The Performance CC could be the most significant car of 2008/09. We certainly felt it was the best car among the thousands unveiled at SEMA '08, nominating it as our choice for Best Euro at Sony's annual Gran Turismo awards.
Why are we heaping so much praise upon it? Because we feel it represents the best of what European tuning has to offer by looking to both our roots and the future. It's the poster-boy for what European tuning has achieved, but mixes in plenty of new ideas to inspire us further.
2.0TSI has stage 3 APR turbo...
2.0TSI has stage 3 APR turbo upgrade, exhaust and intake plus switchable programming to give power from 222hp to 311hp
The traditional values are represented by the elegantly restrained use of monotone color, large diameter wheels, the inclusion of premium European brands, as well as increased performance with economy retained. While a taste of the future was provided by the cutting edge materials, dual-mode engine tuning, discreet graphics and even the CC itself - a car that's destined to be a major player in the European tuning scene.
With so much excitement crammed into one package, we hope you're as excited as we are to witness this machine and imagine what the future holds. The fact this vehicle came from VW's own Design Center in California is the icing on the cake. It confirms once again that VW is being steered by enthusiasts who understand what we want.
To be honest, Volkswagen of America's credentials had been approved long ago. The manufacturer's first SEMA foray in 2005, with its trio of twin-turbo R GT concepts, proved they were firmly on our side. The incredible R GTI followed in '06. And despite a hiccup last year, VW killed again in '08 with this Performance CC. Add the German-built GT1 W12 650 and Scirocco GT24 into the mix, and no manufacturer has such impeccable credentials.
Once again we were granted exclusive access to the design team responsible for the Performance CC, but first let's take a look at the fruit of their labor.
 |  Trunk spoiler was machined...  Trunk spoiler was machined from aluminum and is only 3mm thick in places where underside has been hollowed | |
Performance CC
Designed to showcase VW's latest Passat-derived Comfort Coupe, the Performance CC concept was designed in-house by VWoA's design team. The exterior was treated to unique bumpers and side sills, intended to accentuate the car's lines and create a sophisticated GT.
The front bumper was manufactured from epoxy composite (as were the side skirts and rear bumper). It features a black anodized billet aluminum blade inside each duct, incorporating small winglets. These matte black blades contrast not only the Lamborghini-sourced grey paint (officially called Jet grey in this application) but also the gloss piano black paint used on the window trim, mirrors and roof.
Aluminum blade in front spoiler...
Aluminum blade in front spoiler features a slight winglet to emphasize aerodynamic purpose
The blade theme was used on the rear bumper, where it adds visual width to the car, running between the rectangular tailpipes. A delicate billet spoiler was then fitted to the trunk.
Maintaining the monotone theme, the rubbing strips were finished in black chrome to give a discreet highlight. Thin black graphics also run the length of the car, from hood to trunk, creating a high-tech pattern and further visual stimulus.
In sharp relief to the monotone paint are the 20x9.5" custom wheels. These were machined from billet and continue the designers' blade theme. Wrapped in 245/30-20 Yokahama Advan Sport tires, the front wheels also conceal a set of 14" (355mm) two-piece Brembo rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers finished in pearl white. Thanks to the ideal wheel offset and ride height (courtesy of H&R Street coilovers) the PCC sits absolutely perfect in typical Euro fashion.
Many exterior themes were continued inside. For example, matte black leather was used on the European R32 Recaro seats, as well as the stock rear seats and door cards. Each area also received grey leather center panels and piping for contrast.
 Tailpipes feature silver aluminum...  Tailpipes feature silver aluminum interior with black anodized aluminum outer and radiator fins in between to aid cooling, preventing bumper meltdown |  Dash and door trim was painted...  Dash and door trim was painted gloss black. Pieces were then masked and graphic pattern was bead-blasted | |
The seat centers and dash trim were then decorated in the same graphics that appear on the exterior of the car, while the black chrome finish reappears on the center console.