The Volkswagen CC — essentially a sleeker and sexier version of the Passat midsize sedan — could receive some Audi-inspired styling when the next generation arrives.
With the upcoming model well under development, Volkswagen North America Michael Horn told Motor Trend that “two versions are being studied,” including a fastback body style. If Volkswagen ends up pursuing that styling direction, the CC will be to the Passat like what the Audi A7 is to the A6 — a mechanically-identical niche model, but a stylish one at that.
In addition to the significant styling changes, Horn says Volkswagen is also considering relocating CC production to the company’s Chattanooga, Tenn. plant in light of increasing import costs due to high currency exchange rates.
“With the cost of production going up, we’re looking at the business case,” Horn said. “But maybe there’s another option of waiting two to three years and getting the CC built here in the U.S. or Mexico.”
Turns out, Volkswagen is also facing the same hurdle with bringing the Golf GTD to North America. Most recently, the project was put on hiatus because the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine couldn’t be built at the company’s Pubela, Mexico plant and would need to be imported from Germany. Horn said that would push the GTD to a higher price point, but it will still likely make its way here, even if it means waiting until early 2017.
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