Pics & Details Aplenty: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC
Click the images to view the VW Passat CC in hi-res
Volkswagen has long since emerged from its standing as a no-frills straightforward automaker with a handful of products to offer a full range of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans of all sizes, wagons, vans, convertibles, sport coupes, SUVs, a four-door coupe and even an upcoming pickup truck. The German automaker is banking on that diversity to reach an ambitious sales goal of 6.6 million units per annum within ten years from now.
The svelte new Passat CC unveiled in Detroit will form a big part of the company's push, targeted to sell some 300,000 units around the world over the next six years...pretty ambitious for a niche vehicle, to be sure. Although reports suggest that Volkswagen could be dropping the Passat name from this vehicle (at least in the U.S.) in favor of the "CC" moniker alone, the latest information from the automaker itself (it's a European press release) continues to employ the well-established name, which is the third most popular nameplate in Volkswagen's history behind the Golf and Beetle. (Not to mention that the term CC could be confused with the coupe-convertible lexicon used overseas, like Volkswagen's own Eos.) Whatever it will be called, the new four-door coupe will launch in the Fall in markets across Europe, the Far East and North America, and to soften the ground for its landing, VW has laid on us a whole mess of information and new pictures. We're particularly intrigued by the range-topping Passat CC V6 4Motion, packed with all-wheel-drive, DSG and adaptive chassis control. Phaeton who now?
Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC
[Source: Volkswagen and Edmunds Auto Observer]
Press Release
To the Point: Passat CC
Beyond the mainstream – the new Passat CC
Wolfsburg, 07 April 2008
Passat CC unifies the sedan and coupé worlds
- First Volkswagen with lane-keeping assistant and adaptive chassis control
- Passat CC TDI (140 PS) already satisfies Euro-5 emissions standard; average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters
- Passat CC TSI (160 PS) with efficient turbo engine consumes just 7.6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers and is 222 km/h fast
- Passat CC V6 4Motion (300 PS) has new all-wheel drive, DSG and adaptive chassis control as standard equipment
With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat's market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream.
Direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines with 140 PS, 160 PS and 300 PS
At its launch in Europe, the 4.8 meter long Volkswagen will be offered with two direct-injection gasoline engines (TSI and V6) as well as a turbo-diesel (TDI). The gasoline engines output 118 kW / 160 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS; the turbo-diesel develops 103 kW / 140 PS and already satisfies the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in Fall 2009. At this power level, the Passat CC TDI consumes just 5.8 liters diesel and is 213 km/h fast. Among the most economical gasoline engines of its class, with average fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers is the 222 km/h fast Passat CC TSI. The Passat CC V6 4Motion is electronically limited to 250 km/h; its average fuel consumption is 10.1 liters. Standard equipment on the top V6 model: the new generation of 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive, as well as the new adaptive chassis control system and very efficient DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Premiere at Volkswagen: "Lane Assist" and "DCC adaptive chassis control"
Just as innovative as the powertrain technologies are the driver assistance systems of the Passat CC. Also being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen are the "Lane Assist" lane-keeping system and new "DCC adaptive chassis control". Other high-end technologies include the "Park Assist" parking assistant and "ACC automatic distance control" with "Front Assist" for braking distance reduction.
Panorama vent sunroof extends from A-pillars to B-pillars
Furthermore, the Passat CC is putting on a whole display of fascinating fireworks with other innovative and detailed solutions. Newly developed, for example, is an electrically actuated Panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 millimeters long and 1,120 millimeters wide. This means that it covers the entire front section up to the B pillars. In this case, the cross-beam above the windshield is also in black. The electrically powered "Panorama vent sunroof" can be pivoted upward by 40 millimeters.
Frameless doors, climate seats, new climate control system and new instruments
They include small details that have tremendous impact. Such as the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. Extremely effective is the climate control feature for the car's seats (active climate seat). Until now this comfort feature was reserved for the Phaeton luxury sedan. In summer months the active climate seat provides for noticeably improved comfort on long drives. Also new is the entire climate control system ("Climatronic") of the Passat CC, whose visualization is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels. Similar to the Phaeton, instrument markings and numbers are not backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. Sports car like: When the ignition is started the instrument pointers all briefly peg to their maximum positions.
