the U.S., combining engineering resources from around the world with our unique perspective and talented local team."
Design changes from the existing Chattanooga-assembled Passat include a black honeycomb grille insert with red accent lines that hearken to those on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Other upgrades include unique bumper treatments, black window surrounds, a black roof and trunk spoiler, LED headlights, smoked taillights, a dual trapezoidal exhaust and a sport muffler. The 19-inch Tornado wheels cover red-painted brake calipers, and a 0.6-inch reduction in ride height gives the Passat GT concept a road-hugging stance, the company said.
Inside, the Passat GT creates a sportier impression with carbon-fiber pattern door trim and instrument panel, two-tone black-and-gray sport seats with contrast stitching, a black headliner and piano black center console trim.
Power comes from the Volkswagen 3.6-liter TSI VR6 and is tied to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, controlled through paddles behind the steering wheel.
The Chattanooga plant has stopped making a diesel Passat in the wake of the scandal in which VW cheated on American emission standards.