THE 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CC: SPIRIT OF A COUPE WITH A SEDAN SENSIBILITY
10/28/2010
Volkswagen
The 2011 CC embodies the idea that function and form can successfully exist together in a car's design without sacrificing on practicality. With a starting price of $28,200, and available in six trim levels, the CC forges the comfort and capability of a sedan with the styling and driving experience that are normally only reserved for a coupe.
Exterior
From the front, the CC immediately commands attention with its sleek, low stance. The wide chrome grille, slit-like headlight housings (Bi-Xenon(TM) High Intensity Gas-discharged headlamps are standard on the VR6 4MOTION(R) trim level), and reflector lens foglights add an aggressive element to the sedan's overall appearance. In addition, the angle of the long hood is replicated through the CC's profile by way of an accent line starting on the front fender and moving just above the door handles as it finishes in the tail light lens. A low-slung roofline includes a panoramic, power sunroof with tinted glass (available on Lux and VR6 4MOTION trim levels) before sloping down into the short rear decklid. Jeweled tail light lenses continue the curvaceous detailing of the CC, and stand above a thin, chrome bumper accent that runs back along the lower half of the doors. Simple, chrome badges just below the tail lights mark the CC name and appropriate engine designation.
The CC touches ground on sculpted alloy wheels mated to Continental ContiSeal(TM) all- season puncture-resistant tires. The Sport model employs the 17-inch "Phoenix" wheel design, while Lux models are equipped with 18-inch "Daytona" or "Interlagos" designs. The VR6 4MOTION model stands out with polished 18-inch "Interlagos" wheels. All wheel and tire combinations include a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts drivers to any potential low pressure conditions.
Those seeking a more aggressive appearance can opt for the R-Line package, which includes lower body side trim, darkened tail lamps, standard fog lamps, stainless door sill plates, and head-turning 18-inch "Mallory" wheels. The R-Line package can be ordered with either 6speed manual or automatic transmissions on the Sport trim level.
Interior
Inside every 2011 CC awaits a blend of luxurious materials, rich textures, and intuitive controls. The driver and all three passengers are welcomed with sport seats that sit comfortably low for a more relaxed experience, yet are ergonomically bolstered for added support. They can be covered in V-Tex or leather and are available in both solid and two-tone color schemes. The front seats are heated, with 12-way, power adjustment and four-way, power lumbar support on all trim levels. The CC's rear seats are split by a center roll-top console for holding drinks or accessing an emergency medical kit, and can be folded down to allow for added cargo space. All models have air-conditioning with a pollen filter (single-zone on the Sport, and dual-zone for all others), and for added comfort, electronic seat ventilation is included on the front seats of the VR6 4MOTION model.
Up front, a leather-wrapped three spoke steering wheel offers comfortable control and has integrated controls for the CC's multimedia system. The gauges are surrounded by chrome trim, which extends throughout the CC Sport, while the CC Lux and VR6 4MOTION models carry either full brushed aluminum ornamentation or real Vavona wood trim. A comprehensive AM/FM/CD stereo system is standard with MP3 CD readability, an in-dash, six-disc changer, an auxiliary input for connecting portable audio players, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Media Device Interface with iPod(R) cable and SIRIUS Satellite Radio(R) access with limited-time complimentary service. Eight speakers are standard in the Sport and Luxury models, but the Dynaudio(R) Premium Sound System - standard on the VR6 4MOTION model - has ten high-end speakers, a 600 Watt amplifier, and Digital Sound Processor (DSP) technology. The CC Luxury and VR6 variants are built standard with Volkswagen's navigation systems that have a high resolution touch-screen displays, an SD memory card slot, an auxiliary input connection, and complimentary Sirius Real-Time Traffic programming.
