The "coupe" was unveiled this January in Detroit. There are rumors that VW may be dropping the "Passat" name for the coupe and just going with "CC". On the VW U.S. website it is only titled as the "CC".
Either way the new VW four-door coupe will hit showrooms this fall.
Related Stories:
2009 VW Passat CC is Going to Start Below $27,000
Detroit 2008: 2009 VW Passat CC Unveiled...VW's Answer to the Mercedes CLS
PRESS RELEASE:
To the Point: Passat CC
Beyond the mainstream – the new Passat CC
Wolfsburg, 07 April 2008
Passat CC unifies the sedan and coupé worlds
-First Volkswagen with lane-keeping assistant and adaptive chassis control
-Passat CC TDI (140 PS) already satisfies Euro-5 emissions standard; average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters
-Passat CC TSI (160 PS) with efficient turbo engine consumes just 7.6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers and is 222 km/h fast
-Passat CC V6 4Motion (300 PS) has new all-wheel drive, DSG and adaptive chassis control as standard equipment
With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat's market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream.
Direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines with 140 PS, 160 PS and 300 PS
At its launch in Europe, the 4.8 meter long Volkswagen will be offered with two direct-injection gasoline engines (TSI and V6) as well as a turbo-diesel (TDI). The gasoline engines output 118 kW / 160 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS; the turbo-diesel develops 103 kW / 140 PS and already satisfies the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in Fall 2009. At this power level, the Passat CC TDI consumes just 5.8 liters diesel and is 213 km/h fast. Among the most economical gasoline engines of its class, with average fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers is the 222 km/h fast Passat CC TSI. The Passat CC V6 4Motion is electronically limited to 250 km/h; its average fuel consumption is 10.1 liters. Standard equipment on the top V6 model: the new generation of 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive, as well as the new adaptive chassis control system and very efficient DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Premiere at Volkswagen: "Lane Assist" and "DCC adaptive chassis control"
Just as innovative as the powertrain technologies are the driver assistance systems of the Passat CC. Also being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen are the "Lane Assist" lane-keeping system and new "DCC adaptive chassis control". Other high-end technologies include the "Park Assist" parking assistant and "ACC automatic distance control" with "Front Assist" for braking distance reduction.
Panorama vent sunroof extends from A-pillars to B-pillars
Furthermore, the Passat CC is putting on a whole display of fascinating fireworks with other innovative and detailed solutions. Newly developed, for example, is an electrically actuated Panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 millimeters long and 1,120 millimeters wide. This means that it covers the entire front section up to the B pillars. In this case, the cross-beam above the windshield is also in black. The electrically powered "Panorama vent sunroof" can be pivoted upward by 40 millimeters.
Frameless doors, climate seats, new climate control system and new instruments
They include small details that have tremendous impact. Such as the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. Extremely effective is the climate control feature for the car's seats (active climate seat). Until now this comfort feature was reserved for the Phaeton luxury sedan. In summer months the active climate seat provides for noticeably improved comfort on long drives. Also new is the entire climate control system ("Climatronic") of the Passat CC, whose visualization is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels. Similar to the Phaeton, instrument markings and numbers are not backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. Sports car like: When the ignition is started the instrument pointers all briefly peg to their maximum positions.
New USB interface for iPod and Co.
Also newly developed is the "Media-In" multimedia socket. This USB interface can be used to integrate iPods and many other current MP3 and DVD players in the particular audio system installed on the Passat CC. The USB port is located in the glove box. Control is via the Passat CC's radio or radio-navigation system. Title information is also shown in the display.
Tires of the Passat CC "repair themselves"
Another prime example of perfect attention to the smallest details is the "mobility tire" from Continental being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen; it is standard equipment in every Passat CC version. The German tire producer developed this technology, called ContiSeal, as a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: A protective layer on the interior surface of the tire tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimeters in diameter. About 85 percent of typical flat tires can thereby be avoided.
Extensive standard equipment includes climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels
The Passat CC – which is intentionally offered in just one luxurious equipment variant – is positioned in the premium range of mid-class cars. Its extensive standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels ("Phoenix" type) with size 235 tires, chrome accents (interior and exterior), four ergonomic sport seats (individual seating system in rear), a new three-spoke leather steering wheel design, climate control, ESP electronic stabilization program and automatic headlamp switching.
Advance sales started in Western Europe; North America and Japan to follow in 2008
The core markets for the Passat CC are North America, Western Europe and Japan. This Volkswagen – built at the German plant in Emden – can already be ordered in most countries in Europe. Starting in the fourth quarter Volkswagen will also be introducing the Passat CC in the USA, Canada and Japan.
