The lavish ‘Cala di Volpe’ resort is a special place – automotive history has been written there. Volkswagen and Audi have launched many important cars there over the last few decades. Four years ago at the resort, VW’s advisory board chief, Ferdinand Piech, celebrated the public execution of Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking at the height of the takeover battle (which Porsche lost). Now, there’s a new Passat – and it’s so good that the competition should be worried, including VW group’s own premium brand Audi. The all-new model is built atop the VW Group’s impressive MQB modular-transversal architecture. This modular platform, which will eventually stretch from the next Polo to a mid-size SUV larger than the Passat, opens up countless possibilities for engineers. Designed for front-or all-wheel drive, and equipped for gasoline, diesel, natural gas, plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrains, MQB is far more lightweight than virtually every architecture made by the competition. And it can be fitted with a vast number of electronic assistance and infotainment systems. Translated into the Passat, the result is fairly stunning. I drove it both with a 150-horsepower 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine, and with a 240 horsepower, 2.0-litre TDI. Both engines are convincing. Mated to a slick-shifting manual transmission, the 1.4-litre petrol engine is surprisingly quick and responsive. Despite an entirely unnoticeable cylinder deactivation feature, the soundtrack is discreet and the car doesn’t lose steam until well above 150km/h. One of the reasons for this performance is the ultra-low weight of just around 1,300 kilograms. With the 240 horsepower four-cylinder diesel, the Passat almost becomes a luxury sedan. It’s surprisingly quiet, and it pulls relentlessly to speeds of over 200km/h. I don’t think anyone will miss a six-cylinder engine! What’s more, the Passat is comfortable, spacious, and it handles exceptionally well when flogged around Sardinia’s curvy country roads. Significant goodies from the MQB parts bin include an optional TFT instrumentation, full LED headlights, and electronic suspension. In Germany, the new Passat has been compared with the Mercedes-Benz E Class – that’s how good it is. But I think another company will feel the onslaught from Wolfsburg even more – Audi. The next-generation A4, based on the less space-efficient MLB modular-longitudinal platform, is long overdue. It’ll be launched next year, and I can’t see how it can improve much upon the Passat. But I am prepared to be surprised. The current A4, by the way, was also launched at the Cala di Volpe resort in Sardinia – and it was a breakthrough… 
Daimler exits Tesla So far, Tesla has been able to bask in the glory of two prestigious shareholders – Daimler and Toyota. Their investment seemed to validate the daring (some would say, risky) strategy of the California-based electric carmaker. But, now, Daimler has fully sold its 4% share in Tesla. Daimler’s exit reflects that the Germans – unlike Tesla – are not betting solely on full electrics. In fact, the company is pursuing a strategy that envisions a larger role for plug-in hybrids. Moreover, battery technology is available to Daimler through many other channels – including Chinese carmaker BYD, and Daimler’s own Accumotive. Nevertheless, Daimler stresses that cooperation with Tesla will continue. Currently, the Californians supply the battery pack and powertrain for the quick and efficient B Class Electric Drive, which has already been launched in the US and Europe. Conversely, the Model S draws heavily on Mercedes-Benz technology. While Tesla has its share of problems, I believe it will continue to grow. The narrative of the first successful post-war American carmaker, Elon Musk’s David-versus-Goliath attitude, and the modern brand image are irresistible – and they have certainly been reflected in the company’s stratospheric stock price gains. But I can’t help but applaud Tesla for starting a very recent trend – together with (of all companies) Dodge – the trend of making semi-affordable 700 horsepower sedans that is. Positioned at opposite ends of the spectrum, both the dual-motor Model S and the Dodge Charger Hellcat should send the competition back to the drawing board.
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