Volkswagen Passat CC In Depth

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.

Press Release

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

• 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.

Exterior: Design and dimensions

• Four-door coupé is only 1.42 meters high
• Passat CC takes the stage with unmistakably unique design
• Frameless doors emphasize sporty-elegant positioning

The Passat – a success for more than three decades – is now the technological platform for the first four-door coupé from Volkswagen. This guarantees that the Passat CC too will employ a range of technology that reflects the top level in this market segment worldwide. Tailored to these technologies is a body that was completely restructured and redesigned.

Design and dimensions

The four-door coupé measures 4,796 millimeters in length, which is 31 millimeters more than the classic Passat. With a width of 1,856 millimeters (an extra 36 millimeters), the Passat CC already ranges within the competitive field of upper mid-class cars. Similar to its overall width, its track width dimensions were also modified. In front it is 1,533 millimeters (an extra 11 millimeters), and in the rear 1,557 milli­meters (a gain of 16 millimeters). The new Volkswagen measures just 1,422 millimeters in height (lowered by 50 millimeters) – very sports car like.

Side profile

Especially distinctive are the flowing lines of the car’s side profile. The roof sweeps toward the rear with a very flat curve radius, from the A pillars to far beyond the C pillars. The lines of the trunk region even extend into the rear window, as if drawn with a single line. The side windows trace a narrow arc bordered in chrome. To further intensify the sporty styling, the side windows are guided into frameless doors. Beneath the window line, a muscular, developed shoulder line is used as a style-defining design element, which is emphasized by a distinct “tornado line”. In the case of the Passat CC, it provides a visual connection from the front wheel wells to the taillights; its three-dimensional expression generates a plus in dynamic tension – and that may be taken literally with regard to the stability of the external metal skin. No less powerful: the strong modulation of the door above the chrome guard strips, the emphasis of the side skirts and the sporty, outboard wheel wells over the standard 17-inch alloy wheels (or optional 18-inch wheels).

Front end

The front end of the Passat CC shows another facet of the Volkswagen brand’s face. Here too, the radiator grille, headlamps and engine hood unify the sedan and coupé worlds. More dominant than on any other Volkswagen, the radiator grille with its two cross-struts and centrally placed VW logo spans the area between the trapezoidal headlamps. The grille is framed-in by a surface in car color whose V-like shape provides a visual interface to the engine hood with its distinctive power dome. In the lower area, three large air inlets and the flasher and fog lamps, left and right, dominate the visual image. The lower borders of the air inlets are formed by a sports car spoiler that optimizes the downforce of the Passat CC at higher speeds. An indicator of the Passat CC’s excellent overall aerodynamic qualities is its drag coefficient of cw 0.29.

Rear end

The rear end of the Passat CC is also marked by an absolutely independent design. Large-format dual taillights produce an unmistakable visual image, day and night. A rear spoiler – that has been very stylishly worked into the modula­tion of the trunk lid – tames air turbulence and, like its counterpart at the front end, generates greater downforce. The large rear window visually extends far into the short but high-opening tailgate. It is a continuation of the coupé’s roof line. A styling trick makes the window appear even larger and the tailgate even smaller: the tailgate section directly bordering the glass has a cross-stripe painted in black with a glass-like appearance. From a purely visual perspective, it extends the glass look and thereby underscores the dynamic character of the Passat CC. In the lower section of the bumper, meanwhile, attention is drawn to the chrome trim strips there, and to the continuation of the seam of the side sill.

Panorama vent sunroof

Newly developed for the Passat CC is an electrically powered 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 front roof cross-beam is also in black. The power “Panorama vent sunroof” can be pivoted upward by 40 millimeters.

Interior: Ergonomics and details

• First Passat with individual seating system in rear
• Four ergonomically shaped sport seats, front climate seats upon request
• Newly designed instruments, door trim and automatic climate control

The Passat CC is a pure four-seater. The coupé philosophy is reflected in the interior with this seat layout as well. In both the front and rear, ergonomically designed sport seats of the highest caliber are used. Overall, it can be said that Volkswagen has succeeded in further refining seating comfort and controls on this four-door coupé. For example, the Passat CC is the first Volkswagen to have a newly developed climate control system user interface, which is quite intuitive and extremely well organized in its layout. The driver and front passenger adjust the temperature using practical rotary knobs, and the selected value is displayed on the control itself. In addition, climate control functions are also shown in the display of the audio system.

