Volkswagen’s new model onslaught will continue late in 2008 with a brand new VW designed to tempt fleet buyers away from their Vectras, Mondeos and 3-series saloons. The debutant will be a four-door saloon-cum-coupe that takes its inspiration from the Mercedes CLS, but should be available from around £25k, and will be called the Volkswagen Coupe.Autocar has known about the existance of this car for a while, but only this morning confirmed its name. And Coupe is a bold call from VW, considering that so many potential customers will expect a two-door construction from a car so-named.This news, and the pictures you’ll find in our gallery, were taken from a microsite just launched by VW, which invites potential customers in nine EU states to register an interest in the car. The shots show the car’s grille, shoulderline and C-pillar up close, and suggest that it’s been designed to reference both the Passat and the larger Phaeton saloon, as well as the Eos coupe-cabriolet.The Coupe will run on slightly modified Passat underpinnings, and it's expected to be offered in high-spec guise only. There's likely to be a choice between 270bhp V6 and 200bhp four-cylinder petrol, and 170bhp four-pot turbodiesel power, with the more expensive options getting 4Motion four-wheel drive.Many within VW will be keen to get the VW Coupe to market, it having been one of three models sent back for review by incoming chairman Martin Winterkorn in January 2007. So when will we finally see it? The microsite advises users to expect more information about the car in early 2008, which could signal an unveiling, probably in production form, at either the Detroit or Geneva show.
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Re: First official peek: Volkswagen Coupe
Love the mag is a little strong. It is without doubt the best automotive magazine currently on sale, I just wish they would refine it and the reporting procedure.
Re: First official peek: Volkswagen Coupe
In that case Chas, it's not only non descript, but old news also.
At least it has sparked debate. In sales good and bad reviews are an opportunity to sell more on the back of, as they provide a platform to approach the customer with new ways forward. Therefore think yourself lucky that despite varying opinions on this forum, people spend the time to give feedback, positive or negative!!
Re: First official peek: Volkswagen Coupe
We broke a story about this car about three years ago and have subsequently managed to capture plenty of spy shots. Then around a year ago we broke a story that it had been delayed by Martin Winterkorn and now we have published this story because this is the first time that VW has officially confirmed that this car is coming. If you think that all the facts about cars such as this come straight from the company's PR machine that's your right - you're entitled to your opinion. Autocar's staff know differently. Personally, if a magazine or website that I read upset me that much then I wouldn't read it. Thankfully, the growing numbers of people reading both Autocar magazine and using this website are enjoying it.