Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009: the 2010 Volkswagen CC R is better looking than your midsize sedan

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen CC R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh Volkswagen. How is it that the automaker of the people makes what just might be the sleekest, sexiest sedan in the world? No offense to A-M's Rapide, but the Volkswagen CC is not a two-door coupe with a stretch and some rear-doors grafted on. The CC is clean sheet, or at least as clean sheet as the Passat's hard points allow for. And now with the CC R, it's even better looking. And no, we're still not buying the four-door coupe marketing nonsense, no matter how many times someone quotes Wikipedia at us. The CC R is dreamboat sedan.

Let's get the obvious out of the way: CC R - tee hee hee. We can't imagine the "there's a bad moon on the right" jokes ever ceasing. That's mindless naming conventions for you. Aside from that, the R badge (or R-line as they call it here in the land of yummy sausage, pickled everything and friendly, frisky fräuleins) is very identical to Audi's S-line. So all show and no go. But if you're going to do it...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Frankfurt 2009: the 2010 Volkswagen CC R is better looking than your midsize sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Reviews

2009 Volkswagen CC Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

We still cringe upon hearing marketing types utter the phrase "four-door coupe." It's inherently a lie, a scam. Who are they trying to fool? It's not a four-door coupe, it's a sedan with a sloping roof - generally one that's missing a middle rear-seat. And there's nothing wrong with that. But, just like automakers the world 'round bend over backwards corrupting the language to avoid calling a station wagon anything but a station wagon (Sportback, Avant, Sportcombi, etc.), the oxymoronic four-door coupe appears to be here to stay. Where's George Carlin when you need him? With that rant out of the way, the 2009 Volkswagen CC is the best four-door coupe we've ever driven - at least this side of a Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, which is three times the price.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster

Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cash for Clunkers: Dealers claim more than 316,000 "clunkers" for $1.33 billion [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Videos

On Monday we reported that as of August 7, U.S. auto dealers had received 245,000 Clunkers worth $1.03 billion as of. Today is Wednesday, August 12 and those numbers have swelled by 71,000 cars and $300 million. Put another way, dealers are hoping to collectively collect $60 million a day. And that's counting weekends. The amount per weekday is closer to $90 million.

As of right now, there's $1.66 billion left in the replenished Cash 4 Clunkers program. If consumers continue buying cars at the current rate, that's just about 28 days until the program is tapped out. We know there's a zombie film analogy to be made here, but we're going to resist. We will however provide a video (after the jump) of a 1995 Ford Explorer getting its engine seized, which we know to some folks is more frightening than any zombie flick.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Paul J. Richards/Getty/AFP]

Continue reading Cash for Clunkers: Dealers claim more than 316,000 "clunkers" for $1.33 billion [w/VIDEO]

Cash for Clunkers: Dealers claim more than 316,000 "clunkers" for $1.33 billion [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast concept

Alex Nunez — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Sedan, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW CC Gold Coast concept

It made its debut over the summer at Pebble Beach. It showed up again in November at SEMA. And finally, we have a set of our own live shots of the CC Gold Coast concept because Volkswagen sent the swanky 4-door to Chi-town.

The Gold Coast is doused in a rich-looking brown finish dubbed "Pepe Pepper" by DuPont, and it adopts a squat, muscular stance riding on a set of KW coilovers. 19-inch wheels fill out the wells nicely, and a full ground effects kit brings the look even closer to the ground. Veedub's 280-horsepower 3.6 FSI V6 sits underhood, mated to a six-speed DSG. Stopping power on this looker is further enhanced with a set of the Audi R8's ceramic discs in front.

While the CC Gold Coast is technically a concept, VW's making sure it gets in front of as many eyes as possible. Hence, we wouldn't be surprised to see the "concept" moniker eventually turn into "special edition" - minus those supercar stoppers.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast

Photos copyright Frank Filipponio/ Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: VW kills Passat sedan?

Alex Nunez — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

UPDATE: Thanks to commenters Mike, ebm14, and dosahut, all of whom explain that the verbiage in the post at VWvortex simply indicates the point at which the standard Passat sedan switches from an '08 to an '09, and the end of production for the model. So basically, the lineup stays as is with the two Passats and the CC. Or, put more plainly, never mind.

UPDATE 2: VW confirms that the Passat's back for '09. Nothing to see here. Move along...