The fact is: the cockpit design of the classic Passat was already considered to be exceptionally sporty, elegant and high-end. Now the coupé is also characterized by this basic styling. Re-designed were the entire rear seating area, the instruments, and – as already mentioned – control of the standard climate control system, steering wheel and door trim with accent strips. Available options here include accents in real wood and brushed aluminum. Yet, the decorative strips in the doors not only look good: upon request their entire contours become part of a newly designed ambient lighting system that immerse the interior in an especially pleasant lighting atmosphere at night.

Cockpit

New instruments were developed exclusively for the Passat CC. They bear a clear resemblance to their counterparts on the Phaeton. Their numbers and markings are no longer backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. The same applies to the standard multi-functional display that is now also illuminated in white, instead of the usual red. The numeric dials with their chrome bezels and “white on black” appearance not only look very classy, but also offer very good visual contrast for optimal legibility.

Steering wheels

Also re-designed were the steering wheels offered on the Passat CC. A total of three leather sport steering wheels are available. They all have three spokes, where the lower spoke was designed as a kind of dual spoke with an integrated metallic accent. Depending on the version, the multifunction keys in the steering wheel can be used to control the trip computer, various assistance systems, the audio system and telephone. On vehicles with automatic transmission, there is also the option of up- and downshifting using the paddles located near the two lateral spokes on the steering wheel.

Radio-navigation systems

The Passat CC is being offered with a new generation radio and navigation ­system that was introduced in 2007. Features of the top version – the RNS 510 – include intuitive touch­screen control and a hard-disk supported navigation system. In conjunction with the “Rear Assist” parking assistance system, when driving in reverse a rearview camera (in the VW emblem) transmits images of the surroundings behind the Passat to the screen. 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 in 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.

Front seats

Newly developed for the standard 6-way – or optional 12-way – power sport seats in front is a climate control feature (optional at a very low add-on price). The new climate seat actively ventilates the seat and seatback surfaces, improving comfort considerably. About 320 liters of air are exchanged per minute by fan motors that are practically silent. Three-stage control of the climate seat is via a separate switch in the seat trim. The climate seat – always in black – is offered together with leather and fabric seat covers. In addition, two beverage holders were integrated in the center tunnel unit; they can be closed by a sliding cover when not in use.

Rear seats

Maximum long-distance comfort is also offered by the individually contoured seats in the rear. Seat heating like that on the front seats is a optional feature. The sport seats offer – and this differs from a con­ventional rear bench seat – ergonomically optimized lateral support on the sides of the seatbacks and seat surfaces. Standard features include a center armrest between the two rear seats and an additional storage compartment. As in front, this compartment has two variable beverage holders with sliding cover. When the center armrest is folded down, a pass-through feature makes it possible to stow longer objects such as skis, which extend into the trunk area with its 535 liter volume (with spare wheel well). As an option, the Passat CC can be ordered with 1/3 to 2/3 split folding seatbacks.

Protecting the rear passengers from curious onlookers and the sun is an electrically actuated rear window screen. In addition, tinted privacy glass may be ordered for the rear window and rear side windows (65 percent light absorbing).

Highlights in vehicle dynamics

• Top model comes with standard DCC adaptive chassis control
• Lane Assist with active steering boost for greater comfort and safety
• aptive chassis control and new generation of 4Motion perfect the car’s performance

The Passat CC is being offered with numerous new and innovative vehicle dynamic technologies. A highlight here is the “Lane Assist” lane keeping assistant being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen. The system is able to assist with a corrective steering intervention to help keep the car in its lane. Of course, the system does not relieve drivers of their responsibility for diligent control of the vehicle.

Another new technical feature is DCC adaptive chassis control. The adjustable chassis is a standard feature on the top model of the new car series, the Passat CC V6 4Motion. Adaptive chassis control offers three different programs. Crucial here is the fact that the adaptive chassis control system improves driving characteristics across the board. That is because the suspension is constantly being adapted to the roadway and driving situation. Also standard equipment aboard the top model is the latest generation of 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive, which underwent significant advanced development. The results: greater dynamics and optimized active safety.

Another high-end technology is the “Park Assist” parking assistance system. It automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space parallel to the roadway at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead just accelerates and brakes. In addition, there is the “ACC automatic distance control”, which is familiar from the “classic” Passat. When “ACC” is activated the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range preset by the driver (0 to 210 km/h). Thanks to “Front Assist”, the system can also prevent some cases of frontal collisions. In advance of certain situations the system preventatively 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.

