Chismillionaire Detroit Auto Show Report- Volkswagen Passat CC

What's special about it?
Volkswagen insists on referring to the 2008 Passat CC as a "four-door coupe." This contradiction in terms is akin to calling a pickup truck a "four-wheeled motorcycle." It's a nasty habit that originated with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, a car with which the Passat CC bears more than a passing resemblance.

All whining about vehicle classifications notwithstanding, the Passat CC is one elegant sedan. Its graceful roof line is accompanied by a 0.29 drag coefficient and significant dimensional changes compared to the workaday Passat. The CC grows 1.2 inches longer and 1.4 inches wider, sits nearly 2 inches lower and introduces front and rear track measurements that have increased fractionally.

The CC is intended to move the Passat nameplate upmarket among midsize sedans and will be introduced in Europe this summer and then the U.S. market in late 2008.

Two direct-injection gasoline engines will be offered Stateside. The 200-horsepower turbo 1.8-liter inline-4 currently found in the GTI takes residence in the base CC and is mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. A 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 power plant paired with a six-speed automatic will also be offered. Volkswagen's twin-clutch DSG gearbox won't be available on U.S.-spec models, which is a shame. All-wheel drive will be standard on V6 models.