When VW unveiled the Passat CC at Detroit last January, a lot of us wondered whether it ought to simply be theVWvortex forums has posted what's reportedly a list of product changes for the upcoming year. Most of them are completely mundane, but for the Passat sedan, the change listed says, "Updated End of Production Date - wk 51/08." We read that as being the 51st week of 2008, which is this coming week. Assuming it's all on the level (we've got an email in to VW for confirmation), come 2009, the Passat Wagon's counterpart in U.S. showrooms will be the CC. Makes sense to us. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: VWvortex]

Rumormill: ~~VW kills Passat sedan?~~ originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction

Chris Tutor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen CC

While sporting around the Southeast in Volkswagen's new CC recently, failure of the steering system was not something we worried about. Apparently, though, it should have been. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of all 2009 Volkswaken Passats, Passat Wagons and CCs sold for steering problems. According to the recall description, a damaged capacitor could mean the driver's "steering input is not properly addressed." Which, of course, is hardly ever a good thing.

Luckily, the recall affects only 130 cars and has resulted in no accidents.

[Source: NHTSA via Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

Chris Tutor — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, First Drive

2009 Volkswagen CC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is "four-door coupe" an oxymoron or a clever twist on automotive design rules? That was a popular question among the 50 or so journalists invited to drive Volkswagen's new CC from Atlanta to Nashville last week.

The seemingly contradictory term was apparently first used to describe the Rover P5 Mark II in 1962, but was revived more recently when Mercedes introduced its CLS in 2004. In both cases the cars' low rooflines defied conventional saloon styling and needed a unique descriptor for marketing pizazz.

When rumors of the VW CC began to leak out, some speculated the CLS would be its main target. But Volkswagen learned from the disappointing U.S. acceptance of the Phaeton: Luxury buyers pay for brand cache as much as they do for supple leather and high-tech gadgets. This time around, says Brett Scott, VW's product planning manager, they expect many of their customers to be Camry and Accord shoppers attracted to the CC's stand-out styling.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Volkswagen

A few of us around the Autoblog offices have made the case that the recently unveiled Volkswagen Passat CC should replace the current model and drop the "CC" suffix altogether. Both are fine looking vehicles, but there doesn't seem to be any need for another variant carrying the Passat name. Well, apparently VW agrees with part of that argument and has updated its consumer web site with information about the new CC, while dropping the Passat moniker altogether. It's a subtle marketing ploy that may or may not work, but will help to fill the gaping hole between the standard Passat and the soon-to-be-revived Phaeton nameplate.

Thanks for the tip Rob!

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

click above image to view more pics of the Passat CC in high-res

Remember when Volkswagen launched the Phaeton, and everyone was like, What the heck are they thinking? Yeah, that was awesome. But it left a huge gaping hole in Volkswagen's product line-up between the Passat and the Phaeton. Wolfsburg tried to bridge the gap a little with the previous-generation Passat W8 4Motion, but that didn't do so well and was quickly taken off the market. The Passat CC unveiled earlier this week in Detroit helps fill the void, and the next Phaeton is expected to go down-market, but the gap is still so wide between the sedans that Volkswagen is reportedly considering making another one to slot into the line-up. Since the Phaeton isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, we assume this gap-bridging car is destined for the European market only.

This isn't mere rumor, speculation or conjecture. It comes straight from the mouth of Volkswagen's design chief, Klaus Bischoff, who revealed at the Passat CC's unveiling "We are planning another model between the Passat CC and Phaeton." Well, there you have it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt

Alex Nunez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Europe, Renault

Autotriti, a Greek automotive website, is reporting that Renault has a surprise up its sleeve for the Frankfurt Motor Show. That surprise is said to be a Twingo Coupe + Cabriolet. Visual differences between the C+C and the Twingo hatchback will be extensive -- so much so that the instrument panel could be the only carryover. Mechanically, it will share very much with the hatchback (platform, powertrains, etc.). In lieu of a complex, folding roof, a hinged unit will revolve back, a la the Ferrari Superamerica, where it will be stowed in (or atop, perhaps?) the cargo area. It would be built in France, and not Slovenia like the hatchback, and according to the Autotriti report, a €15,000 price tag would be attached. Until Renault says something to confirm this, take it with a grain of salt. Click the "Read" link to visit the Autotriti website, which has three renderings of what might be on taps for Frankfurt.

[Source: Autotriti via Car Spy Shots, BlogAuto]

Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's VW's turn: here comes another 4-door coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 06 May 2007 12:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen

The CLS has begun a trend that simply will not quit, with Volkswagen being the latest to join the express train to a 4-door-coupe. The 4DC trend is not a bad thing, especially since it has lead to the creation of BMW's CS. And frankly, if the rendering is accurate, this car could be a looker as well, and most likely a much better seller than a new Phaeton.

