Last week little rumor popped up on the, mostly well informed, web that Volkswagen's new four-door coupe would simply be called the CC. But today Volkswagen released in depth information about their latest addition to the Passat range, stubbornly referring to the car as the Volkswagen Passat CC.
The VW Passat CC is the latest addition to the very successful Passat range, Volkswagen has built more than 15 million units in its lifetime. The Passat CC is a crossover of a new kind and can be classed as a sedan or a coupe with its new body design, bucket seats for all passengers, VW's impressive powertrains and technology worthy of the luxury class.
There is a choice between three engines, a 2.0 TDI engine producing either 140 hp or 170 hp, a TSI producing either 160 hp or 200hp and a 3.6 liter V6 with 300 hp. The engines are coupled to a twin-clutch transmission where the buyer can opt for the 6-speed or 7-speed version. The petrol powered engines meet Euro-4 emission standards while the TDI already meets the Euro-5 standard.
Most European countries can place orders for the four-door coupe already, while North America and Japan ordering will start later this year, most likely by the fourth quarter. Production of the Passat CC will take place at Volkswagen's Emden plant where the Passat and Passat Variant are also built.
To the Point: Passat CC
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
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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”
Panorama vent sunroof extends from A-pillars to B-pillars
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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
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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.
Tires of the Passat CC “repair themselves”
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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
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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
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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.
wombee
April 7, 2008 1:52 PM