Engine and Transmission
Two engine options are available to power the CC wherever its driver commands: The 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, or the 3.6-liter narrow angle V6 gasoline engine. The 2.0T in the CC Sport and Luxury models is sporty when called upon, but equally efficient, and combines four valves per cylinder, variable timing, dual overhead camshafts, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Electronic TSI direct fuel injection and driveby-wire throttle control let the engine create 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, while also offering great fuel economy.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the CC Sport, and nets EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city, and 31 mpg on the highway, as well as a 6.9 second sprint from zero to 60 mph. Optional for the Sport, and standard on the CC Luxury, is Volkswagen's DSGsix-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) control. The DSG carries an automated dual-clutch system to engage and disengage gears without the need for a driver-activated clutch pedal. A special computer controls the clutches and shifting, for faster and smoother gearshifts than can be had with a traditional automatic or manual transmission. When the gearshift lever is moved into the Tiptronic position, the driver can control the gear changes by either tapping the gearshift lever up or down, or by pressing the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The 2.0T engine mated to the DSG transmission can take the CC from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy returns of 22 mpg for city driving, and 31 mpg in highway driving. The compact yet powerful V6 engine, which is standard with the VR6 4MOTION trim level (front drive VR6 model is no longer available), is outfitted with 24 valves, dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and intake lengths, and direct fuel injection. All considered, the engine produces 280 total horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 265 lbs.-ft. of torque at only 2,750 rpm. With the V6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic control, the 2011 CC is ready to reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 6.6 seconds, while managing 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA.
Chassis and Suspension
Hidden beneath the 2011 CC's modern looks and plush interior, is a thoroughly-tested sports suspension that can transform most any trip into something more exciting. All models carry a pair of independent MacPherson struts and a complementary stabilizer bar at the front to ensure agility and smooth-ride comfort traveling through the turns. A fully-independent rear suspension is comprised of a four-link arrangement that carries a combination of telescoping shocks, coil springs, and a rear anti-roll bar. The CC's top VR6 trim level adds Volkswagen's comprehensive 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
An electro-mechanical, power rack-and-pinion steering system with variable speed assistance and active return helps ensure driver confidence when the CC is taking turns at any speed. Braking is controlled by the CC's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with a special wiping feature that keeps the rotors dry and clean for additional safety. The Sport and Luxury CC models are fitted with 312 mm vented rotors up front, and solid 286 mm for the rear, while the 4MOTION trim level moves up to 345 mm vented rotors for the front and 310 mm solid rotors at the back.
Active and Passive Safety
Supporting every facet of the CC's stylish design is a collection of over 45 active and passive safety features that are a part of Volkswagen's standard Prevent and Preserve Safety System. Multistage airbags, including dual front, dual thorax, and dual side curtain arrangements for the front occupants come standard with all CC models (rear side airbags are no longer available.) The three-point safety belts in all four seating positions (two front, two rear) include belt-force limiters all around, and belt tensioners up front. For younger occupants, the CC also includes Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) in the rear seats to make adding a child car seat much simpler. A number of aids and enhancements work seamlessly with the CC's drivetrain and suspension to help get the car and its occupants to whatever destination safely, including Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking
Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC(R)).
Volkswagen's choice to include ESC standard on the CC and all other 2011 Volkswagen models, comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mandate that by the 2012 model year, all vehicles produced will need to include some form of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to NHTSA, having ESC in a vehicle results in 35 percent fewer single vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. Volkswagen's ESC compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual direction. If a discrepancy is detected, ESC automatically brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to help maintain directional control.
Roadside Assistance and Warranty
For added convenience and assurance, the 2011 CC includes 24-hour Roadside Assistance (through a third party provider) for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Meanwhile, the following new vehicle limited warranties are standard:
- Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
- Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
- 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation The CC and the rest of the 2011 Volkswagen model line are a part of the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, all of the cars' scheduled maintenance, as described in their maintenance booklets, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The CC also uses synthetic oil, which when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change. This ultimately allows Volkswagen owners to driver farther between scheduled oil changes.
Ease of Ordering
While other manufacturers build their models in thousands of build combinations, the 2011 CC is built in only 8 primary combinations. Its high level of standard equipment, coupled with the smart arrangement of popular trim packages, greatly simplifies the ordering process and reduces the delivery time for most customers.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.