2009 Volkswagen Passat CC Preview

Introduction

The Volkswagen Passat is now in its sixth generation. Over the past 30 years, each generation of the Passat platform has been offered in many different configurations. Whether manufactured as a sedan, hatchback or station wagon, all have shared the same basic exterior and interior architecture. Volkswagen has broken tradition with the introduction of the Passat CC: its first 4-door coup_. While still bearing a strong family resemblance, the all-new Passat coup_ is styled like none of its predecessors. According to Volkswagen, "The CC features a muscular shoulder line, which visually connects the front wheel wells to the taillights, providing the emotional and expressive stance of a sports coup_ with the convenience of a sedan." The Volkswagen CC will be in showrooms in late 2008.

Model Lineup

Slightly longer and lower than the standard Passat Sedan, the Passat CC coup_-or "CC" as it will be known-offers a sleek and upscale look from its sweeping exterior sheetmetal to the leather and wood in the cabin. The front end, with two cross-struts on the grille and a centrally placed Volkswagen logo centered between trapezoidal headlamps, is an unmistakable Volkswagen treatment. The rear of the vehicle is flanked by dual taillights set below a large rear window. This extends the look of the glass while emphasizing the sweeping roofline.

Volkswagen paid careful attention to managing airflow around the Passat CC. The resulting aerodynamics translate to improved fuel efficiency, a quieter cabin, and a more stable vehicle at highway speeds, the company claims. The lower air inlets on the front of the CC are integrated into a spoiler designed to optimize high-speed downforce. The rear of the vehicle also sports a spoiler styled into the trunk lid to tame air turbulence and provide additional downforce; the Passat CC's drag coefficient (Cd.) is .29.

Volkswagen will offer the Passat CC with two engine choices. Standard will be Volkswagen's 2.0 TSI model, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed DSG double-clutch electronically controlled Tiptronic automatic transmission. Optional is Volkswagen's 3.6 FSI, a direct-injected, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 280 hp and 366 lb.-ft. of torque. The 6-speed DSG Tiptronic automatic transmission will be standard.

The cabin is offered with leather upholstery, wood trim, and all-new instrumentation. Driver and front passenger enjoy ergonomically formed sports seats with active ventilation for heating and cooling. For convenience and safety, the steering wheel is outfitted with both radio and navigation system controls on the spokes. The Passat CC will offer Volkswagen's "Dynamic Drive Control" 3-mode adjustable suspension, "Lane Assist" to prevent unintended drifting out of lanes, and the radar-based "Automatic Distance Control" cruise control.

Kicking off the launch of the all-new Passat CC, Volkswagen introduced a special "CC Gold Coast" edition of the sports coupe. Building upon the flagship 3.6-liter model, Volkswagen added luxury extras such as tri-coat paint (with gold, brown and silver tones) and special ergonomic sport seats wrapped in custom leather with contrasting piping. The sportiness of the 4-door was also enhanced with a ground effects package, and new 19-inch propeller-style wheels.

Read More Previews