For the 2013 Model Year, the CC gains new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment that includes Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights.
The new CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class, offering a sleek, dramatic look at a highly attainable base price of $30,610. With its sweeping roofline, dramatic body detailing, low-to-the-ground stance, and elegant frameless side windows, the Volkswagen CC offers expressive, head-turning design for the cost of a traditional sedan.
When the Volkswagen CC debuted four years ago, it was the first affordably priced four-door coupe on sale in the U.S. What looked at first like a niche has developed into a completely new segment: nearly 270,000 people around the world have bought a sedan that has the looks and heart of a sports car. The CC mixes practicality with style and attainability.
2012 VW Full Line Preview Photo Gallery
Design
The design team, led by Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen brand, reworked the 2013 CC’s front and rear body sections. As a result of the changes, the Volkswagen CC looks even more elegant while also appearing more muscular. New aluminum-alloy wheels and exterior colors complement other exterior modifications.
“Volkswagen DNA”
At the front of the car, one’s eye is drawn to the new radiator grille, Bi-Xenon headlights, and the hood design. The entire area comprised of the new front bumper, headlights, and radiator grille exhibits clean lines that correspond more closely to Volkswagen’s “design DNA” styling than previously. This DNA is marked by such characteristics as an emphasis on horizontal lines and precise harmony between the headlights and radiator grille. The latter is no longer designed as a separate “V” framed by body-color pieces, but is instead formed as a visually continuous band together with the headlights. Like the Passat, the new CC also has an extra air intake beneath the bumper. The foglights are housed inside “winglets” that are integrated in this intake.
The striking new headlights feature Bi-Xenon technology. LED Daytime Running Lights are integrated in the headlight design and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)—which turns the beams by up to 15 degrees around corners for increased visibility—is also featured.
Despite its unique shape, the front end makes it clear that the CC belongs to a global brand family. The radiator grille has three chrome bars that bear a styling resemblance to the Passat. Like the previous model, the CC is produced at Volkswagen’s plant in Emden, Germany.
Sharpened silhouette
Although the frameless doors of the CC are unmodified, the side profile shows a new look, too. Several factors are at work here: up front, the more powerful hood design interplays with the new bumper to sharpen the car’s silhouette. Meanwhile, the more sculpted side sills between the wheel housings stand out, making a greater visual connection between the front and rear bumpers.
More visual tension
At the rear, the bumper was given greater volume, enhancing the swoopy nature of the coupe- like C-pillars and the very long, swept-back rear window. The entire rear section now shows more geometric surfaces and a greater emphasis on horizontal lines. The new taillights fit this new design theme, finishing with a horizontal sweep at their lower ends. In contrast to the previous model, the new rear lights have LED elements that respond quickly, use less energy, and are longer lived. The distinctive look of these lights makes the CC unmistakable from the rear, day or night. The license plate is illuminated with LED lighting too. There are two new colors for 2013: Black Oak Brown and Fortuna Red.
Interior
The CC's cabin is as stylish and design-led as its bold exterior. Each CC model features a blend of luxurious materials, rich textures, and intuitive controls. All the seats can be covered in V-Tex Leatherette or leather and are available in both solid and striking two-tone color schemes. The front seats are heatable and come with standard 12-way power adjustment, with four-way power lumbar and adjustment for height. Electronic seat ventilation is included on the front seats of the VR6® 4Motion® Executive model.
Up front, a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel features integrated controls for the CC's multimedia system.
The gauges are surrounded by chrome trim, which extends through the CC Sport range, while the CC 2.0T Lux and VR6 models feature either full brushed aluminum or engineered ebony trim. New standard interior features include front head restraints that adjust fore-and-aft as well as up-and-down. In this new design, the head restraint can be pulled forward and, because it lies closer to the head, further helps reduce the risk of whiplash in a crash.
All CCs will feature the Climatronic® automatic climate control system. Typical of the attention to detail in the CC, the system features a humidity sensor located near the rear-view mirror. This measures air humidity and controls the Climatronic system to help prevent condensation and maintain the relative humidity in the passenger compartment at a pleasant level. Another benefit of the system is that the humidity sensor permits operation of the air conditioning compressor only when needed.
