Volkswagen has been working on a new global platform that will underpin a large variety of their models. And as a part of these efforts to streamline manufacturing and assembly to help cut production costs, reports are saying that the “people’s car” make will be expanding the Passat’s lineup.

The new up and coming platform is internally coded the MQB platform and was first introduced on the new Audi A3, which will see its full unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

So far, the plans are to offer a range of Passat variants including the regular sedan, a wagon, the CC four-door coupe, and the new Alltrack variant (think Passat version of the Audi A6 All-Road Quattro).

“MQB definitely provides more opportunities for us,” said VW’s marketing chief, Stefan Buhrmann, in an interview. “With the Passat, we can offer many different designs and wheelbases, and can be much more flexible with engines.”

In the same interview, Buhrmann said that Volkswagen is also still working on a Phaeton successor. But few details were exposed.

“We don’t see the Phaeton as a one-time event,” he added. “We work on every project and want to grow the Phaeton.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

Saab hasn’t really been eating up any positive headlines as of lately. However, this piece of new should give the Swedish automaker a little boost of confidence. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today that the 2011 Saab 9-5 has received its Top Safety Pick Award after earning a rating of good for performance in the Institute’s roof strength test for rollover protection.

The 2011-2012 Volkswagen Passat CC also received the Top Safety Pick Award. The Top Safety Pick designation only applies to the front-wheel drive CC since the heavier all-wheel drive version is rated acceptable in the roof strength test.

“Altogether, the Institute recently completed roof strength tests for eight midsize to large family and luxury cars,” the IIHS said “Also earning a good rating for rollover protection is the 2011 Lexus ES 350, which is not a Top Safety Pick winner because it’s rated marginal for rear crash protection. The BMW 3 series, Chevrolet Impala (models built after July 2010), Infiniti G, Lexus IS 250/350, and Saab 9-3 earn acceptable ratings for rollover protection.”

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen Passat CC

According to “sources” in German, Volkswagen is looking to expand its Passat CC range with the additions of an estate version – better known to us Americans as a station wagon.

We already know that the next-generation Passat in the United States will be replaced by the upcoming New Midsize Sedan, which will not offer an estate version. Apparently, the death of the Passat in the U.S. also means that the death of the CC.

Volkswagen hopes that the CC station wagon will fit a useful niche in the market where the CC is proving to be a hit. A final decision is expected to come in September.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Volkswagen has announced that it is offering three all-new 2010 special edition models at its dealer showrooms nationwide.

“Volkswagen constantly looks for ways of providing our customers special limited edition models that provide the opportunity of owning something unique,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The CC R-Line, Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, and Red Rock Edition New Beetle demonstrate our brands ability to provide our customers something truly special.”

Our favorite of the trio has to be the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, because we’re fans of V-Dubs’ diesel lineup (you’ll find out later today why).

Prices for the 2010 Volkswagen CC R-Line start at $29,590, while the Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition stars at $24,990 and the new 2010 Beetle Red Rock Edition starts at $20,390. You can learn more about each model in the press release after the jump.

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line:

Press Release:

Three All-New Special Edition Volkswagens Now Available in Dealer Showrooms

The 2010 CC R-Line, 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, And 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition add performance and individuality

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that three all-new 2010 special edition models are now available in dealer showrooms. The CC R-Line, Jetta TDI® Cup Street Edition, and New Beetle Red Rock Edition all build on the already great features of their standard versions, with unique elements and design cues exclusive to these special models.

The 2010 CC R-Line

Volkswagen’s CC is one of the most stylish and sporty coupe sedans currently available in the market today. For drivers who want a more aggressive look to match, the new CC R-Line comes outfitted with a number of visual enhancements for a decidedly sporty look. A body kit with side skirts and a new front bumper, including an integrated chin spoiler, give a more aggressive appearance. Special 18-inch “Mallory” wheels, R-Line badges on the front fenders, and smoked taillamps complete the exterior upgrades. Brushed aluminum door sills are added to the interior. The CC R-Line is powered by the highly acclaimed, performance-bred 2.0T engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) equipped with paddle shifters.

The 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Born from the popularity of Volkswagen’s groundbreaking Jetta TDI Cup race series ““ now entering its 3rd season ““ and enthusiast demand for a race-inspired version of the popular Jetta TDI, comes the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition. Various modifications inside and out ensure the Street Edition is instantly connected to the TDI Cup cars racing on tracks throughout North America. The Street Edition offers the same full body kit found on the TDI Cup race cars with an aerodynamic front bumper, side skirts, and rear valance. Also included are 18-inch “Charleston” wheels with high-performance tires, larger GLI brakes with red painted calipers, and the European-tuned sport suspension from the GLI. Sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, and brushed aluminum door sills mark the interior. Volkswagen’s proven 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine makes 140 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque, sent through either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission.

