In an effort to stay strong in the U.S. and an ambitious plan to increase sales to 800,000 by 2018, Volkswagen is looking to offer its models to the North American market at cheaper prices. When we saw the Volkswagen Passat CC at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, we were afraid that if pricing was over $35k, it may follow in the ill-fated footsteps of the Phaeton.

In a recent interview with Automotive News, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Stefan Jacoby, said that the Passat CC will be priced below $27,000. The CC is supposed to fit between the regular Passat at the upcoming Phaeton that may come back to the U.S. with a smaller-wheelbase and diesel options.

The Passat CC lineup will start with a 2.0 TSI unit that produces 197 hp and a 3.6 FSI V6 that produces 276hp. Both engines are mated with a 6-speed automatic Triptronic transmission. The Passat CC 3.6 V6 FSI is offered with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard equipment and has the ability to do 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Jacoby is leading the charge to turn Volkswagen around with vehicles more suitable for U.S. buyers. He is also pushing for the Polo to make it to the U.S. along with a production version of the Space Up! blue concept.

Volkswagen Passat CC Gallery:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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