A variety of entertainment options are available with the CC. The 2.0T Sport comes with a touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD radio, eight speakers, a six-disc CD changer, SD memory card reader, AUX-in for portable audio players, and SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription. Bluetooth® connectivity and Media Device Interface (MDI) with an iPod® cable are also standard. The 2.0T Sport Plus and 2.0T Lux have VW’s RNS® 315 navigation system.
For the flagship VR6 4MOTION model, there's a remarkable Dynaudio® premium sound system, with 10-speakers (four tweeters, two midrange, four woofers) powered by a 600-watt amplifier and Digital Sound Processor (DSP) technology. Both the VR6 Lux and the VR6 4Motion Executive have Volkswagen's sophisticated RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch color touchscreen, a 30GB hard disk, access to SiriusXM Traffic, and rear-view camera display.
To add to the versatility and flexibility of the CC, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds forward to connect the trunk to the cabin to increase load space. There's also a pass-through behind the armrest to accommodate longer items, like skis. Another new interior feature is remote latching for the rear seatback. Levers mounted under the rear shelf on the right and left sides of the trunk make it easy to unlatch both sections of the split seatback. The trunk itself has a capacity of 13.2 cubic feet.
Engines and Transmissions
The CC will once again launch with the award-winning, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct- injected TSI® four-cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower and the 3.6-liter narrow- angle VR6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.
All 2.0-liter models are front-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The six-speed transversely- mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the 'odd' gears—first, third, fifth, and reverse—while the other operates the even gears. With DSG, the set-up allows the next-higher gear to be engaged, but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the CC is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.
Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic® function to permit manual gear selection. Mated to the manual transmission, the 2.0T achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
The VR6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting, driving either through the front wheels on the new VR6 Lux model or via 4Motion all-wheel drive on the topline VR6 Executive model, which is also equipped with paddle shifters. Producing 265 lb-ft of torque, the 3.6-liter VR6 offers refined, responsive performance. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive VR6 Lux is 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway; the corresponding numbers for the VR6 4Motion are 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
2012 VW Full Line Preview Photo Gallery
Suspension
All 2012 CC models are equipped with a sport-tuned suspension to satisfy the driver looking for lively, involving handling coupled with a smooth, comfortable ride for daily driving.
Up front, there's a strut-type suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers, low- mounted lightweight forged-aluminum control arms, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the CC has a compact multilink coil-sprung suspension with upper and lower transverse arms and a longitudinal link on each side to control wheel location. It's a sophisticated arrangement that helps deliver controllable, dynamic handling with a comfortable ride and reduced body roll.
The rear suspension components are mounted in a subframe made of high-tensile steel to help reduce weight and increase rigidity. The subframe is also acoustically decoupled from CC's bodyshell to significantly lessen road noise and vibration.
An electro-mechanical, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with variable speed assistance helps ensure driver confidence. Advantages of the system include its mild self- centering action, its ability to help compensate for different driving hazards such as crosswinds and steep road cambers as it dispenses with the usual engine-driven pump.
Braking is controlled by the CC's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with a special wiping feature that helps keeps the discs dry and clean for quicker response in the wet. The Sport and Lux CC models are fitted with 12.3-inch vented discs up front, and solid 11.1-inch rotors for the rear. The VR6 models move up to 13.4-inch vented discs for the front and 12.0-inch solid rotors at the back.
4Motion all-wheel drive
The flagship CC model comes standard with Volkswagen's proven 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for even more dynamic handling and true all-weather traction.
The system delivers drive to all four wheels without any buttons to press or levers to pull. A Haldex® center differential can continuously vary the drive force between the front and rear axles depending on the traction available. When accelerating hard from standstill, for example, front-wheel slip is prevented by the system’s ability to direct nearly 100 percent of the drive torque to the rear wheels.
The 4Motion system also offers an extremely high standard of active safety, providing sure- footed traction over virtually all surfaces, as well as optimum straight-line stability, even in crosswinds.
Safety and Security
Supporting every element of the CC's striking design is an impressive collection of active and passive safety features—features that earned the 2.0T CC the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating for 2012. The annual award recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute's front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly-required roof-strength test evaluations.
