 Dash features graphics on...  Dash features graphics on gloss black trim plus black chrome center console. Stock mats have grey leather piping to match seats |  European R32 front seats were...  European R32 front seats were reupholstered in black and grey leather, to match rear seats and door cards | |
Under the hood, the design team worked closely with APR, buoyed by the success of their previous R GTI collaboration. They challenged the tuner to create a dual-mode software program for the 2.0TSI turbocharged engine.
The result was an APR stage 3 turbo system with three performance levels. In the Eco mode, the motor makes a claimed 222hp and 236 lb-ft of torque; GT mode offers 252hp and 268 lb-ft; while Full Power mode gives 311hp and 313 lb-ft.
 Billet wheels were bead-blasted...  Billet wheels were bead-blasted before the face was machined and everything matte anodized. Brembo calipers are pearl white, rotors are 14" diameter |  Vinyl graphics are adaptation...  Vinyl graphics are adaptation of previous concepts but have evolved to suit the premium CC. The design was originally based on barcode idea but was further developed, it can also be seen on the dash and is laser-etched on the seats | |
The idea was to offer not only incredible power and performance, but show the versatility of the motor by returning 33mpg highway, 27mpg city in the Eco mode, against 28/19 for a production CC 2.0T automatic. We've not had a chance to verify these claims, but if true they promise a very interesting future. We hope to be driving the car soon and will report on our findings.
In addition, APR also contributed a stainless steel exhaust and cold-air intake. The design team then fabricated a carbon fiber engine bay cover to hide some of the wiring and compliment the Carbonio intake used by APR.
Design Team
Derek Jenkins, VW's Head of Design in the US, led the project as always. He was responsible for the previous R GT and RGTI concepts, had his own GTI featured in the mag (et 6/07) and is completing a high-tech air-cooled buggy (feature soon). His team comprised Nancy Holman, Abeng Halim and Raul Cenan, with each assigned specific tasks.
Once the CC was selected, the team explored different themes with VW's marketing and product planners. The most popular was a DTM racing theme, until the marketing people pushed for something a little more recognizable.
The choice of base car was a simple one, too. With gas prices going crazy, the lusty 3.6 VR6 was shelved for the more versatile 2.0T. The turbo motor presented an opportunity to expand ideas discussed during work on SEMA '07's diesel concept. The team wanted to investigate dual-mode programming, with software for performance and economy. So they presented APR with the challenge and happily received a tri-mode solution.
Left to right: Derek, Raul,...
Left to right: Derek, Raul, Nancy and Abeng. We think they'd make a great folk music quartet
Another consideration was whether to go "stealthy or bling", since either style would suit the CC. Fortunately, they walked on the stealthy side and labeled their approach to design and materials as "precise" after devising an aerospace theme that would be both high-tech and lightweight. They also ruled out the use of carbon fiber since it was used extensively on the R GTI and left little room for new expression.
As a result, the majority of the exterior detail on PCC would be machined from billet aluminum. The car would also combine both laser-etching and new graphic themes.
Having discussed the overall approach, Raul was assigned the task of creating the front bumper and grille. Working with 3D CAD renderings and clay modeling, he attempted to flow the sides of the car into the front-end. And if you look at the PCC in profile, you'll see this was achieved.
One of Abeng's renderings...
One of Abeng's renderings as the design approached its final stage
He then set about creating some new horizontal elements to emphasize the CC's width. He did this by creating new slats in the radiator grille, as well as the three openings in the front spoiler. Similar elements are present in the stock CC, but they become more apparent once the GTI-style face had been removed. The shield-type front-end on the stock car can no longer be seen and while the team didn't mention it, this is clearly indicative of the direction for future Volkswagen front-ends.
The slats in the three ducts were fabricated from nylon. But the larger blades were machined from billet aluminum to incorporate a winglet at each end. It's intended to be indicative of the CC's aerodynamic shape and lend a feeling of power. It also offers an interesting alternative to the current trend for splitters.