New USB interface for iPod and Co.
Also newly developed is the "Media-In" multimedia socket. This USB interface can be used to integrate iPods and many other current MP3 and DVD players in the particular audio system installed on the Passat CC. The USB port is located in the glove box. Control is via the Passat CC's radio or radio-navigation system. Title information is also shown in the display.
Tires of the Passat CC "repair themselves"
Another prime example of perfect attention to the smallest details is the "mobility tire" from Continental being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen; it is standard equipment in every Passat CC version. The German tire producer developed this technology, called ContiSeal, as a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: A protective layer on the interior surface of the tire tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimeters in diameter. About 85 percent of typical flat tires can thereby be avoided.
Extensive standard equipment includes climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels
The Passat CC – which is intentionally offered in just one luxurious equipment variant – is positioned in the premium range of mid-class cars. Its extensive standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels ("Phoenix" type) with size 235 tires, chrome accents (interior and exterior), four ergonomic sport seats (individual seating system in rear), a new three-spoke leather steering wheel design, climate control, ESP electronic stabilization program and automatic headlamp switching.
Advance sales started in Western Europe; North America and Japan to follow in 2008
The core markets for the Passat CC are North America, Western Europe and Japan. This Volkswagen – built at the German plant in Emden – can already be ordered in most countries in Europe. Starting in the fourth quarter Volkswagen will also be introducing the Passat CC in the USA, Canada and Japan.
Overview of technological highlights on the Passat:
"Lane Assist": This active lane keeping system on the Passat CC automatically counter-steers as soon as it detects that the Passat CC could leave its lane unintentionally; a genuine gain in convenience and safety. About 14 percent of all accidents involving injuries are caused by the vehicle leaving its driving lane. "Lane Assist" can make a contribution toward reducing this accident rate. By the way, if the driver sets the turn signal to intentionally change lanes, "Lane Assist" does not intervene.
"DCC adaptive chassis control": The car's new "adaptive chassis control" system by Volkswagen combines the sportiness of a coupé with the comfort of a top luxury sedan in one car. In parallel to tuning of the suspension's damping characteristic, the power steering system is controlled too. "Adaptive chassis control" offers the three programs "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". Decisive here is the fact that the suspension system is constantly adapting to the roadway and driving situation and therefore continually improves comfort and dynamic properties.
"Park Assist": Another high-end technology is the "Park Assist" parking assistance system. It automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead just accelerates and brakes.
"ACC automatic distance control": When "ACC" is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range (0 to 210 km/h) input by the car driver beforehand. Thanks to "Front Assist", the system can also prevent some cases of frontal collisions. In advance of certain situations, the system preventively puts the brakes in a preconditioned state, thereby functioning as a stopping distance reduction system ("AWV"). "Front Assist" also warns the driver of hazardous situations by visual and acoustic signals. Even more: If a minimum driving distance is not maintained, in extreme cases the system brakes the Passat CC to a stop ("follow-to-stop"). However, it does not relieve drivers of their responsibility and lets them intervene in the process at all times.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
zamafir 10:40AM (4/09/2008)
oh yeah, this will sell great in NA [/sarcasm]
Reply
mctwist16 10:41AM (4/09/2008)
is it just me, or do some of the lines scream Mercedez?
Reply
zamafir 10:44AM (4/09/2008)
they copied merc's model with the cls. take a platform that's not selling well, drop a more 'coupe'-ish body, call it a day.
Disgruntled Goat 11:13AM (4/09/2008)
Actually I was thinking more Honda Accord.
blackEldo 10:44AM (4/09/2008)
...and the side-view has nothing in common with the CLS. C'mon now VW, there's competition and then there's straight-up design lifting.
