Autoblog

click above for more high-res images of the Volkswagen Passat CC

After months of informed speculation, Volkswagen finally revealed its CLS-inspired Passat, dubbed the "CC." The four-door "coupe" is based off the Passat platform and carries over several of the standard sedan's cues, but the sleek shape of the plummeting C-pillar, shortened rear overhang and revised fascia make it considerably more upmarket. The interior is up to V-Dub snuff, meaning plenty of premium materials and what one VW exec described as "intimate seating." And despite the stubby trunk lid, Volkswagen made a point to demonstrate that the CC can consume the international unit of boot measurement, two golf bags.

When the Passat CC goes on sale later this year, it will be fitted with the 3.6-liter FSI V6 making around 300 hp, along with three selectable chassis control systems, spanning the range from Sport to Normal and Comfort. In addition to a host of electronic gizmos, Volkswagen will begin offering its own version of the utterly sucktastic Park Assist feature on the CC, similar to the system used on the Lexus LS460.

Check the live and press pics in the gallery below, and make the jump to read VW's full press release.