Car Magazine reports on the next-generation VW due in 2012. Here are some interesting sections:

The next Passat will retain its current transverse engine layout but will sit on the much vaunted new ultra-flexible MQB architecture – and with far-reaching consequences. The Passat will never be allowed to pitch itself more upmarket than its DNA permits, which means no pseudo-executive W8 nonsense. The Passat family will grow to include Passat saloon and estate, the new Passat CC and will – eventually – spawn the replacement Touareg and Tiguan.

[Source: Car Magazine]

It sounds promising. As well as promising a radical redesign that will make us think twice about wanting a 3-series, C-Class or an A4, the new Passat will be rammed with advanced technology including weight-saving measures like miniature air-con compressors and electric seat adjusters, new ultra-thin toughened glass, featherweight foam injection chassis stiffening, semi-active air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a lighter low-friction 4Motion system with dynamic torque split… the list goes on.

You want more tech? How about airless tyres from Continental, a Bosch wiperless window cleaning system, 360deg parking cameras, ESP with automatic counter-steer assistance, speed limit-obeying adaptive cruise control and – our favourite – magnetic low-voltage paint which can change colour by changing the current. It sounds far flung but VW is seriously considering all this for the 2012 Passat replacement.