| Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Model year | 1993 |
| Generation | Passat B3 |
| Body style | Variant station wagon |
| Engine displacement | 2,792 cc / 2.8 L |
| Engine configuration | 15-degree narrow-angle VR6, six cylinders, single cylinder head |
| Valvetrain | 12 valves |
| Maximum power | 174 PS / 172 hp at 5,800 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 235 Nm / 173 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
| Drive layout | Front-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.8 seconds |
| 0–62 mph | 8.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 218 km/h / 135 mph |
| Brakes | Four-wheel disc brakes |
| Anti-lock braking system | Available ABS |
| Steering assistance | Power steering |
| Rear seating | Foldable rear seats |
Powertrain Analysis
The 2,792 cc VR6 uses six cylinders positioned at a 15-degree angle. This narrow-angle architecture uses one cylinder head for all six cylinders and retains a compact external package relative to conventional V6 layouts.
The 12-valve VR6 produces 174 PS, equivalent to 172 hp, at 5,800 rpm. Peak torque measures 235 Nm, equivalent to 173 lb-ft, at 4,200 rpm.
The compact VR6 configuration was packaged within an engine bay originally designed for transverse four-cylinder engines. The powertrain sends output exclusively to the front wheels.
Transmission selection consists of a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The manual and automatic configurations retain the same front-wheel-drive layout.
Chassis & Dynamics
The Passat Variant VR6 uses disc brakes at all four wheels. Anti-lock braking system availability adds electronic wheel-lock control to the four-wheel-disc braking configuration.
Power steering is fitted to the front-wheel-drive chassis. The steering system supports the wagon body configuration while retaining the 172 hp VR6 power output.
The B3 front end uses a grille-less fascia. Engine cooling air enters through an opening positioned beneath the front bumper rather than through a conventional upper grille.
Dimensions & Practicality
The Variant body style combines the B3 Passat platform with a rear cargo compartment and foldable rear seats. Folding the rear seat expands the usable cargo area behind the front seating row.
Rear passenger accommodation includes generous rear legroom. The wagon configuration combines this rear seating provision with the foldable rear-seat cargo layout.
The 8.8-second 0–100 km/h acceleration time and 218 km/h top speed place the VR6 above the performance level associated with conventional four-cylinder wagon powertrains of the same packaging format.