Volkswagen has only revealed one entirely new model since the emissions scandal began, and with CC sales tanking hard, now seems a good time to start on a second.
Planned to be revealed in full at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, VW is teasing the public with some specs on its upcoming range-topper.
Following Volkswagen’s recent tradition of giving new models terrible names, the CC replacement is called the Arteon. The automaker says that the name is a portmanteau of the words “art” and “eon.” The former refers to the car’s sleek look and the latter, according to VW, denotes the premium nature of the vehicle — even though that isn’t what eon/aeon means.
The sweeping roofline means that Volkswagen will likely consider this a four-door “sports coupe.” While irksome to North Americans, it is at least more deserving of the title than the CC and its almost three-box styling. Of course, this all depends on VW’s adherence to this early concept sketch.
Early spy shots suggest that the Arteon will be a sizable, upscale sedan. Sexier and more imposing than the CC, but not nearly so dramatic as the drawings would suggest. It should also be more 5 Series and less Panamera in the rear.
Based on the above doodle and Volkswagen’s own description on how, “The bars of the radiator grille extend here into the three-dimensional front headlights,” expect the Arteon to look a lot like the Sport Coupe Concept GTE that appeared at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Since VW isn’t big on wild redesigns, just close your eyes and imagine a more attractive and meaner-looking Passat with a sloped roofline. Whatever image ended up in your head is already 99 percent accurate.
Technical specifications are spartan at the moment, but Volkswagen did let go that the new car will have a more practical top-hinged tailgate and plenty of storage space in the rear. Interior niceties should abound, and some drivetrain components will likely be sourced from the Passat. A hybrid variant is likely, but diesel models will most definitely remain in Europe.
Like the CC, the Arteon will slot above the Passat in VW’s lineup and isn’t likely to have much company while the company gears itself up for its upcoming SUV offensive. The top-tier coupe-sedan is set to launch in the summer of 2017.
[Images: Volkswagen]
It’s art! It’s eon!
Not really what VW needs at the moment but when has VW been in the right moment with the right product is the last 40 years
the profile sketch says “Panamera with bland VW nose.”
Because the Panamera nose is so exciting?
*facepalm*
I always liked the looks of the CC and this looks like it could be even nicer. Will it sell? Will I buy it? Probably not.
If someone puts forth a design like that they should have to spend 8 hours in a steel box of the same height as their proposed passenger compartment before any OEM could accept it.
It’s a step in the right direction, but the wheels need to be bigger and the windows need to be smaller. Let’s say 26″ wheels and the windows should be 4″ high. Add a clean diesel and you’ve got the potential to outsell the Camry. Because I don’t actually drive my car; I just display it on a rotating platform.
“….called the Arteon. The automaker says that the name is a portmanteau of the words “art” and “eon.”
American car buyers are telling VW, Fuchyu, a portmanteau of the words “f%^@” and “you.”
So when some guy installs a fartcan it becomes a Farteon?
“The CC isn’t selling anymore, so let’s release another CC!”
(double facepalm)
Just turn off the lights and call it a night, Volkswagen.
As a long time, but now disillusioned fan, the boy has cried wolf way too many times.
Why do artists renderings almost always have windshields that are so raked that they are hard to look out of and you can’t see the front of the car, and side windows that make the car feel like a cave?
Coupes have two doors, and only two doors. This would be what is called a “fastback”.
I thought VW said that they were done with silly names that Americans weren’t really into…Arteon…really? Guess they were just kidding.
VW Versagen Wagen.
Froo-ty Artee-on
Makes a man out of a mouse
Froo-ty Artee-on
Makes you bust out of your blouse
Wow, just wow. VW really has no clue.