Overview of technological highlights on the Passat:
"Lane Assist": This active lane keeping system on the Passat CC automatically counter-steers as soon as it detects that the Passat CC could leave its lane unintentionally; a genuine gain in convenience and safety. About 14 percent of all accidents involving injuries are caused by the vehicle leaving its driving lane. "Lane Assist" can make a contribution toward reducing this accident rate. By the way, if the driver sets the turn signal to intentionally change lanes, "Lane Assist" does not intervene.
"DCC adaptive chassis control": The car's new "adaptive chassis control" system by Volkswagen combines the sportiness of a coupé with the comfort of a top luxury sedan in one car. In parallel to tuning of the suspension's damping characteristic, the power steering system is controlled too. "Adaptive chassis control" offers the three programs "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". Decisive here is the fact that the suspension system is constantly adapting to the roadway and driving situation and therefore continually improves comfort and dynamic properties.
"Park Assist": Another high-end technology is the "Park Assist" parking assistance system. It automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead just accelerates and brakes.
"ACC automatic distance control": When "ACC" is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range (0 to 210 km/h) input by the car driver beforehand. Thanks to "Front Assist", the system can also prevent some cases of frontal collisions. In advance of certain situations, the system preventively puts the brakes in a preconditioned state, thereby functioning as a stopping distance reduction system ("AWV"). "Front Assist" also warns the driver of hazardous situations by visual and acoustic signals. Even more: If a minimum driving distance is not maintained, in extreme cases the system brakes the Passat CC to a stop ("follow-to-stop"). However, it does not relieve drivers of their responsibility and lets them intervene in the process at all times.

Comments (36)
i though coupe meant 2 door?
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/coupe
Posted by Dan | April 9, 2008 2:07 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:07
Why are they trying to call this a coupe? It just a boring VW four door sedan. Its actually quite ugly too. Add in VW's (in)famous reliability and why would anybody buy this? They must marketing to the same people who would buy a Mac.
Posted by gm0n3y | April 9, 2008 2:21 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:21
Yeah, why is it called a coupe?
Posted by 09 | April 9, 2008 2:33 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:33
Stop hating on every VW just because they are a VW, give the car a chance, it's not out yet.
""Lane Assist": This active lane keeping system on the Passat CC automatically counter-steers as soon as it detects that the Passat CC could leave its lane unintentionally"
--What the heck? Now your car drives for you? We need better drivers, not computer assisted driving. Now you won't be allowed to use the whole lane for a smooth apex, the car will just push you toward the center. If you fall asleep does it keep you in the lane until you hit the car in front of you?
How do rear passengers get in the car? Can they see anything once they get there? How do you change lanes with the intentional blindspots?
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 9, 2008 2:36 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:36
""ACC automatic distance control": When "ACC" is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates"
Wait it brakes for you too. So basically you get on the interstate and fall asleep. Just be sure to set your alarm to make sure you wake up and take your exit.
This stuff should be illegal.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 9, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:39
There cannot be any 4 door coupe.
It would be great if the automotive press could bring themselves to avoid the manufacturer's marketing hype. At least try to show some independence! Put some quotes on it: VW claims to build another 4 door "coupe" (sic).
They got away with the Sport Utiltity thing, they can't be stopped anymore I guess. This is sad. What's next? A 4 wheel motorcycle? A rigid roof "convertible"? And then Virtual V8s?
Posted by Sphere | April 9, 2008 3:03 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 15:03
When I see this car, I keep on thinking "Saab".
Posted by praeses | April 9, 2008 3:58 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 15:58
FUGLY. Looks like a '08 Accord rip-off. Really FUGLY.
Posted by Bob Uberfort | April 9, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 16:02
To paraphrase Super Troopers -- "I swear to God, I'm gonna pistol whip the next person to say 'Four Door Coupe'!!".
Posted by Totenglocke | April 9, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 16:21
I like the styling on the front and the view from the side, but I don't like the rear. I think it's a decent-looking car but for my personal taste, it still looks like an "old- or older-person car" which I wouldn't want to drive in.
I think the redesigned Camry and Accord look better. Heck, even the Sonata looks better than this.
Posted by Optimummind | April 9, 2008 4:42 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 16:42
Nothing against the car, but.. the only "4-door coupe" in my book, and by a small technicality (or two), is an RX-8, since the back 'doors' aren't really doors, just extensions..
While it looks nice, a coupe is a car with 2 doors. That's it. 4 doors, and it's not a coupe. More than 33 cu feet of rear space, and it's not a coupe.
