Look for debut at Detroit or Geneva in 2006. The exterior front end sheet metal gets a complete makeover in order to comply with new EU pedestrian crash laws. In these photos peering through the front bumper outer grille openings appears to be some sort of vertical signal lamp although the front bumper fascia seems to be a mix between the Turbo and S model. Partially covered, the headlamps get a new sleek shape and the rear tailamps get slightly shortened. The rear bumper fascia gets a restyling with cleaner integration of the exhaust pipes. Photos show both dual tip and single tip exhaust. Also expect the base 3.2 liter V6 to get upgraded with the new narrow-angle 280hp 3.6L Passat VR6 engine.

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphot...id/6050804.001

If you look at the tops of the headlights and front fenders you can see some cladding there. I'm guessing the headlights will be a good deal larger than what is being shown at the moment.

Good news about the base VR6 model. It's rather too wimpy for a Porsche. With the 3.6 liter it still won't be fast but it'll at least be in line with or better than the other V6 premium SUVs.

The tailgate-mounted spare tire looks to be optional, seeing as it only appears in one of these pictures.