Lane Assist – the new lane-keeping assistant by Volkswagen

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. The reason: About 14 percent of all accidents involving injuries are caused by a 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. The system is activated via the multifunctional display on the Passat CC. The driver selects the system under the “Lane Assist” menu item to activate it. As long as the driver does not deactivate the system, from that point forward “Lane Assist” takes effect starting at a speed of 65 km/h. “Lane Assist” detects lane markings via a camera in the vicinity of the rearview mirror or rain sensor. It does not matter whether road lines are continuous or broken as in the case of a center stripe. “Lane Assist” also operates in darkness. However, the system does not intervene when there are no lane markings.

Once “Lane Assist” has been activated, the driver is informed by a yellow indicator symbol in the shape of a driving lane in the instrument cluster. As soon as the camera has acquired the proper lane markings, the symbol lights green. Now the system is fully active. As soon as the system indicates that the car is leaving the ideal line, “Lane Assist” counters by steering in the opposite direction. Decisive here: counter-steering is very continuous and gentle. If the driver takes his or her hands off the steering wheel entirely, the system detects this and issues a warning, both acoustic and by a text message in the instrument cluster – a so-called request to resume control – and if the driver does not resume steering the system switches itself off after eight seconds.

Similarly, the driver can always “override” the “Lane Assist” steering with just a little force. The lane keeping assistant does not react when the driver activates the turn signal before crossing over a lane marker either. Incidentally, “Lane Assist” functionality is only possible if the car has “controllable” electro-mechanical power steering, such as the Passat CC has as standard equipment.

DCC adaptive chassis control – more dynamics and comfort

When it comes to the chassis, a gain in truly perceptible sportiness always comes at the expense of comfort, and the opposite holds true as well. It would therefore be ideal to have a chassis that could continually adapt to roadway conditions and the specific wishes of the driver or car passengers. However, that requires an electrically adjustable suspension. This new “adaptive chassis control” by Volkswagen is offered as standard equipment on the Passat CC V6 4Motion. Not only is the suspension’s damping characteristic controlled, but the electro-mechanical power steering is tuned as well.

“Adaptive chassis control” offers three programs: “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. “Sport” and “Comfort” are selected by a pushbutton to the right of the gearshift lever. Decisive here is the fact that driving characteristics are improved by adaptive chassis control continually. That is because the suspension constantly adapts to the roadway and the driving situation. The system also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs. This resolves the conflict in objectives between a stiff sporty suspension and a comfortable suspension. For drivers and their passengers this makes itself felt in significantly improved ride comfort.

In the “Sport” program, on the other hand, the Passat CC is transformed into an agile sports car, since the suspension is stiffened considerably; and simultaneously power steering boost is reduced with more direct layout. The opposite is the case in “Comfort” mode. Comfort is significantly improved, especially on poor roadways and during slower driving; the suspension characteristic is then similar to that of a luxury sedan in the style of the Phaeton.

Components of the new “adaptive chassis control” system include four dampers with characteristic map control, a gateway control module that serves as an interface to the CAN data networks in the Passat CC, three sensors for measuring wheel displacements, three sensors for measuring movements of the car body and a control module for suspension control. The “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort” modes are also indicated in the instrument cluster.

4Motion – the latest generation of all-wheel drive

A standard feature on the Passat CC V6 4Motion is the latest generation of Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive system. 4Motion has undergone significant advanced development compared to the version implemented to date. Above all, the transfer of power between the front and rear axles – and therefore the all-wheel clutch – exhibits significant advances compared to the prior generation. The most important of these: activation of all-wheel drive no longer requires a speed difference between the front and rear axles. The result: additional gains in active safety and dynamics.

Details of the 4Motion system on the Passat CC: the electro-hydrau­lic all-wheel clutch runs in an oil bath. Different than on the preceding generation, pressure buildup is handled by an electric pump. The multi-plate clutch system itself was integrated in the rear axle drive. The electric pump delivers oil to the pressure reservoir whose working pressure is 30 bar. An ECU computes the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and regulates, via a valve, how much oil pressure is transmitted to the working piston of the multi-plate clutch. In this process, the contact pressure on the clutch plates is proportional to the torque desired at the rear axle. The transferable torque can be continuously varied by the magnitude of the pressure applied to the clutch plates. Compared to the previous 4MOTION generation, the system operates as a function of slip, since the working pressure is always available. When starting up from a stop and accelerating, slip of the wheels at the front axle is prevented even more intensively, since the ECU controls torque distribution based on dynamic axle loads. In extreme cases, it is still possible to direct nearly 100 percent of the drive torque to the rear axle.