But then again, things like "sports truck" and "FWD SUV" are sort of oxymorons, and people don't seem to have a problem with it...
Posted by Tony | April 9, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 16:47
The SAE distinguishes a coupé from a sedan primarily by interior volume; SAE standard J1100 defines a coupé as a fixed-roof automobile with less than 33 cubic feet (0.93 cubic meters) of rear interior volume. A car with a greater interior volume is technically a two-door sedan, not a coupé, even if it has only two doors. Some car manufacturers may nonetheless choose to use the word coupé (or coupe) to describe such a model, e.g., the Cadillac Coupe de Ville.
Posted by Gary | April 9, 2008 5:01 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:01
It's a nice car lets hope it doesn't breakdown or have a bunch of recalls like recent VW are having.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | April 9, 2008 5:15 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:15
Howdy Jap fans, Go eat sushi and happy with its, wonder why you guys wander to this site and hate this ? Do you know the German has no hate any more.
Posted by Silverarrow | April 9, 2008 5:26 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:26
Thanks,Gary. The was the first intellgent post I've read on this site in a long time. Yes, if your name is not "Gary", and you have posted above, I am referencing you, as well as many others.
Posted by @ Gary | April 9, 2008 5:38 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:38
Still, the coupe designation confuses the crap out of everyone.
Posted by SEALBoy | April 9, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 18:14
Windshield forward looks like a newer Chrysler Sebring.
Posted by ricky | April 9, 2008 7:13 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 19:13
"Thanks,Gary. The was the first intellgent post I've read on this site in a long time. Yes, if your name is not "Gary", and you have posted above, I am referencing you, as well as many others."
Well, as high as your standards might be, I do take a bit of offense, since I don't take my post as "unintelligent" by any means.
And no offense, Gary, but by the technical definition you've given (I assumed the doors mattered, but in that instance I was wrong), the Coupe de Ville is actually a 2-door Sedan, at least from the 70's and on. There is definately more than 33 cubic feet of space inside the rear of those boats, especially if the definition includes trunk space (it doesn't specify if cargo space is considered seperate. if so, there are a few 4-door hatchbacks that are considered "coupes").
The technical definition, as Gary has posted, calls a few cars into questioning. Browse the web a bit; it's funny to see how many "coupes" are technically sedans (and some subcompact sedans are "sedans" by just a small amount of space).
Now that the definition battle is over, I really like the lines of this car. Can't say the Orange interior is even the least bit attractive, but the rest of the car is very pleasing. Other manufacturers could take a few notes...
Posted by Tony | April 9, 2008 7:24 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 19:24
Another frickin' Passat!?! Alright, alright. Go ahead and start the recall now, Dieter!
Posted by Rich | April 9, 2008 7:56 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 19:56
What kind of a retard calls a 4-door car a coupe?
Posted by Polynikes | April 9, 2008 7:56 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 19:56
@Gary
Thanks for clarifying.
Posted by 09 | April 9, 2008 8:26 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 20:26
Why would anyone buy this? look at the interior photos, now look at the interior of a GM or a Honda or a Ford. VW has such spectacular interiors that it makes you want to forget about the shody reliability. I personaly can't but the interior is away ahead of most other makers short of like BMW or Mercedes or Audi or maybe Lexus.
Posted by Travis | April 9, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 21:23
"the interior is away ahead of most other makers short of like BMW or Mercedes or Audi or maybe Lexus"
Exactly. Anyone who hates a VW just hasn't (A) driven one and (B) sat in one. The interiors are fantastic and they drive fantastic, as well, compared to a typical American (isolated but plush) or typical Japanese (direct but feathery) car. A VW feels direct yet rock-solid plush at the same time - a "mini Benz / Audi" if you please.
I've had no major problems with my VW for 213,570 miles. Would I buy another? Damn right! This is my fourth turbocharged car...and the best by far. A great car. I do recognize that VW's quality does not seem consistent - some people get fantastic cars, other people get cars with issues. I wish VW was more consistent for the people who own the cars with the problems.
Posted by Snake | April 9, 2008 9:38 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 21:38
I for one love the car. I like the way it looks inside and out. I like the idea of a 300ps engine, DSG and all-wheel drive. It's not Audi, but it's a good system. I'm still thinking my next car will be a GTI, but I really like this car.
cheers,
Bob
Posted by Bob | April 9, 2008 10:55 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 22:55
I actually kinda like it, but I think by what the mean using the words "4-door-coupe" is "if-you're-over-5'6"-call-shotgun" and is somewhere on the lines of the Mercedes CLS or Pontiac Grand Prix (read "pricks"). as a person of over 6 feet tall, these cars' backseats give me night terrors...
on the other hand I consider the CLS AMG to be one of the most beautiful production cars to ever dominate Autobahn and if VW can do a similar thing for less, it would be a very interesting choice to have when shopping in the segment of cars that says to women "I'm a quite stylish guy but I also look for practicality"...
