Originally posted by gavriil
I like what I see as well. We can clearly see VW's "new face" once again with this concept. Nice.

At the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen showed its Concept C show car and promised that it was indeed headed for production. Now these latest photos, taken in the U.S. southwest, capture a prototype of the production model as it goes through high-temperature testing.



Like the concept car, the production model has a metal roof that can be lowered to turn the car into a stylish convertible. The new four-seat convertible is sized between the Golf and the Passat, and is reportedly much more luxurious than any previous VW convertible. Production is expected to start in late 2005 for the 2006 model year.

Volkswagen's set to show off for its home crowds at next month's Frankfurt auto show with its new Eos hardtop convertible and a twin-turbo FSI engine that will find its way into a special edition of the Golf. The Eos, which is the production version of the Concept C roadster, is named for the goddess of the dawn, VW says. Developed separately from any of VW's other models, the Eos will be offered with a range of engines with power output of 113 hp to 247 hp.

The new twin-turbo FSI engine will be displayed under its simpler "Twincharger" name. The Twincharger engine uses a small 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine combined with its direct-injection system and twin turbochargers to develop the power of a larger-displacement engine - 168 hp, it's estimated. The strong torque at low speeds, VW says, is complemented by fuel economy of about 39 mpg. VW plans to team up the engine with its DSG gearbox to propel the new Golf GT model to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and to a top speed of 136 mph.

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- Volkswagen AG has delayed the launch of its Eos coupe-convertible model again, to July 2006, a company spokesman said on Saturday.

Automobilwoche, in a preview of its Monday, Nov. 21 edition, said production problems in Portugal were a reason for the delay. Automobilwoche the the German-language sister publication of Automotive News.

Dealers have now been given the first weekend in July as the target date for the Eos market launch in Europe, the spokesman said, citing a range of problems. "The roof is one issue," he said.

A coupe-convertible is a model with a coupe silhouette that sports a retractable hardtop, allowing it to change to a convertible. Fewer and fewer convertibles entering the market these days come with a traditional soft material top. Volkswagen said on Tuesday, Nov. 15, that the launch would be delayed until May 2006. It was originally planned for March.

Industry sources estimate VW will build 50,000 Eos cars per year.

2006 Los Angeles Auto Show: Volkswagen Eos
Source: VW

What They Say: The five-section CSC structure offers not only optical, but also practical advantages.

What It Means: Sadly it is hard to call a convertible with a retractable hardtop impractical. You got us VW.

Full Release: Only a few months after debuting at the Geneva Automobile Show, Volkswagen of America now presents a new series version of Volkswagen's high-emotion new convertible coupé in the form of the Eos at the Los Angeles and Detroit Motor show shortly thereafter. This is the world's first four-seater car with a five-section CSC (coupe, sunroof, convertible) roof; the folding hard top combines the characteristics of a coupé, sliding and convertible roof, thereby unifying three different car concepts to form a whole.

Consistently new emotional design that can only be a Volkswagen original

CSC design: When closed, the CSC roof curves in an arc between the rear end and the windscreen, giving rise to an outstanding coupé roof which is both elegant and sporty. The roof's curve is elongated, the rear end muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality. When the roof is open, the 173.6 inch long and 70.5 inch wide Eos also clearly reveals that it has been specifically developed as a convertible coupé, and that its body concept has not been derived from any other model in existence. The CSC roof has enabled the windscreen frame to be kept short and the rear compact, lending the vehicle sensuous proportions in the style of a classic convertible.

CSC characteristics: The five-section CSC structure offers not only optical, but also practical advantages. Firstly, pure convertible feeling. As the windscreen frame — the roof cross member, to be perfectly accurate — projects far less into the interior than is the case with many similar solutions, there is nothing above the driver and front passenger but blue skies. Secondly, optimum entry and exiting. The shorter windscreen frame makes it easier to get into the Eos when the top is down, as the driver or passenger does not have to maneuver his head past the frame. Thirdly, the integrated glass/sliding/tilting roof, because the sun does not always shine, nor is it always summer. In such cases, the glass/sliding/tilting roof fitted in the Eos lets in light, air and good humor. Full opening and closing are very speedy, by the way, taking around 25 seconds from the first "clack" to the last "click". The system concludes the process with a signal tone, confirming that the roof is either open or closed completely. In addition, the CSC roof offers the general advantages of unimpeded suitability throughout the year and minimal driving noise when closed. It is also less appealing to vandals than a soft top. Of course, a roll-over protection system, which shoots out within a maximum of 0.25 seconds increases safety in critical situations.

Very wide and powerful

Dimensions: The convertible coupé is 70.5 inches wide, 173.6 inches long and 56.8 inches high. In relation to each other, these dimensions enhance the vehicle's dynamics. In comparison with its length and height, the vehicle's width lends the Eos a particularly powerful appearance. Its large track width (over 60.8 inches) not only looks good, it also contributes extensively towards the extraordinarily agile and safe handling characteristics exhibited by the Eos. The result is pure driving enjoyment regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

Engines: In the U.S., still months from its debut, Volkswagen of America will offer the renowned 2.0T, 200 horsepower, four cylinder and a 3.2, 250 hp version of its narrow angle V6.

Sporty, elegant interior

Passenger compartment: The interior design is also new. While the functional and operating details (e.g. light, air conditioning, radio systems) are familiar from other models, many fundamental Eos elements are new developments. These include the cockpit, the door and side trim panels and the rear seat system. Volkswagen is additionally offering electrically activated easy-entry seats for the first time. These "remember" the driver's and front passenger's longitudinal seating positions, and return to these — once the rear passengers have entered or exited the vehicle — at the push of a button. As standard, a power latching system closes the boot lid the last few millimeters. A load through aperture is additionally integrated into the rear bench seat.

One equipment version, many equipment details

Equipment: The Eos will be launched with many high-quality equipment features. Standard features will include ESP, safety-optimized front headrests, front airbags and specially developed front side head-thorax airbags; 16" alloy wheels (V6: 17"), air conditioning system, fog lights, power windows, and ambient lighting. Optionally, innovative features such as a Dynaudio sound system with ten-channel amplifier, ten loudspeakers and 600 W output power or bi-xenon headlights with dynamic and static cornering lights will be available for the Eos.

For added assurance, all new Volkswagen automobiles come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranties including:

•Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty.
•Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
•12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.