Posts Tagged ‘Volkswagen CC’

The all-new CC – Volkswagen’s stylish new offering has been designed and engineered to blend sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort in a sophisticated package. The CC features a masculine shoulder line, which visually connects the front wheel wells to the taillights, providing the emotional and expressive stance of a sports coupe with all the convenience of a sedan.

Exterior

In addition to its dramatically lowered, rear-swept roofline and well-planted stance, other distinguishing exterior cues on the CC include: frameless doors; flowing lines in the side profile; larger, more prominent brand-specific face with bolder crossstrut chrome grille design; a large panoramic power vent sunroof that reaches out to the roof rails and covers the entire forward portion of the roof to the B-pillars (standard on all but Sport); and 17- or 18-inch multi-spoke wheel designs (four designs in all).

Powertrain and Chassis

The CC Sport and Luxury models are equipped with Volkswagen’s 2.0T inline four-cylinder engine carrying a turbocharger with intercooler and double overhead camshafts. The advanced four-valve per cylinder powerplant also is equipped with variable valve timing and a direct-injection fuel delivery system, both of which contribute to optimum fuel efficiency. Mated with either a six-speed manual (Sport only) or six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, the 2.0T delivers 200-horsepower at 5100 rpm, and 207 lb.- ft. of torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm.

The 2.0T delivers on its promise of performance with efficiency by achieving fuel economy of 21-mpg in the city, and 31-mpg on the highway with the manual, and 19-city/29-highway with the automatic – corresponding estimated 0-to-60-mph performance is a very capable 6.9- and 7.4-seconds respectively. VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion models incorporate a 24-valve 3.6L DOHC V6 – a refined version of Volkswagen’s famous narrow-angle V6 engine with cylinder banks that create a ‘V’ angle of just 10.6 degrees resulting in a more compact sized powerplant.

The 3.6L engine – which also incorporates variable valve timing, variable intake lengths, and direct-injection technologies for optimized power and efficiency – is mated to a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and delivers 280-horsepower at 6200 rpm and 265 lb.-ft of torque at 2750 rpm. Zero-to-60-mph performance is estimated at an exceptional 6.6-seconds; and fuel efficiency is 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. All CC models are equipped with a specifically tuned sport suspension and electromechanical power steering with dual-pinions for exceptional, performanceoriented ride and handling characteristics.

A sophisticated front McPherson concept suspension with triangular wishbone configuration, coil springs, telescopic self-leveling shocks and stabilizer bar ensures balance, comfort and agility in all driving scenarios, as does a fully independent four-link rear with coil springs, telescopic shocks and stabilizer bar.

Interior

The interior of the four-passenger CC carries the same recognized virtues of its Volkswagen brethren with additional details. Four ergonomically formed sport seats that are positioned to sit low offer improved lateral support to enhance the feeling of connectivity between driver, passengers and machine without sacrificing comfort. The split folding rear seats also ensure utility when needed, and they are separated by a center roll-top covered fold-down console for drinks and an emergency medical kit.

The new navigation system with MDI (Media Device Interface) incorporates intuitive color touch-screen control of onboard systems and personal devices; a 32GB hard disk supported navigation system; and rear parking assistance system that displays rearview camera images.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter are standard equipment as are chrome finished dial appointments, and full brushed aluminum trim is standard on the Luxury and both VR6 models. The Sport trim package incorporates V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, while all others carry leather-skinned sport seats.

Safety Features

The CC is designed and executed to deliver outstanding safety performance and comes with a host of safety technologies. Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), including four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with vented front and solid rear discs, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Yaw Control come standard. Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Differential Locking (EDL) also come standard. All contribute to exceptional stability and control on all kinds of roads and situations where even the best of drivers might struggle to keep their cars on the road. The addition of 4Motion all-wheel-drive on the uplevel VR6 takes vehicle dynamics to an even higher level.

In addition to ESP (which is standard on all 2009 model year Volkswagen offerings), the CC comes equipped with standard driver and front passenger advanced multistage front airbags; driver and front passenger side-thorax airbags; head curtain airbags (front and rear); three-point safety belts front and rear; emergency locking retractors for all seating positions; optimized front head restraints; safety belt power pretensioners at the driver and front passenger positions; safety belt load limiters for driver, front passenger and rear outboard seating positions; tire pressure monitoring system; and rear seat LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchorage and top tether child seat attachments. A rear passenger side-thorax airbag system with safety belt pretensioners is optional. Bi-Xenon headlamps incorporated with an Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFS) for improved visibility is standard with the 3.6L.

Warranties

For added assurance, the new CC comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first), plus new vehicle warranties including:
• Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty.
• Three-year/36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments.
• 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.

The 2010 Volkswagen CC is largely unchanged following its introduction for the 2009 model year. This premium-midsize car has a coupe-like roof line and seating for 4. CC is available in Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport, and VR6 4Motion trims. Two engines are available. Standard on Sport and Luxury models is a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In Sport versions, it teams with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that behaves like an automatic.

Luxury CCs come with the automated manual only. Powering VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion versions is a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired solely with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automated-manual and automatic transmissions can be manually operated using the floor shifter in 4-cylinder models or via steering-wheel paddles in V6 versions.

Most CC models are front-wheel drive. The VR6 4Motion has all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front-side airbags, and rear-side airbags. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof are standard on all but the Sport. A navigation system is optional on all but the Sport.

Price: $27,100 – 39,800.
Invoice: $25,252 – 37,275.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The 2010 Volkswagen CC is a four-door sedan available in Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion trim levels. The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power front seats, heated front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, split-folding rear seats, automatic climate control, a trip computer, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Luxury version adds front and rear park assist, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver memory settings, a large tilt-only sunroof and upgraded alloy trim.

