New Volkswagen CC teased ahead of Geneva

By: Steve Smith

Also set for a reveal at the Geneva Motor Show next week is the second-generation Volkswagen CC and, as a teaser, VW has released its official design sketches.

Like the previous model Volkswagen CC, the new one will share much of its DNA with the eighth-generation Passat and indeed form part its range when it hits showroom floors in Europe toward the end of 2015.

The wide grille that spans the most of the car’s nose and protruding air vents in the front bumper are also hallmarks of VW’s new design language.

There’s no official word yet regarding its powertrain, but insiders says it’s likely to be a turbocharged petrol engine in conjunction with two electric motors. It’s also likely some sort of four-wheel-drive system will be part of this configuration.

Inspiration for this engine is likely to come from the Passat GTE  launched at Paris show in October last year. It has a turbocharged 1,4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that’s powered by a 9,9 kWh lithium-ion battery. Together, the two motors produce 160 kW and 400 N.m of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission helps keep the average fuel consumption to just 2,0 litres/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100 km, which means a total range of 1000 km with a full tank (50 litres) of fuel and a fully-charged battery. VW claims a 0-100 km/h sprint of less than 8,0 seconds for the Passate GTE. Don’t hold your breath – the chances of this Passat coming here are slim.

Like the new Passat that’s due to launch in SA later this year, this CC is also aiming at a more upmarket buyer who would normally be eyeing out the likes of Audi’s A5 and the Merc CLS. VW has gone as far as to say that the new car will be positioned “above” the outgoing CC.

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