The destined-for-production model unveiled at Volkswagen's Detroit show stand undeniably has more than a little extra dash of panache compared to the Passat sedan.
The so-called 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC not only bears the name of one of one of America's most popular on-a-budget family sedans; it has a similar size overall, too. Just a little bit of utility is sacrificed for a lot more style and flair, along with a host of high-tech features, to create a product that promises to be more desirable and exclusive.
Having learned its lesson with the big, expensive Phaeton, VW looks to be reaching upscale from the Passat with a new, more incremental strategy as it bolsters its product line with products like the upcoming Tiguan.
With the Phaeton now discontinued in the U.S. market, the CC looks destined for the top of the automaker's U.S. product line. The Passat CC's curvaceous styling and very coupe-like silhouette will likely be more eye catching that the conservatively styled, opulent Phaeton. Just as the CLS and its flamboyant four-door coupe styling lifted Mercedes-Benz's image, the Passat CC looks poised to do that for VW - just as an Audi A7 and BMW four-door coupe are also on the way.
The swoopy, "four-door coupe" design is supported with details that maintain the car's luster up close and do set it apart from the mainstream Passat, like frameless doors and a contrasting mix of smooth transitions, such as that from the back window seamlessly into the trunk, and expressive creases, such as those which form behind the front wheels, become bolder, and form a sharp crease that wraps around and functions as a decklid spoiler.
The show car features a 'Panorama power vent sunroof' that measures about 30 inches by 44 inches and covers the entire frontal roof area back to the B-pillar. Like the Mercedes CLS, the Passat CC has two sport bucket seats in back instead of a bench, to seat a total of four adults in comfort. Rear seats are oriented toward long-distance comfort yet have more lateral support than a typical bench. In the full-length center console, there's a cooled storage compartment. Real wood and brushed-aluminum accents are offered, and there's an ambient lighting package to give the interior just the right mood.
Three different steering wheel designs will be offered, and depending on the design they may include shift paddles, along with buttons for trip computer, the audio system, calling interface, and the new Dynamic Drive Control (DDC).
DDC, an electronic chassis system, offers three different modes - Normal, Sport, and Comfort - and integrates suspension damping, power steering assist, and powertrain response.
Volkswagen says that the Passat CC is the first car in the world with a Lane Assist 'lane-keeping' system - more precisely, it's the first one yet to actually steer you back into your lane when you veer outside. Using the turn signals temporarily disables the system. Meanwhile, the Park Assist system does more than its modest name hints. At the push of a button, it will automatically handle the steering and guide the CC into a parking space. Acceleration and braking are still left up to the driver.
There's also a system called ACC Automatic Distance Control, a system much like the intelligent cruise control systems now offered on models from several premium-brand automakers. ACC lets the driver set a speed range, after which the car will maintain a set following distance and brake or accelerate as needed. Another supplemental safety device called Front Assist will use the same sensors to anticipate a potential collision and prime the braking system as needed.
The model also gets some features from the flagship Phaeton - such as the model's excellent Active Climate Seats, with fan-driven ventilation, heating and cooling functions, and continuously variable controls.
In Europe, the Passat CC will come with a variety of engines, including two different common-rail turbodiesel four-cylinder engines and three different direct-injection gasoline four- and six-cylinder engines. In the U.S., the Passat CC will come with the same powertrains as the pedestrian Passat - either with VW's familiar 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder, making 200 horsepower, or with the 280-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and 4Motion all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic will be offered on the 2.0 FSI, while the 3.6 will get a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic shift control.
Just how much higher will the CC's price be than that of the Passat? And will it be sold in the U.S. as a much more exclusive, luxurious car or merely a dressed-up Passat? We'll check in with VW officials for some answers.
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