VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS NEW CC AT LA AUTO SHOW
11/16/2011
Volkswagen
When the Volkswagen CC debuted four years ago, it was the first affordably priced four-door coupe on sale in the U.S. What looked at first like a niche has developed into a completely new segment: nearly 270,000 people around the world have bought Volkswagen's sedan that has the looks and heart of a sports car. The CC mixes practicality with style and attainability.
Volkswagen is presenting a technically and visually updated version of the vehicle at the LA Auto Show, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center between November 18 and 27. With new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment that includes Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights, the new CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class. The 2013 Volkswagen CC will go on sale in the spring of 2012 in the U.S.
Design
The design team, led by Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen brand, reworked the CC's front and rear body sections. As a result of the changes, the Volkswagen CC looks even more elegant while also appearing more muscular. New aluminum-alloy wheels and exterior colors complement other exterior modifications.
"Design DNA"
At the front of the car, one's eye is drawn to the new radiator grille, Bi-Xenon headlights, and the hood design. Optional LED Daytime Running Lights are integrated in the headlight design. The entire area comprised of the new front bumper, headlights, and radiator grille exhibits clean lines that correspond more closely to Volkswagen's "design DNA" styling than previously. This DNA is marked by such characteristics as an emphasis on horizontal lines and precise harmony between the headlights and radiator grille. The latter is no longer designed as a separate "V" framed by body-color pieces, but is instead formed as a visually continuous band together with the headlights. Like the Passat, the new CC also has an extra air intake beneath the bumper. The foglights are housed inside "winglets" that are integrated in this intake.
Despite its unique shape, the front end makes it clear that the "Comfort Coupe" belongs to a global brand family. The radiator grille has three chrome bars that bear a styling resemblance to both the Passat and the Phaeton. Like the previous model, the CC is produced at Volkswagen's plant in Emden, Germany; this state-of-the-art factory has direct access to an overseas port from which the CC can be shipped to all regions of the world within a few days.
Sharpened silhouette
Although the frameless doors of the CC are unmodified, the side profile shows a new look, too. Several factors are at work here: up front, the more powerful hood design interplays with the new bumper to sharpen the car's silhouette. Meanwhile, the more sculpted side sills between the wheel housings stand out, making a greater visual connection between the front and rear bumpers.
More visual tension
At the rear, the bumper was given greater volume, enhancing the swoopy nature of the coupe-like C-pillars and the very long, swept-back rear window. The entire rear section now shows more geometric surfaces and a greater emphasis on horizontal lines. The new taillights fit this new design theme, finishing with a horizontal sweep at their lower ends. In contrast to the previous model, the new rear lights have LED elements that respond quickly, use less energy, and are longer lived. The distinctive look of these lights makes the CC unmistakable from the rear, day or night. The license plate is illuminated with LED lighting too. Also planned are two new colors for 2013: Black Oak Brown and Fortuna Red.
Interior
The CC continues to offer an incredibly stylish and luxurious interior that looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car. One improvement in the 2013 CC is that there is now seating for five, with a three-seat rear bench taking the place of two individual buckets. On VR6(R) models, engineered ebony trim replaces Zebrano to give an even more upscale finish.
Efficient and sporty engines
The CC will once again launch with the award-winning, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI(R) four-cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower and the 3.6-liter narrow-angle VR6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.
All 2.0-liter models are front-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG(R) dual-clutch automatic transmission. One new feature on the 2.0-liter models is the XDS(R) cross-differential (limited-slip) system that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the front wheel with the most traction.
The VR6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) shifting, driving either through the front wheels on the new VR6 Lux model or via 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive on the topline VR6 Executive model, which is also equipped with paddle shifters.
Standard features - uncompromising comfort and safety
Standard CC equipment has always included such features as dual tailpipes, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, a multi-function steering wheel, chrome surrounds on switches and air vents, air conditioning, an electric parking brake with hill-hold control, rain-sensing wipers, a sport suspension, heated 12-way power front seats, Bluetooth(R) technology, iPod(R) connectivity, and, of course, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags.
This range of features has been extended in the new model. Standard exterior features that have been added include Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, LED license-plate illumination, and more prominent side-sill flares. LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)-which turns the beams by up to 15 degrees around corners for increased visibility-are optional on CC Sport and standard on all other models.
New standard interior features include front head restraints that adjust fore-and-aft as well as up-and-down. In this new design, the head restraint can be pulled forward and, because it lies closer to the head, helps reduce the risk of whiplash in a crash. Another new interior feature is remote latching for the rear seatback. Levers mounted under the rear shelf on the right and left sides of the trunk make it easy to unlatch both sections of the split seatback.
At launch, all CCs will feature the Climatronic(R) automatic climate control system. Typical of the attention to detail in the CC, the system features a humidity sensor located near the rear-view mirror. This measures air humidity and controls the Climatronic system to help prevent condensation and maintain the relative humidity in the passenger compartment at a pleasant level. Another benefit of the system is that fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, since the humidity sensor permits operation of the air conditioning compressor only when needed.
Model Range
2.0T Sport
The 2.0T Sport provides entry to the 2012 CC model range. Standard equipment includes new 17-inch "Verme" alloy wheels with all-season self-sealing tires; Bi-Xenon headlights; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth technology; iPod connectivity; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and matte chrome interior trim. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the option of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
2.0T Sport Plus
This is a new model in the CC lineup. It adds Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System; stylish new 18-inch "Mallory" wheels with all-season 235/40 tires; and the RNS(R) 315 navigation system. The six-speed dual-clutch DSG is the only transmission offered.
2.0T R-Line(R)
The popular R-Line will again be offered, tailored to the new CC design, later in 2012. The 2.0T R Line takes the Sport features and heightens the CC's performance styling with stunning 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; lower extended sport bumpers; R-Line door sill plates; darkened taillights; and a leather-wrapped R-line steering wheel. Both six-speed manual and dual-clutch DSG automatic transmissions are offered.
2.0T Lux
The 2.0T Lux comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features over Sport Plus include new 18-inch "St Louis" five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; brushed-aluminum interior trim; a power-tinted-glass sunroof; and ambient lighting.
V6 Lux
The V6 Lux is a new model for 2013, featuring the 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared with the 2.0T Lux Plus, it adds a headlight washer system with heated nozzles; a rearview camera; the RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen; ventilated front seats; leather seating surfaces; "Interlagos" 18-inch wheels; memory seating and mirrors; and engineered ebony trim.
VR6 4Motion Executive
In addition to the features offered on the V6 Lux, the flagship CC adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch "Interlagos" alloy wheels; Tiptronic paddle shifters; a driver's seat with massage function; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio(R) Premium Sound System; and a power rear sunshade.
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's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012 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 2013 CC are available at media.vw.com.
"TSI", "DSG," "VW", "Volkswagen", "4Motion", "R-Line", "RNS", 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. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. "Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.