Internally, the car is called the CC or I/O 511, and might use Audi's A6 platform. If not, it will take its chassis, as well as transversely installed engines, and transmissions, from the Passat. Engines will range from a 150 hp 2.0-liter to a 280 hp 3.6-liter V6. The design was sorted out last year, and although only slightly wider than the Passat, it features the wide, aggressive look of VW's recent concept vehicles. The look that, sadly, hasn't made it to their production cars yet (come on, Scirocco!). Word has it that the car will take a bow at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and go on sale in summer of '08.

[Source: eGM Car Tech via Auto Zeitung]

It's VW's turn: here comes another 4-door coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 May 2007 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot 207 CC: drop-top good looks

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Europe, PSA

Although only a handful are offered Stateside, Coupe-Cabrios - a.k.a. folding-hardtop convertibles - have been gaining popularity overseas. The new Peugeot 207 CC succeeds the 206 CC, which parent group PSA claims is the world's best-selling application of the best-of-both-worlds concept with over half a million sold since 2001. The 207 CC goes on sale across the pond in March 2007, when it will be offered in two trim levels - Sport and GT - with a choice of two gasoline engines - 1.6-liter units producing 120 naturally-aspirated horsepower and 150 turbo horses respectively - and an HDi diesel with 110 hp, all driving through a 5-speed stick-shift (or an available 4-speed Porsche Tiptronic on the 120-hp gas engine).

The folding roof - designed and manufactured in-house by PSA - is now fully automatic, forgoing the manual release on its predecessor. The 207 CC also offers 2+2 seating and leather interior trim, both features not commonly found in the supermini convertible segment. Overall, the styling strikes us as a particularly potent application of Peugeot's new shark-like design language.

Automakers will often be judged by motor-heads on one factor: how close a car company can make their production cars look compared to the concept. In other words, how much worse. We expect some concessions towards reality - production feasibility, safety standards and the like - to hamper the smooth lines and show-stopping curves of a show car before it reaches the showroom. But if you ask us, the production version of the Peugeot 207 CC looks even better than the 207 ePure concept that previewed its proportions.

(Hi-rez images and full press release after the jump.)

[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroen]

Continue reading Peugeot 207 CC: drop-top good looks

Peugeot 207 CC: drop-top good looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speculazione! Maserati GT renderings

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Maserati

As we reported earlier, Maserati has got a whole slew of new sports GTs on the way for our motoring pleasure... or for those with the means, anyway. First we're likely to see a new coupe to replace the current GT/Coupe/GranSport, followed by a Spider convertible variant, with a full four-seat hard-top convertible based on the Quattroporte likely to follow.

Our friends over at Info Motori have prepared some computer renderings of what they think the new coupe-cabrio might look like. While they admit it's a work-in-progress, we hope the actual car will look half as good in the sheetmetal. The renderings incorporate the elegance of the Quattroporte with some aggressive cues reminiscent of the MC12 supercar and some interesting unique touches as well.

Many in the rumormill expect that the production preview showcar will be ready for the Geneva show next year, when we'll be able to see the car for ourselves. For now we'll just have to thank Info Motori for keeping our appetites wet. Grazie!

[Source: Info Motori]

Speculazione! Maserati GT renderings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Peugeot 207 EPURE Concept

Alex Nunez — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Paris Motor Show

The Peugeot 207 EPURE concept looks like a production car because, for the most part, it is. What you see is the new Peugeot 207 CC ... almost. A peek underhood reveals the "concept" part of this little French bulldog: it's powered by a fuel cell.

The car's name is an obvious nod toward it's green credentials, and Peugeot used the car's colors to help communicate that theme as well. The white paint, white leather interior, and soft "absinthe" green carpeting and accents communicate the cleanliness associated with its alternative fuel source. Some interior features are concept-specific, such as the instrumentation used to monitor the car's power sources. In addition to that, a lot of the leather-covered interior surfaces will likely be hide-free when the production 207 CC bows.

Peugeot says that it was natural to use a convertible as the platofrm here because the open air dirving experience is most enhanced by the car's quiet operation and emissions-free nature. The power source is a GENEPAC 20 (20 kW) fuel cell that is fed by five 15-liter hydrogen cylinders stored at the bottom of the car's trunk. The fuel cell powers the EPURE's electric motor (Peak power: 95 hp / 133 lb-ft) and recharges its 50 kW Lithium-Ion battery.

(More info, photos, press release after the jump)

Continue reading Paris Preview: Peugeot 207 EPURE Concept

Paris Preview: Peugeot 207 EPURE Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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