The VR6 Sport trim level includes all the Luxury trim equipment plus a six-cylinder engine, 18-inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a power rear sunshade, steering-wheel paddles and a 10-speaker premium sound system. The top-of-the-line VR6 4Motion adds all-wheel drive.

The Technology package (available on all but the Sport) adds a hard-drive navigation system, digital music storage capability, iPod integration and a back-up camera. The iPod integration is also available as a separate option for all trims, satellite radio is optional on the Sport, and the VR6 Sport’s premium audio system is optional on the Luxury.

Interior Design and Special Features

Even in its most basic form, the 2010 VW CC’s cabin is well-equipped and beautifully finished. In particular, the standard cross-stitched leatherette vinyl upholstery looks and feels better than the genuine cow-sourced stuff in many cars, while other materials throughout the cabin are of similarly outstanding quality. It all adds up to an upscale ambience that warrants the CC’s price premium over other midsize sedans.

The supportive driver seat provides a wide range of adjustment. Because of the car’s tapered roof line, though, headroom is tight in the back, and 6-footers may need to slouch a bit. The CC comes with only two rear bucket seats; in place of a center position, a covered bin and cupholders reside with a flip-down armrest. But those rear buckets are unusually comfortable and supportive, and legroom is ample all around. At 13 cubic feet, the trunk is on the small side for a midsize sedan.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive VW CC Sport and Luxury trims come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. On the Sport, a six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DSG) is optional. DSG is standard on the Luxury trim. Volkswagen estimates a 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds with this engine. Fuel economy estimates stand at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with either transmission.

The CC VR6 is equipped with a 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed conventional automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is the only available transmission. Fuel economy is estimated to be 18 city/27 highway and 21 combined. The estimates for the CC VR6 4Motion drop to 17/25/20. At our test track, a CC VR6 with all-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.3 seconds.

Driving Impression

The 2010 Volkswagen CC may be slickly styled, but it doesn’t quite have the handling to match. The electric power steering’s light effort in parking lots is welcome, and it weights up in a linear fashion as speeds rise, but there’s not enough feel and communication sent back to the driver’s hands. The CC also exhibits more body roll in hard cornering than true sport sedans, though the VR6 4Motion’s tenacious all-wheel-drive traction notably improves matters. But most drivers will find that the CC strikes a nice balance between ride comfort and sportiness. Although certainly on the firm side, the CC’s sport-tuned suspension isolates passengers from harsh impacts and imparts a feeling of solid construction, soaking up bumps with a typical Germanic thump.

Under the hood, the CC 2.0T’s turbo-4 is smooth and vigorous, carving out an appealing performance niche between mainstream four-cylinder and V6-powered family sedans. Additionally, its optional DSG transmission delivers quick, seamless shifts. As for the VR6 model, it may carry a hefty price premium relative to the 2.0T, but its six-cylinder engine delivers impressive power, making the CC VR6 4Motion quicker than all-wheel-drive rivals like the Acura TL SH-AWD, Audi A4 2.0T Quattro and BMW 328i xDrive.

Safety

All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on all trim levels.

In government testing, the 2010 Volkswagen CC scored four out of a possible five stars in frontal crash protection. It received five stars for front-passenger side crash protection and four stars for rear-passenger side protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the CC earned the top rating of “Good” in that agency’s frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

Value

The Volkswagen CC appeals for its strong and refined turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, impressive ride and handling, top-notch interior design, and standout looks. Good 4-cylinder fuel economy is an added bonus. If you’re willing to sacrifice 5-passenger versatility for the sake of style.

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 sedanwith the styling and driving experience that are normally only reserved for a coupe.

Price: $28,200 – 39,900.
Invoice: $27,045 – 38,350.

Exterior

From the front, the CC immediately commands attention with its sleek, low stance. The wide chrome grille, slit-like headlight housings (Bi-Xenon™ High Intensity Gas-discharged headlamps are standard on the VR6 4MOTION® 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™ allseason 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 6- speed manual or automatic transmissions on the Sport trim level.

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 §teering 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.

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.

Úp front, a leather-wrapped three spoke §teering 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® cable and SIRIÚS Satellite Radio® access with limited-time complimentary service. Eight speakers are standard in the Sport and Luxury models, but the Dynaudio® 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® 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 §teering 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.

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®).

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.

Conclusion

The Passat CC is making an elegant appearance on our roads with its coupé lines and sporty note. With a new, optional rear bench available for order only in Europe, the Passat CC can now be considered a stylish five-seater as well. Volkswagen is adding this new product feature in response to requests by many customers to give the Passat CC even greater everyday utility by adding a seating position. The new rear bench fulfils all necessary safety aspects with its third head restraint and three-point seat belt at the centre position. In addition, the folding backrest is asymmetrically split, so that even larger objects can be transported effortlessly. The 3-seat rear bench system is available as an option for 100 euros.

The Passat CC has successfully established itself on the market, one and a half years after its launch. Nearly one out of five customers in Germany chose the four-door Comfort Coupé in 2009. This market share is not all that surprising, given the many technical innovations to choose from. For instance, Volkswagen offers extremely efficient common rail engines with BlueTDI technology on the Passat CC; today, they already conform to the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard with a multi-stage emissions control system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent. Also providing a maximum of safety are optional assistance systems such as the active lane-keeping system ‘Lane Assist’ and the dynamic chassis control ‘DCC’.