In 2008 Volkswagen released its most potent 'R' model yet the Passat R36. Joining the Golf R32 and, at the time, only the second model in the Volkswagen line-up to carry the 'R' badge the new car was not only the fastest Passat but also the fastest estate car Volkswagen had ever produced.

The basis for the R36 was a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 300 PS. The R36 was the fastest production Passat with a claimed zero to 62 mph time of 5.6 seconds. The estate version which, like the saloon, was fitted with 4MOTION all-wheel drive returned a time of 5.8 seconds. Both were electronically limited to maximum speed of 155 mph.

The Passat R36 was not replaced when the latest generation of Passat arrived in December 2010.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk