In 2008, Volkswagen decided to give a performance boost for its mid-size sedan, the Passat. The car was well known in Europe, but mostly for its fuel-efficient TDI engine.

Known mostly by its fuel-efficient versions, the Passat was one of the most common choices in the European mid-size segment, but in 2008 also came with the R36 sporty version, available as a sedan or station wagon.