The 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition

The charm and passion of Volkswagen’s iconic New Beetle, which was unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show, continues with the 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition. Only 750 of the custom coupes will be available, each with a unique, two-toned exterior comprised of Red Rock metallic paint and a painted black roof. An all black interior complements the overall color scheme, while select 17-inch wheels and a full sport suspension improve driving excitement out on the open road.

The 2010 CC R-Line (starting at $29,590), the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition (starting at $24,990), and the 2010 New Beetle Red Rock Edition ($20,390) are all available now.

- By: Kap Shah

After request from customers, Volkswagen is now offering the Passat CC with an optional rear bench seating creating room for five passengers.

“The new rear bench fulfils all necessary safety aspects with its third head restraint and three-point seat belt at the centre position,” Volkswagen said in a statement. “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.”

Volkswagen has not confirmed the five seater option for the United States… yet.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen announced today that it is extending its R-Line equipment package to the Passat CC, giving the model a more sportier and aggressive stance.

On the outside, the Passat CC R-Line features 17-inch (optional 18-inch) R-Line “Mallory” alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 tires. The front spoiler and side skirts, each painted in body color, also add a sporty look. There are also R-Line badges on the frond side section along with smoked rear lights.

Inside, the Passat CC with the R-Line package gets four customized tread plates in aluminium (with R-Line Logo in front) and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with multifunction keys.

The R-Line package is available with all Passat CC engines. Counting the Passat CC, Volkswagen now has a total of eight models with R-Line equipment on the market.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line:

- By: Kap Shah

According to sources inside Volkswagen that spoke with AutoExpress, the automaker is working on a four-door-coupe variant of the next-generation Golf. Badged the Golf CC, the model will look very similar to the Passat CC, but will be offered as a downsized alternative to the larger sedan.

To make it more practical, the Golf CC will have a hatchback trunk and folding rear seats despite having four doors. Engine choices are expected to be shared with the Golf hatchback’s lineup.

The seventh-generation Golf hatchback is scheduled to debut in 2012 – so don’t expect to see the Golf CC in the showrooms until at least 2014.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoExpress

Volkswagen of America announced today that the 2009 Volkswagen CC received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard on the CC.

“The TOP SAFETY PICK award from the IIHS is a tremendous honor for our CC,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We are thrilled when organizations like the IIHS recognize the hard work of our engineers who are dedicated to the safety of our customers. This award further validates Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System approach to vehicle safety.”

The CC, like all 2009 Volkswagen models, features four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), anti-slip regulation (ASR), brake assist and electronic differential locking (EDL). 

The 2009 Volkswagen CC carries a base price-tag of $27,100 and offers an EPA certified fuel economy of 21/31 mpg (city/highway).

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The Passat CC has received an outstanding customer reception here in the U.S. so Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is urging his team to move the Passat facelift to next year instead of 2010 – a total redesign of the Passat has been brought forward from 2014 to 2012 according to CAR.

Don’t expect any radical changes to the facelift for the Passat. According to CAR, the facelift for the sedan will features a lot less chrome, new headlamps, a new front and rear bumper and a lot more technological features. However, CAR says that the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be so radical that it will make us think twice about buying a BMW 3-Series or an Audi A4.

A more powerful 204-hp 2.0 TDI diesel is in the works for the European market and we wouldn’t cancel any plans for it to make it to the U.S. since Volkswagen is already considering a diesel Passat CC for the U.S.  Passat will never go the V8 route so don’t expect the current V6 lineup to change much either.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat will make its world debut in early 2011.

Source: CAR

Some say it will be an overgrown Jetta or that it will replace the current Passat and will look a lot like the Passat CC. Details are still unclear about a new Volkswagen upper-medium sedan that has been confirmed to be built at its new U.S. plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. However, Automotive News Europe did some digging and found out some new inside info.

The car will go into production in early 2011 and will be slightly larger than the Passat. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn says that it will be built on an existing vehicle platform and that the sedan is “proof of Volkswagen’s future in the United States.” A future, that Winterkorn hopes brings U.S. sales to 1 million in the U.S. by 2018.

Jochem Heizmann, head of production on the new model said that it was very crucial that Volkswagen built a sedan that suits and satisfies its American consumers. He said that the sedan will be offered in a dual-clutch transmission and will come in two engine types: gasoline direct injection and direct-injection turbo-diesel.

Volkswagen expects 30 percent of the sedans to be diesel.

Volkswagen showed its new Super CC Performance Concept at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show today. Volkswagen’s design team gave the CC a sleek exterior treatment with black chrome accents and gray pearl paint. The body kit consists of a new front and rear bumper, side panels and a motorized aluminum spoiler. Inside the Super Performance CC Concept gets black leather Recaro seats and matching floor mats with white piping.