Reply
Russell 10:56AM (4/09/2008)
yeah, 45K for a passat....sounds good~
Reply
k.w.a 7:29PM (4/09/2008)
lol, almost as good as $70k for a phaeton
big L 9:45AM (4/10/2008)
they want to drop the price of the Passat by $4,000,they say. So this CC will slot above the Passat with a new name. And a good price range-up, up up. I'll bet this is a $45K vehicle. At least the tail-lights are not Toyota Corolla-esque. Or Honda-like.
I really like the car. But it is not dowdy or frumpy. will it sell?
Reply
Chris 10:57AM (4/09/2008)
so what is the price?
Damn if the european car companies are not bombarding the US with overpowered cars lately, about five years late to that party!
Reply
tgcg 10:57AM (4/09/2008)
this car just doesn't have it. heavy-looking. a bit dull. chrome doth not make high-class. people pay extra for the CLS cuz it's hot. i'd buy the passat unless a discounted CC went below the asking price of the passat. actually, i'm not likely to buy the passat either.
Reply
rouse42 10:58AM (4/09/2008)
where do these car companies get off calling 4 door vehicles Coupes?
Coupe by definition is. a car with two doors and front seats and a luggage compartment.
shouldn't it be a sport sedan?
Reply
dpb! 11:12AM (4/09/2008)
Totally in agreement! They are not coupes, just four person sedans.
jg 11:31AM (4/09/2008)
A coupe isn't a car with 2 doors. Its a sedan with the interior volume slashed. Most have two doors but it's not a rule. Its a design choice. Since the back seats of most coupes are worthless they don't get doors.
IMO many american coupes are two door sedans. My 99 Grand Prix had two doors but pretty much the same shape and interior volume as the four door version. They moved the B pillar back and put on larger doors and voila! instant 'coupe'.
Chase 1:28PM (4/09/2008)
coupe (n) : 1. ice cream or sherbet mixed or topped with fruit, liqueur, whipped cream, etc.
... seriously ...
rouse42 2:12PM (4/09/2008)
if the B pillar is in front of your shoulders its not a proper coupe.
Matt 11:06AM (4/09/2008)
You guys are all crazy. This looks way better than that butt-ugly CLS. And it's half the price. Nice job, VW. Now just call this one the Passat, get rid of the old (current) one, and jettison the CC name because it's super lame.
Reply
mark lee 12:28AM (4/10/2008)
I agree. The CLS is so nasty, not just its butt, the front too.
This Passat CC is much more attractive, although it'd be even better if they can make the tail lights and rear Volkswagon badge smaller.
Chris 11:07AM (4/09/2008)
This car is beautiful. Like the GTI, the current Passat and the Touareg, I am hesitant to buy a VW because of their horrible track record for quality, reliability and customer service. I have two friends who have multiple VW's and I've witnessed both of them live the nightmare that it is of owning a Volkswagen.
One would think that a bumper to bumber warranty would have you covered for all except tires, clutch and brakes if you are within the mileage. Not so with VW. The dealers are having trouble getting paid for warranty work from the manufacturer. Before VW admitted to having to recalibrate and replace the fuel delivery systems on all 2004 V10 TDI Touaregs, the car owners whose fuel systems were clogging up were being forced to pay to replace several of the TEN fuel filters on their vehicles....muliple times(Filters are normally not covered under warranty). Consumers were being told that their diesel stations were selling them poor, unfiltered fuel. The real problem was that VW failed to properly engineer the V10 TDI to run on the low sulfer diesel sold here in America. VW eventually did $3750 worth of repair/replacement work under warranty, not before my buddy was out $1400 for several trips to the dealer when his $65,000 SUV wouldn't start or crapped out in the center lane on I-95.
There are several other issues with the Cabrio's and Passat's, and I'm sure their are many Jetta owners who can contribute, so buyer beware with VW.
Reply
Zamafir 11:42AM (4/09/2008)
our friends first critical error was buying a treg in the first place, let alone one costing Porsche money-lmao.
Chris 12:27PM (4/09/2008)
No doubt. However, when he first got it it seemed like it was worth every penny. That engine pulls so hard. Must be driven to comprehend.