Safety and security in the CC starts with a strong, rigid, laser-seam-welded bodyshell and crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end. For those inside, there's the protection of a suite of airbags that includes front and side thorax airbags from the driver and front seat passenger, and Side Curtain Protection® head airbags for those in both the front and rear seats. Three- point safety belts have belt-force limiters for all the seats.
A number of aids and enhancements work seamlessly with the CC's drivetrain and suspension to help get the car and its occupants to their destination safely. They include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Engine Braking Assist (EBA).
Every CC also includes the advanced Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard warning lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
And for real peace of mind, the CC, like every Volkswagen, is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
2012 VW Full Line Preview Photo Gallery
Model Line-up
Each 2013 CC model comes exceptionally well-equipped. At launch, there will be five different models: the sporty 2.0T R-Line model will go on sale early in 2013.
Model Range
2.0T Sport
The 2.0T Sport with Lighting Package provides entry to the 2012 CC model range at a base price of $30,610.
Standard equipment includes new 17-inch “Verme” alloy wheels with all- season self-sealing tires
Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System
LED taillights;
LED license-plate illumination
rain-sensing windshield wipers;
Climatronic automatic climate-control
heated 12-way power front seats
touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer Bluetooth technology
iPod connectivity
V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces
and Titanium Silver interior trim.
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the option of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
2.0T Sport Plus
This is a new model in the CC lineup. It adds stylish new 18-inch “Mallory” wheels with all- season 235/40 tires and the RNS 315 navigation system.
The six-speed dual-clutch DSG is the only transmission offered.
2.0T R-Line®
The popular R-Line will again be offered, tailored to the new CC design, early in 2013.
The 2.0T R Line takes the Sport features and heightens the CC's performance styling with stunning 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
lower extended sport bumpers
R-Line door sill plates and darkened taillights.
Both six-speed manual and dual-clutch DSG automatic transmissions will be offered.
2.0T Lux
The 2.0T Lux comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features over Sport Plus include new 18-inch “St Louis” five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; dark brushed-aluminum interior trim
a power-tinted-glass sunroof; and ambient lighting.
VR6 Lux
The VR6 Lux is a new model for 2013, featuring the 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The base price is $37,730. Compared with the 2.0T Lux, it adds a headlight washer system with heated nozzles; a rearview camera; the RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen; leather seating surfaces; “Interlagos” 18-inch wheels; memory seating and mirrors; and engineered ebony trim.
VR6 4Motion Executive
In addition to the features offered on the V6 Lux, the flagship CC adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch “Interlagos“ alloy wheels, Tiptronic paddle shifters, front seats with ventilation and driver’s seat with massage function, Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors, Dynaudio Premium Sound System, and a power rear sunshade.
2.0L TSI Sport $30,610 (manual)
2.0L 200 hp/ 207 lb-ft TSI engine; six-speed manual transmission;17-inch “Verme” alloy wheels with all-season tires; Bi-Xenon headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS); LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic® automatic A/C; heated 12-way power front seats; Premium VIII touchscreen sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, six- disc CD changer, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity; V- Tex leatherette seating surfaces; matte chrome interior trim?+ Six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission
(automatic) $31,710
2.0L TSI Sport $32,850 (Includes Sport features)?Plus + six-speed dual-clutch DSG, 18-inch “Mallory” alloy wheels with all-season 235/40 tires, and RNS® 315 navigation system
2.0L TSI Lux $35,355 (Includes Sport Plus features)
+18-inch “St Louis” five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, dark brushed-aluminum interior trim, power tilt/slide glass sunroof, and ambient lighting
3.6L VR6 Lux $37,730 (Includes 2.0 TSI Lux features)?+ 3.6L 280 hp/ 265 lb-ft VR6 engine; six-speed automatic
3.6L VR6 4Motion® Executive $41,420
Headlight washer system with heated nozzles; rearview camera; RNS 510 navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen; leather seating surfaces; “Interlagos” 18-inch alloy wheels; memory seating and mirrors, new engineered ebony trim (available on select VR6 models)
(Includes 3.6 VR6 Lux features)
+ 4Motion all-wheel drive; polished 18-inch “Interlagos“ alloy wheels; Tiptronic® paddle shifters; driver’s seat with massage function; front seats with active ventilation; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio® Premium Sound System; power rear sunshade
Destination
$820 All prices exclude destination
2013 CC Specifications