The verdict is in

And thankfully it is not a death sentence. The garage called and the Passat is able to be saved.  Turns out by getting off the freeway immediately I managed to prevent damage to the engine.  After a thorough cleaning and an oil change, they expect they'll have it back to me tomorrow.  And they're fixing the back hatch too.  So I don't need to immediately replace my car, which is good news.  I have time to think and plan, just the way I like.  Life is good.