2012 VOLKSWAGEN CC: COUPE STYLE, SEDAN SENSIBILITY
08/23/2011
Volkswagen
As luxury four-door coupes become the new definition of automotive style, the 2012 Volkswagen CC continues to offer this sleek, dramatic look at a highly attainable price. With its sweeping roofline, dramatic body detailing, low-to-the-ground stance, and elegant frameless side windows, the Volkswagen CC offers expressive, head-turning design for the cost of a traditional sedan.
For the 2012 model year, buyers have a choice of six unique models starting with the extremely well-equipped 2.0T Sport at $28,515, each one offering athletic performance and dynamic handling along with no-compromise German engineering.
New for 2012
The stylish CC receives an interior freshening for the 2012 MY. For the 2.0T Lux Plus, Lux Limited, and 3.6L VR6 4Motion Executive, walnut inserts for the fascia and doors have been replaced by a sustainable variety of stunning dark wood for a more contemporary look.
To heighten the elegance of the CC's dashboard, a stylish new analog clock-modeled after a Swiss timepiece-has been centrally-mounted above the radio. The CC's exterior color palette is also increased for 2012 with the addition of Urano Gray and Night Blue Metallic.
Exterior
The 2012 CC profile highlights the car's classic coupe lines, with its long hood, steeply-raked windshield, long, arcing roofline, and short rear deck. The elegant shape of the roofline is enhanced by the chrome surround of the side windows that sit in frameless doors. The sensation of speed and movement is heightened by the well-defined waistline crease that flows backwards from the front wheel opening, moving just above the door handles, all the way to the taillight lens.
Those wheel openings accommodate one of the most visually-striking ranges of standard aluminum-alloy wheels available today. It starts with the elegant 10-spoke, 17-inch Phoenix that comes with the 2.0T Sport model, moving to the thin-spoke 18-inch Mallory fitted to the 2.0T R Line model, up to the turbine blade-style 18-inch Interlagos.
The front of the CC shows yet another facet of Volkswagen's brand face; a wide, chrome-ringed grille featuring two well-defined blades and a centrally-mounted VW logo. The trapezoidal headlights contribute to the CC's stunning appearance, with their dipped lower section and tapering ends. Standard on the 4Motion and available on the Lux Limited are Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that turn up to 15 degrees around corners for increased visibility.
Beneath the sculpted bumper are three large air intakes with side openings that incorporate turn signals and fog lights. The lower edge of the nose also features a contoured splitter that optimizes the downforce of the CC at higher speeds.
The distinctive rear styling of the CC features over-sized two-part taillights that produce an unmistakable image day and night. The trunk lid incorporates a subtle rear lip to improve air flow, and beneath it a large VW badge that tilts to form the trunk release lever.
A cross-stripe, painted in black with a glass-like appearance, runs across the trunk where it meets the rear window-this is a clever styling feature that makes the rear window appear larger, the trunk surface smaller, and the roofline even sleeker,
Interior
The CC's cabin is as stylish and design-led as its bold exterior.
To provide the intimate look and feel of a true sports coupe, the rear of the CC features individual bucket-style seats with pronounced bolstering for both the cushions and seatbacks for added support. Between the seats are cup holders and small-item stowage for both passengers, hidden neatly and elegantly beneath a rolltop-style cover. A flip-down armrest provides extra comfort.
To add to the versatility and flexibility of the CC, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds forward to connect the trunk to the cabin to increase load space. There's also a pass-through behind the armrest to accommodate longer items, like skis. The trunk itself has a capacity of 13.2 cubic feet.
Each CC model features a blend of luxurious materials, rich textures, and intuitive controls. All four sport seats can be covered in V-Tex or supple Nappa leather and are available in both solid and striking two-tone color schemes. The front seats are heatable and come with standard 12-way power adjustment, with four-way power lumbar and adjustment for height. Electronic seat ventilation is included on the front seats of the VR6 4Motion Executive model.
Up front, a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel features integrated controls for the CC's multimedia system. The gauges are surrounded by chrome trim, which extends through the CC Sport and R Line, while the CC Lux and VR6 4Motion models feature either full brushed aluminum or new-for-2012 dark wood.
A variety of entertainment options are available with the CC. All 2.0T models come with a touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD radio, eight speakers, a six-disc CD changer, SD memory card reader, AUX-in for portable audio players, and SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription. Bluetooth(R) connectivity and Media Device Interface (MDI) with an iPod(R) cable are also standard.
For the flagship VR6 4MOTION model, there's a remarkable Dynaudio(R) premium sound system, with 10-speakers (four tweeters, two midrange, four woofers) powered by a 600-watt amplifier and Digital Sound Processor (DSP) technology.
Available on the CC Lux is VW's RNS 315 navigation system, while the Lux Plus and the VR6 4Motion Executive have Volkswagen's sophisticated RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch color touchscreen, a 30GB hard disk, access to SiriusXM Traffic, and rear-view camera display.
Engines and Transmissions
Two engine options are available to power the 2012 CC: the 2.0-liter TSI(R) turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder, or the 3.6-liter narrow-angle VR6.
Mated with either a six-speed manual (Sport and R Line only) or six-speed DSG(R) dual-clutch automatic with Tiptronic, the award-winning double-overhead-cam, 16-valve 2.0T makes 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.
With its precise, smooth-shifting six-speed manual, the 2.0T CC Sport nets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and an impressive 31 mpg on the highway. With the turbo engine delivering its maximum torque from as low as 1800 rpm, the CC Sport with manual transmission offers impressive mid-range performance.
Volkswagen's highly-acclaimed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic control is optional for the Sport and R Line and standard with the CC Lux.