Basic layout of the Passat CC chassis:

The Passat CC shows just how a modern front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive chassis should perform in terms of both its comfort and handling properties. The four-link rear suspension that is acoustically decoupled from the car body via a subframe, the McPherson front suspension designed with aluminum components and electro-me­chanical power steering all guarantee agility, comfort and safety of the highest level.

The chassis technology is perfected by the ESP system with integrated trailer stabilization that is standard equipment worldwide. Going beyond familiar ESP functions, when a trailer is being towed the system ensures early detection of the dreaded trailer swaying and reduces it by specific brake and engine interventions.

Front suspension:

The front suspension of the Passat CC is based on the McPherson principle with lower mounted A-arms and MacPherson struts. This suspension is very light and therefore offers numerous advantages. In the area of the especially rigid and crash-­optimized suspension subframe alone, 4.5 kilograms of weight were trimmed compared to a conventional sheet steel design. Also very light are the transverse links manufactured from forged aluminum. Here the weight advantage compared to sheet steel is a total of 4.2 kilograms. Lightweight construction methods are especially beneficial when it comes to unsprung masses. Therefore, besides the transverse links, the linkage bearings are also made of aluminum. The weight advantage here adds up to 3.2 kilograms. Thanks to a special design, it was also possible to save 1.4 kilograms of weight in the area of the stabilizer. The various lightweight construction methods reduce the weight of the front suspension by a total of 13.3 kilograms. And that means: greater comfort, more dynamics and better fuel economy.

Rear suspension:

The Passat CC has a four-link rear suspension. It is also very light and offers a high degree of ride comfort and stability. A special layout of the links makes it possible to tune longitudinal and transverse dynamics separately. The separation of functions ensures optimal dynamics and driving safety on the one hand, and very impressive ride comfort on the other.

The four-link rear suspension consists of a decoupled subframe to which the steering knuckle is connected via the spring arm, tie rod and transverse arm upward in a transverse direction. Wheel locating in the longitudinal direction is handled by the trailing arm. Also used on the rear suspension are weight-optimized tube stabilizers. Decisive for the very good comfort of the Passat CC is the fact that the rear suspension is decoupled from the car body via the subframe. This isolation is accomplished by four rubber-metal bearings. The bearing’s rubber mixture was selected to satisfy the special dynamic requirements during driving operation in an ideal way. The result: isolation of the subframe elevates acoustic comfort and driving and ride comfort to luxury class levels.

Engines and transmissions

• Passat CC consumes just 5.8 liters diesel as TDI
• Launch phase with one turbo-diesel and two gasoline engines; power range from 140 PS to 300 PS
• Common-rail turbo-diesel already satisfies future Euro-5 emissions standard for the year 2009

Volkswagen will offer the Passat CC exclusively with highly advanced direct-injection engines worldwide. The gasoline engines (TSI and V6) satisfy the Euro-4 emissions standard. The turbo-diesels (TDI) offered in Europe fulfill the Euro-5 standard that goes into effect in 2009. At the time of its European market introduction, two gasoline engines (160 PS and 300 PS) and a TDI (140 PS) will be available. A TSI with 200 PS and a powerful 170 PS TDI will follow.

TSI with 160 PS

In Europe, a TSI engine with power output of 118 kW / 160 PS (at 5,000 rpm) offers entry into the world of the Passat CC. The turbocharged four-cylinder is exceptionally fuel efficient (average fuel consumption: 7.6 liters/100 km) and torque-strong (maxi­mum of 250 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm). With this new engine, the Passat CC reaches a speed of 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds; its top speed is 222 km/h. This TSI is shifted via a manual six-speed gearbox as standard equipment; as an option it can be paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) that is an entirely new development.

TSI with 200 PS

At the next power level the Passat CC is powered by a strong 147 kW / 200 PS (at 5,100 rpm) TSI. It too has a turbocharger, and it too shines with very good torque and fuel economy values. Over 100 kilometers this 280 Newton-meter (starting at 1,700 rpm) torque-strong four-cylinder consumes just 7.9 liters of fuel. Despite this, it serves up a top speed of 237 km/h. The Passat CC with this engine handles the sprint to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. As an alternative to the standard manual six-speed gearbox, a six-speed automatic is available here.

