The Passat, which is doing its best impression of a bigger, beefier version of the already-revealed 2011 Jetta, will head to the U.S. in both sedan and wagon version (the latter called the Estate) shortly after it rolls onto dealer lots in the U.K. next month.

Volkswagen will offer a number of engine options for the upcoming Passat; North American buyers will likely be offered the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as well as the 3.6-liter V6, with 296 horsepower, compared with the former's 207 horses.

As for tech goodies, the new model will be equipped with a low-speed collision-avoidance system similar to the one previously unveiled by Volvo, as well as VW's XDS differential, which is supposed to boost traction in slippery conditions by reducing understeer.