Performance wise the 2.0L TI engine has been upgraded with a APR stage 3 turbocharger with three different performance levels. On Full Power mode the car produces 311-hp with a maximum torque of 313 lb-ft; GT mode makes 252-hp and 268 lb-ft; and the Eco mode produces 222-hp with a peak torque of 236 lb-ft. When in Eco mode, the Super CC Performance Concept gets an average fuel-economy of 33/27 mpg (city/highway).

Volkswagen also added 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, an H&R coil over sports suspension kit and 14-inch Brembo brakes with 4-piston aluminum alloy brake calipers and 355x32mm 2-piece floating cross drilled discs with Billet aluminum hats.

Volkswagen Performance CC Concept:

No longer known as the Passat CC, the Volkswagen CC will go on sale at dealerships across the nation later this fall. Pricing for the CC will begin at just under $27,000.

The entry level Volkswagen CC will be badged ‘CC 2.0′ and will be powered by a 2.0 TSI engine that produces 197-hp. The range topper is powered by a 3.6 FSI V6 producing 276-hp. According to TheCarConnection, Volkswagen could be considering a diesel variant for the U.S. as well.

Product planner Brett Scott, told TCC that Volkswagen is “certainly looking” at the possibility of a diesel version of the four-door-coupe CC. Scott emphasized that nothing is official as of yet.

Volkswagen CC :

Source: TCC

Volkswagen’s new Passat CC will go on sale in North America in the fourth-quarter of 2008. Along with all the other Passat CC models, with prices starting under $27,000, Volkswagen revealed its first special-edition Passat CC model this weekend at Pebble Beach.

The Volkswagen Passat CC Gold Coast Edition adds a premium touch with Pepe Pepper exterior paint (a mix of gold, brown and silver) and a “Latte Macchiato” and “Cornsilk” leather interior trim. Other upgrades include a rear-spoiler and 19-inch wheels.

Power for the CC Gold Coast Edition comes from a 3.6 liter TFSI producing 280-hp mater to 6-speed automatic transmission.

Click through for more images.

Volkswagen Passat CC Gold Coast Edition:

Ready to hit U.S. shores this September, we expected the Volkswagen Passat CC to be accepted well by the American market, however pricing will play a huge factor on the success of the model on the state side.

Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Detlef Wittig, head of Volkswagen’s brand sales and marketing, said that the company is hoping that the U.S. will be the biggest single market for the new Passat CC. He said 60 percent of the Passat CC sales are expected to come from the U.S.

Volkswagen plans on selling 300,000 units of the four-door-coupe during its first life-cycle, which will last about seven years.

U.S. customers will not be offered technologies such as adaptive cruise control. We are crossing our fingers for the new self-parking system though. The base Passat CC will come with a 2.0 TSI unit that produces 197 hp with the range-topper carrying a 3.6 FSI V6 that produces 276 hp. Both engines are mated with a 6-speed automatic Triptronic transmission.

Pricing is expected to start around $27,000 but be prepared to cash out at least $30,000 for the CC.

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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Volkswagen has released more images of its upcoming Passat CC, or CC or whatever you want to call it. The car will arrive in the U.S. later this year with the lineup starting 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 and has the ability to do 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Pricing is said to fall below $27,000

Click through for more images.

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC:

Volkswagen Passat CC at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show:

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We told you earlier this month that Volkswagen has dropped the Passat name in front of the upcoming ‘Passat CC’ that will arrive on U.S. roads this fall. However, the car is still considered a branch of the Passat lineup and is expected to generate fifth of future sales of Passat models.

According to Bloomberg, Volkswagen is relying heavily on the CC for future growth and its goal to sell 6.6 million cars by 2018. At the launch of the Passat CC in Germany, V-dub executives said that the company plans to sell 300,000 CC units worldwide over the next six years.

Click through for images and videos of the Volkswagen CC.

The Volkswagen CC made its official debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and will be sold in Western Europe, China, Japan and North America by this fall. Pricing for the U.S. is expected to be under $27,000.

The Passat lineup has sold more than 15 million units over the past 35 years, making it the third best-seller for V-dub after the Golf and the Beetle.

Volkswagen Passat CC Gallery:

Source: Bloomberg (via AutoObserver)

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Volkswagen will drop the Passat name from the Passat CC when the car arrives on U.S. roads this fall. Now known as the Volkswagen CC, the four-door-coupe from V-dub will be priced below $27,000.

The 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 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. Available as an option on the CC, the “Park Assist” feature makes it the only Volkswagen that parks itself, much like the Lexus LS.

Click through for more images.

Volkswagen Passat CC Gallery:

Thanks for the tip Jake!

Source: Volkswagen

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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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