On September 21, 2015, The Knockturnal was invited to the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn for the reveal of the all new, redesigned, 2016 Volkswagen Passat, with guest performer Lenny Kravtiz.
Within the blue-illuminated, waterfront warehouse located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Volkswagen had a white entrance runway and stage set up, from the outside platform on the water behind the venue all the way to the front of the venue. Waiters walked around serving hors d’oeuvres while two bars and two buffets welcomed guests with food and drink before the main event started. The event was friendly, lively and classy, with a modern edge, foreshadowing the personality of the brand new Passat that Volkswagen was about to unveil.
It was not long until the lights dimmed in the venue dimmed and the screen opened up. Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America walks out. After a simple introduction, Horn immediately silences the entire audience with the introduction of a very touchy topic for Volkswagen within the past couple of weeks. Horn started. “So let’s be clear about this. Our company was dishonest with the EPA, and with the California air resources board, and with all of you.” “We’ve totally screwed up,” claimed the CEO after providing updated news about Volkswagen’s scandal with disobeying the EPA’s rules intentionally. Horn announced that Volkswagen takes full responsibility and they are working to fix the problem and prevent something similar from ever happening again. “We will make this right. We will do whatever we must do and begin to regain your trust. We will do what we have to do to make things right.”
Some believe that this was the worse time to reveal a brand new car; amidst the biggest scandal in the automotive industry. Some believe that Volkswagen as a company will fail. However, considering that Volkswagen Group also owns well knows companies such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ducati as well as a few other smaller companies, it is very hard to believe that Volkswagen does not know what they’re doing by releasing this vehicle regardless of the circumstances.
Right after the apology and speech about their recent scandal, came the main course. Out drove the brand new, redesigned, 2016 Volkswagen Passat line.
The new Passat is modern. It takes a step up toward being classier, yet it still maintains its simplicity. Both the inside and outside were redesigned and all new technologies were included for a new premium look and feel. The changes included key things that were pointed out by Volkswagen; new lights, standard chrome window inserts, brand new bumpers, diffusers and inserts, LED headlights and tail lights, a brand new steering wheel, seats, dashboard and instrument panel as well as a full color, high resolution display with standard USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Volkswagen also introduced a new automatic post collision braking system in this vehicle, which works to reduce damage in the case of an accident. “I don’t suggest texting and driving, but we’ve made it much safer,” joked Michael Horn. With these new technologies came the electric prize, just as the 2015 Volkswagen Passat had won in its year. And all of these new features will be available for a starting price of $22,440. Yes, the Passat has increased in its starting price by an estimated $1,100. However, with all of the standard features that the car is set to come with, the Passat still remains as a very tough competitor in its class. The German engineering machine remains in the same price range as the Mazda 6 and the Subaru Legacy, but it seems like this year, Volkswagen may just be able to move ahead of its competitors.
As the unveiling came to an end, the cars were opened up to the guests of the event. Shortly after, there was a guest performance by Lenny Kravitz. Performing hits such as “American Woman”, Lenny Kravitz rocked the stage, showing just how amazing of a performer he really is. His songs lit up the entire event, causing almost every single person to run straight to the stage rocking out and singing along with Lenny, his band, and his backup vocalists. One of the event employees could not resist the urge to run up on the stage, jump around, and dance along with Lenny. Volkswagen seemed to choose the perfect guest to perform at this specific event. From their announcements to their updates and apology, down to the food, drinks, venue, performance, and finally the all new Passat itself, the Volkswagen event was a huge success, and we thank them for having us.
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