Volkswagen has already confirmed that it will build a production version of the Concept C that debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Shown here still in the prototype stage, this unique hardtop convertible will go on sale in the U.S. next May.
The Concept C's name reflects its dual functionality as both a coupe and cabrio. Volkswagen plans on integrating the vehicle into its lineup as both an upscale coupe, priced ahead of the Passat, and as a fancier successor to the defunct VW Cabriolet.
The black tape on the front of this test mule makes it hard to tell whether or not the Volkswagen Concept C will use the show car's large aluminum grille, which was quite a departure for the company. The concept's innovative electro-hydraulic hardtop, visible in these photos, has clearly been carried over, though.
More than any other feature, this folding-steel roof grants the VW Concept C its ability to double as both a coupe and convertible. The roof features an integrated sunroof which can tilt just like an ordinary vehicle's skylight. When the top is up, the Concept C could be easily mistaken for a bona fide coupe.
There is more to the coupe side of the Concept C's persona than its appearance though. With a width of more than 71 inches, the concept was wider and sturdier than both the Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible and the Audi A4 Cabriolet and is said to be more agile than either of these vehicles.
The Concept C's coupe-like qualities will be further highlighted by the vehicle's 14 cubic feet of trunk space, which is generous by the standards of the CLK and A4, which respectively feature maximum cargo capacities of only 9 feet and 10 feet. Even when the Concept C's convertible top is stowed in the trunk, the vehicle still musters at least 7 cubic feet of space.
While the concept version of the Concept C featured a 150-horsepower gasoline-direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood, U.S. models are expected to get the same 280-hp 3.6-liter VR6 engine that will be offered in the top of the line Passat.
Standard safety features will be similar to the New Beetle Convertible, although rollover protection may be part of the package as well.
Expect to see the Volkswagen Concept C appear next spring with a new name and a price tag in the low to mid $30k-range.
The Concept C's name reflects its dual functionality as both a coupe and cabrio. Volkswagen plans on integrating the vehicle into its lineup as both an upscale coupe, priced ahead of the Passat, and as a fancier successor to the defunct VW Cabriolet.
The black tape on the front of this test mule makes it hard to tell whether or not the Volkswagen Concept C will use the show car's large aluminum grille, which was quite a departure for the company. The concept's innovative electro-hydraulic hardtop, visible in these photos, has clearly been carried over, though.
More than any other feature, this folding-steel roof grants the VW Concept C its ability to double as both a coupe and convertible. The roof features an integrated sunroof which can tilt just like an ordinary vehicle's skylight. When the top is up, the Concept C could be easily mistaken for a bona fide coupe.
There is more to the coupe side of the Concept C's persona than its appearance though. With a width of more than 71 inches, the concept was wider and sturdier than both the Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible and the Audi A4 Cabriolet and is said to be more agile than either of these vehicles.
The Concept C's coupe-like qualities will be further highlighted by the vehicle's 14 cubic feet of trunk space, which is generous by the standards of the CLK and A4, which respectively feature maximum cargo capacities of only 9 feet and 10 feet. Even when the Concept C's convertible top is stowed in the trunk, the vehicle still musters at least 7 cubic feet of space.
While the concept version of the Concept C featured a 150-horsepower gasoline-direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood, U.S. models are expected to get the same 280-hp 3.6-liter VR6 engine that will be offered in the top of the line Passat.
Standard safety features will be similar to the New Beetle Convertible, although rollover protection may be part of the package as well.
Expect to see the Volkswagen Concept C appear next spring with a new name and a price tag in the low to mid $30k-range.
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