VW Releases More Sketches of Next Midsize Sedan

Just yesterday we reminded readers that Volkswagen is hatching an entirely new sedan to replace the current Passat, while European buyers got their first look at a refreshed 2011 Passat.

VW’s North American team must have felt compelled to remind potential buyers themselves. Today, they released three more sketches of the midsize sedan that will replace the Passat. In the three shots above and below, we see a design that doesn’t look far removed from that new European Passat. Besides the big wheels and sharper angles, we’re not sure why so much effort is being put behind a product that won’t look radically different in the end.

Of course, there will be differing power plants and content, and the overall size of the car will be unique to North America. However, we’re not sold on the styling approach.

The new sedan will debut at January’s 2011 Detroit auto show, and sales will begin in the third quarter of 2011.

What do you think? Should VW be more aggressive with its styling in the States? Tell us in the comment section below.