P.S. where do people get these notions that VW have poor reliability? we used to own a SEAT with a VW TDi engine and that thing got to 150 000 miles with nothing other than oil changes and occasional trips to a pump. also a VW Transporter with the same TDi engine lasted us for over 200 000 miles before the engine head gave out... once it was replaced the car ran like a swiss watch again. does anyone want to gimme some proof/hard numbers???
Posted by svt | April 10, 2008 3:49 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 03:49
@Sphere: they have "rigid roof convertibles" like the new Mazda Miata (oops, MX-5), Pontiac G6 (if they still make 'em), that one Mercedes coupe...Peugeot has one I think, etc... as far as a 4 wheel motorcycle, look at Dodge Tomahawk propelled by the v-10 Viper engine... a virtual V8? no idea what you mean by that but I'm sure someone's working on something that they will call it that...
@Totenglocke: ROFL
Posted by SVT | April 10, 2008 4:00 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 04:00
I like it, they call it coupe because it has no B pillar - cool
They need to invent a new name for that style, sedan without B pillar - SWOB or SWBP
I want an electric version 200 mile range 120 top speed :)
Posted by Ted | April 10, 2008 8:36 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 08:36
I thought that "coupe" meant 2 door.
Posted by Jeremy | April 10, 2008 8:38 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 08:38
@ SVT
Of course I meant non retractable rigid roof "convertibles". Of course you can have vynil or rigid plastic or whatever convertible top, and still be a proper convertible. But you cannot, say, have a huge glass on the roof and call the car a convertible on account of that.
As for the Tomahawk, well, touche. But still, is that really a bike?
Let's wait and see about the virtual V8. Ford already tried some odditity with the "twin power" concept. Twin engines? Two types of fuel perhaps? No, it's just a bi-turbo engine...
@ Ted, can't you see the HUGE B pillar behind the glass?
Also, I think you can say that coupes sometimes do have the B pillar, specially when they have a small window in the rear, like the Infiniti G37. What they cannot have is as much room in the back as a sedan, as someone already pointed out. They should have 2 doors only. I believe only the Mazda RX8 can be technically be said to be a four door coupe really, but still, but that is an exquisite car anyway.
This Passat is just ugly. It really is. The current generation is dated, but looks much better.
To make it worse, I believe that even the Mercedes CLS is a bit dated already, this one is a wannabish, late coming version of that car. They should have stick to the Audi look. It looks more like an Accord now at the front, and the Buick Lucerne in the back (only with an inflated tail light).
Posted by Sphere | April 10, 2008 10:38 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 10:38
Wow...It is going to look great on the back of a tow truck....
Posted by Gabe | April 10, 2008 12:55 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 12:55
Nice try... CLS wannabe.
Should rename it VW's new POJ (piece of junk)
Your Passat is turning into your defunct Phaeton.
Wannabe/neverbe luxury brand.
Pack it in already and stay in Europe.
Posted by Chucklehead | April 10, 2008 2:30 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 14:30
better than the ford taurus and other usa cars
Posted by ozy | April 11, 2008 12:07 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 12:07
Nice car overall. The front headlights whisper "Chrysler" and the rear whispers "Corolla" to me at first glance, but that's subjective, and not a bad thing, just saying.
Interior is very nice, however being a taller person, I notice that the driver legroom tapers off ahead of the seat. My leg would rest against the console, just as in the Passat.
The engine selection is nice, and I'm sure it drives well. I am still a bit dubious about VW's reliability record here in the states (most VW's here are made in the Mexico plant, I think). It's a very nice SEDAN :P
Posted by Kell | April 11, 2008 3:33 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 15:33
It's a frickin' Buick Lucerne!
http://www.buick.com/lucerne/gallery_exterior.jsp
Posted by Biffster | April 11, 2008 8:43 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 20:43
This is gonna be my next car. All you VW haters can come see me and eat my dust on the highway. Punk A$$ Biotches!!!!!!!!
Posted by Terry Alan | May 5, 2008 11:04 AM
Posted on May 5, 2008 11:04
Guess what i orderd and will arrive on the 13th of Jan 2009..
2.0L 170 Bhp Diesel (company car).. in White with 18" Interlagos..
Can hardly wait for that day..
Posted by Richard D | December 12, 2008 7:29 AM
Posted on December 12, 2008 07:29