Volkswagen Passat

	As with the smaller Golf, the sporty family model has a distinctive chrome grille with discreet R36 badging

VW has released these official pictures of the new R36 - only the second model in the range to wear the R badge.

The family car follows in the wheeltracks of the rapid Golf R32, but boasts a new 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 engine under the bonnet.

That means the Passat is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in only 5.6 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The R36 features VW's six-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. In addition, there's uprated brakes and suspension. And the saloon will be joined by a practical estate, which is set to become VW's fastest-ever load-lugger.

As with the smaller Golf, the sporty family model has a distinctive chrome grille with discreet R36 badging. A deeper front bumper with three large air intakes adds to the aggressive front end. And it's a similar story at the back, where a diffuser-style bumper and twin exhausts set it apart from lesser cars.

Inside, buyers will get leather-trimmed, figure-hugging, race-style seats with the R36 logo. Bespoke pedals, unique instruments, a sports steering wheel and aluminium trim enhance the sporting appeal.

The R36 debuts at December's Essen Motor Show in Germany, before hitting dealers early next year. Prices are expected to start at around £28,000 for the saloon.