The six-speed transversely-mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the 'odd' gears-first, third, fifth, and reverse-while the other operates the even gears. With DSG, the set-up allows the next-higher gear to be engaged, but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the CC is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.
Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic function to permit manual gear selection. Mated to the DSG transmission, the 2.0T achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The compact, yet powerful V6 engine, which is standard with the VR6 4Motion Executive model, has four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and direct fuel injection. The engine's compact size is partly due to its cylinder banks being angled in a narrow 10.6-degree 'V'.
Producing 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, the 3.6-liter VR6 offers refined, responsive performance. Equipped with its standard six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and paddle shifters, 0-to-60 mph acceleration is covered in less than seven seconds while achieving EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Suspension
All 2012 CC models are equipped with a sport-tuned suspension to satisfy the driver looking for lively, involving handling coupled with a smooth, comfortable ride for daily driving.
Up front, there's a strut-type suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers, low-mounted lightweight forged-aluminum control arms and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the CC has a compact multilink coil-sprung suspension with upper and lower transverse arms and a longitudinal link on each side to control wheel location. It's a sophisticated arrangement that helps deliver controllable, dynamic handling with a comfortable ride and reduced body roll.
The rear suspension components are mounted in a subframe made of high-tensile steel to help reduce weight and increase rigidity. The subframe is also acoustically decoupled from CC's bodyshell to significantly lessen road noise and vibration.
An electro-mechanical, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with variable speed assistance helps ensure driver confidence. Advantages of the system include its mild self-centering action, its ability to help compensate for different driving hazards such as crosswinds and steep road cambers as it dispenses with the usual engine-driven pump.
Braking is controlled by the CC's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with a special wiping feature that helps keeps the discs dry and clean for quicker response in the wet. The Sport and Lux CC models are fitted with 12.3-inch vented discs up front, and solid 11.1-inch rotors for the rear. The VR6 4Motion model moves up to 13.4-inch vented discs for the front and 12-inch solid rotors at the back.
4Motion all-wheel drive
The flagship CC model comes standard with Volkswagen's proven 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for even more dynamic handling and true all-weather traction.
The system delivers drive to all four wheels without any buttons to press or levers to pull. A Haldex(R) center differential can continuously vary the drive force between the front and rear axles depending on the traction available. When accelerating hard from standstill, for example, front-wheel slip is prevented by the system's ability to direct nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque to the rear wheels.
The 4Motion system also offers an extremely high standard of active safety, providing sure-footed traction over virtually all surfaces, as well as optimum straight-line stability, even in crosswinds.
Safety and Security
Supporting every element of the CC's striking design is an impressive collection of active and passive safety features-features that earned the 2.0T CC the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2011. The annual award recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute's front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly-required roof-strength test evaluations.
Safety and security in the CC starts with a strong, rigid, laser-seam-welded bodyshell and crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end. For those inside, there's the protection of a suite of airbags that includes front and side thorax airbags from the driver and front seat passenger, and Side Curtain Protection(R) head airbags for those in both the front and rear seats. Three-point safety belts have belt-force limiters for all four seats, with tensioners for those up front.
A number of aids and enhancements work seamlessly with the CC's drivetrain and suspension to help get the car and its occupants to their destination safely. They include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Engine Braking Assist (EBA).
Every CC also includes the advanced Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard warning lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision.
And for real peace of mind, the CC, like every Volkswagen, is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Model Line-up
Each 2012 CC model comes exceptionally well-equipped, with extremely-competitive and attainable pricing.
Sport
With a starting MSRP of $28,515, the 2.0T Sport provides entry to the 2012 CC model range. Standard equipment includes 17-inch Phoenix alloy wheels with all-season self-sealing tires; Climatic manual climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth(R) technology; iPod(R) connectivity; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces and matte chrome interior trim. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with DSG as an option.
R Line
Priced from $30,460, the 2.0T R Line takes the Sport features and heightens the CC's performance styling with stunning 18-inch, thin-spoke Mallory alloy wheels, lower extended sport bumpers and side skirts, R Line door sill plates, darkened taillights, and halogen reflector lens fog lights.
Lux
Priced from $31,420, the 2.0T Lux comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features include 18-inch Daytona alloy wheels, Climatronic(R) dual-zone automatic climate control, genuine brushed-aluminum interior trim, RNS 315 navigation system with five-inch color touchscreen, and heated windshield washer nozzles
Lux Plus
Priced from $33,565, the 2.0T Lux Plus adds a power tinted-glass sunroof, sustainable wood interior trim, and the RNS 510 navigation system with 6.5-inch color touchscreen, 30GB hard disk.
Lux Limited
Priced from $34,365, the 2.0T Lux Limited adds 18-inch Interlagos alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).
VR6 4Motion Executive
This flagship CC is priced from $40,090 and adds the 3.6L, 280-hp VR6 engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch Interlagos alloy wheels; Tiptronic paddle shifters; leather seating surfaces; memory seating and mirrors; premium color multi-function trip compute; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio Premium Sound System; power rear sunshade; and headlight washer system.
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, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. 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 media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the new CC are available at media.vw.com.
"4MOTION", "Climatronic", "R LINE", "TDI", "TSI", "DSG", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Carefree Maintenance" and "VR6" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. "Dynaudio" is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "Haldex" is a registered trademark of Haldex Traction Systems, Sweden. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. "Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag.
"Top Safety Pick" based on 31mph side-impact crash test, 40mph frontal-offset crash test, 20mph rear-impact test, roof strength testing, and the availability of ESC. Test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For details, visit www.iihs.org. See vw.com for more information on safety features.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release.
MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.