V6 with 300 PS

The strongest gasoline engine in the Passat CC is a 3.6 liter displacement six cylinder delivering 220 kW / 300 PS (at 6,600 rpm). It develops a maximum torque of 350 Newton-meter (from 2,400 rpm) and accelerates the four-door coupé to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Its average fuel consumption is 10.1 liters. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The Passat CC V6 is offered with the latest generation of 4MOTION full-time all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The top model is shifted via the automated DSG dual clutch transmission.

2.0 TDI with 140 PS and 170 PS

In the European market, the Passat CC is also being launched with a TDI engine that is as economical as it is clean and torque-strong. This new common rail diesel outputs 103 kW / 140 PS. There will also be a common rail TDI with 125 kW / 170 PS. While the “small” TDI develops a maximum torque of 320 Newton-meter starting at a low 1,750 rpm, maximum torque on the “large” TDI is already 350 Newton-meter (from 1,750 rpm). In the 140 PS version, the Passat CC accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 213 km/h. This contrasts with average fuel consumption of just 5.8 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. With 170 PS the Passat CC TDI is 227 km/h fast. The Volkswagen puts the classic sprint to 100 km/h behind it in 8.6 seconds. Also excellent is its low fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Either of the TDIs may be ordered with the innovative DSG dual clutch transmission as an option.

6-speed and 7-speed DSG

Five years ago, Volkswagen introduced the first production dual-clutch transmission in the world: the 6-speed DSG. That marked the beginning of the Volkswagen dual-clutch transmission’s winning ways. Since then more than a million 6-speed DSGs have been sold. Just in the past year volume was about 400,000. On the Passat CC, besides the 6-speed DSG, the new 7-speed DSG is also used for engines outputting greater than 250 Newton-meter torque. It was developed for high-volume engines with up to 250 Newton-meter torque and therefore also for the new 160-PS TSI of the Passat CC.

The new 7-speed DSG, like its counterpart with its six forward gears, is a pure Volkswagen development. In designing this intelligent automatic transmission, the focus was on combining the comfort of a conventional automatic with the economy and dynamics of a manual transmission. The overall potential of the dual-clutch transmission for reducing fuel consumption is enormous, regardless of the Volkswagen in which it is operating: compared to a manual transmission savings amount to up to twelve percent, depending on the engine; compared to an automatic with lock-up torque converter it is as much as 20 percent.

Production

• New Passat CC produced at Volkswagen plant in Emden
• Bestseller plant: German Emden plant produces the Passat exclusively
• Showcase plant: € 372 million currently being invested at Emden site

The Volkswagen plant in the Northern German city of Emden is producing all Passat versions and therefore the new Passat CC as well. The bestselling car series is manufactured at a production site measuring a total of 4.1 million square meters; 1.6 million square meters of this is building space. The plant location is ideal, since it is in the immediate vicinity of the international shipping port of Emden, from which the Passat CC can be delivered to all continents. The plant itself is among the most advanced and sustainable plants in the world. For example, there is a network of wind generators on the site, which together generate 4.5 megawatts of electrical power. Moreover, the plant has its own test track.

Production

2005 was the start-up year for the 6th generation of Passats. Since 2001, the most advanced stamping plant in Europe has been operating in Emden. In the recently built halls of the stamping plant with total space of 28,000 square meters, there are two large-scale vacuum transfer presses, each of which has a gross stamping force of 73,000 kilonewtons. They are capable of producing about 20,000 stamped parts per day.

The Volkswagen plant is the largest industrial employer in the region. About 7,900 men and women are currently employed at the Emden site.

Shipping port

A special aspect of the Emden site, as mentioned, is its immediate vicinity to the Emden harbor, a key transfer point for vehicle loading. About a million new vehicles are imported and exported annually here. Several times a week ships depart from the port, e.g. in the direction of North America and Japan. Vehicles are transported to Great Britain almost daily. Most export vehicles are brought to the port by railway. Up to 200 railroad cars arrive in Emden with vehicles daily. At a so-called transfer platform the cars are unloaded and then driven onto the ships at the port.

History

In its early years, after the plant was founded in the year 1964, it specialized in production of the Beetle, primarily for the North American market. A total of 2,360,591 cars were produced here until the model was discontinued in 1978. In the reception hall of the plant, visitors are greeted by the last Beetle from Germany. The Passat has been built in Emden since 1977. In November 2007, the 15 millionth Passat left the assembly line in Emden. About six million units of this bestseller were built at Emden alone. With the launch of the new Passat CC, the waits between production celebrations promise to become even shorter.