I started installing a Pioneer DEHP-7900BT, iPod adapter, and Bluetooth into a friend’s 2003 Passat. As it turned out, the car had steering wheel controls—and she forgot to order the install kit. Oops. Without that kit, I couldn’t finish the job, but I did as much as I could. I ran the iPod control cable, prepped the wiring harness, and set up the mic for the Bluetooth. You can check out the progress here. So, what did you do this weekend?

My brother wants to unload his 99 Durango and is shopping around for a new-used VW or something similar… He wants out of his SUV. Passats are on his list, and this ad just stood out from the rest! I’m not sure what the sales guy was going for, but honestly, would you buy a car from him? Not only does his post NOT make sense, he basically says Germans are crazy and calls all their women ugly.  If he’s trying to accurately fill the "Used Car Salesmen" stereotype, he nailed it. And I guess he’s never seen Hiedi Klum before….

When the Mercedes-Benz CLS hit European showrooms in the fall of 2004, there were no other cars on the market quite like it. And now as we enter the fall of 2007, there are still no other cars on the market quite like it.  But that is all about to change. Thanks to the success of the CLS’s dramatic four-door coupe styling, several other automakers are preparing to launch four-door coupes of their own. The list of new entrants includes upcoming offerings from Porsche, BMW and the latest German automaker to jump on the four-door coupe bandwagon, Volkswagen.

Spy photographers were able to catch a glimpse of the VW Passat four-door coupe while it was undergoing testing in the southwest United States. Judging by how polished the car looks and the minimal use of camouflage, this prototype could be very close to being ready for production. VW did a very good job at keeping the Passat a secret during early development as this is the first we have seen the car. Typically prototypes are first spotted wearing heavy camouflage and only shed down to the front and rear coverings after months of testing. None the less, the coupe styling looks very striking on the Passat and it should see the same success as the CLS.

Sources say that the new Passat should make its debut at this January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but should be around the 30,000 euro mark to keep the Passat clear of Audi’s 44,000 euro A5. This price point is also tens of thousands less than comparable designs from other automakers, making the Passat the first affordable four-door coupe on the market.  Engine output is expected to start at 160 horsepower via a 1.8 liter TSI. A 2.0 liter turbo diesel will also be available with 140 horsepower and a slightly higher price tag. The range-topping Passat is expect to come with a 300 horsepower FSI V6, all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch transmission.  A fully-loaded Passat will sticker for around 40,000 euros. Special order features for the Passat will include a glass roof, reverse camera, and proximity sensors for parking. More photos at Left Lane News.