Geneva Auto Show 2004: Volkswagen Concept C

[Chuck@VMG]

Wolfsburg / Geneva. At the 74th Geneva Automobile Salon, Volkswagen will be showcasing its new (semi-series-mature) cabriolet, the concept C design study. (C stands for cabriolet and coupé.) The vehicle features a new generation of fold-away steel roof, which transforms this four-seat Volkswagen from a coupé to a cabriolet in a matter of only seconds. Or vice-versa, of course. In a stroke of engineering genius, the roof also features an integrated glass sunroof. This exciting new automobile provides a view on things to come, on how a new Volkswagen cabriolet in the next-higher vehicle class to the successful New Beetle Cabriolet could ultimately look. And performance? The concept C is driven by a 110-kW / 150-hp FSI engine.
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[Hajduk]

The link to the photo gallery doesn't work.

[32Panels]

Is that on the GolfV platform? I think we've found a new look for the next Jetta so it's not just the Golf sedan.

[Crisco@dubdojo.com]

I like it....pretty hot compared to the other crap they've been feeding us lately....

I don't see myself buying one though....

[Helicon Twist]

And the overlap between VW and Audi continues...

[NovRus]

Beautiful!!! VW's designers just keep getting better and better. I love all the new cars VW is putting out. I just recently test drove VW's Touareg, and I am very impressed!

[gizmopop]

I like it, but I hope they install something with power underhood...(hint 2.0 T or 3.2 VR6)

[VR6 NRG]

they need to build this, that top construction is just silly nice, coupe, convertible, and a sunroof all in one. i just hope its made better than the beetle convert. tops.

SWEET LOOKIN CAR VW!!!

[reflexsilver86]

It looks great. I think there has been way too much attention to detail to think that this car won't become a production reality in the near future. The interior is production-ready unlike a lot of the interiors you see in concept cars, the whole car looks like it's ready for the road. I don't see why Volkswagen wouldn't build this car, it's a very good business proposition.

It also doesn't overlap with Audi in the sense that Audi doesn't have a hardtop cabriolet. It definitely would overlap in the areas of price, but that's been a common occurance lately. Basically I think if the price is reasonable and it looks like that, this will be a much more powerful way to change VW brand perception than the Phaeton.

[Der Kommissar]

I saw "Concept C" on the welcome page and sh*t myself because I thought they were bringing back the Corrado. But this is pretty cool. Not something that I would ever buy, but nonetheless interesting. What kind of motor would they put into this thing? Also, they should rethink the grill and do it black instead of chrome/silver.

[81scirocco_S]

rear looks too very similar to a Cavalier for my tastes...
interesting car, though. I am sure this is aimed squarely
at the american market.

[AudiVwMeister]

why couldn't they use alot of those cues for the upcoming jetta. that front end fits a sedan much better than the golf front end spy picture that was floating around. i'm really diggin that crease on the side that sweeps up. oh well guess we'll just have to deal with a golf with a trunk on it.

[Aluman]

If you put a star on the hood or grill, probably get away with it looking like a Mercedes

Anyway, I love it

[prajno]

My next car if they put it in production

[rhs]

Why do production cars never have hot rims and PERFECT wheel gap like the Concept C, very nice looking car.

[Hajduk]

Quote, originally posted by rhs »

Why do production cars never have hot rims and PERFECT wheel gap like the Concept C, ...

Because real cars drive on real roads.

[AXIS]

Good Looking car,

[Jim07044]

This car would be a great value if fully-loaded MSRP was under $30,000 ... but recent pricing trends from VW indicate yet another push "upmarket", so unless they offer this thing with aggressively-subsidized lease programs ($299/mo) I'll be looking to more affordable vehicle options ...

Side note: VW leases typically stink because their resale values are so poor. What is Lexus and Mercedes doing that VW isn't?

[Danny@AutobahnX.com]

Quote, originally posted by gizmopop »

I like it, but I hope they install something with power underhood...(hint 2.0 T or 3.2 VR6)

I am sure they will...imagine top down on McArthur Causeway on the way to the beach...

The car looks gorgeous.

How much? when?


Modified by Danny@AutobahnX.com at 4:35 PM 3-1-2004

[AEB WGN]

I love it! So sleek, perfect lines. big thumbs up, now fix the mk5s.

[gizmopop]

Quote, originally posted by Jim07044 »

This car would be a great value if fully-loaded MSRP was under $30,000 ... but recent pricing trends from VW indicate yet another push "upmarket", so unless they offer this thing with aggressively-subsidized lease programs ($299/mo) I'll be looking to more affordable vehicle options ... Side note: VW leases typically stink because their resale values are so poor. What is Lexus and Mercedes doing that VW isn't?

Any word on pricing? there is a current uproar as to what the Concept R should be priced at (and come with)

I think this car base should be $25K (given that it will still have the motorized hardtop, and not to cannabalize Beetle vert sales) and a fully loaded 2.0T (200hp) FWD version (my assumption) should squeeze in under $30K...a possible future R version could come in mid 30K with a 3.2 VR6 underhood and 4-motion(Haldex)...

Damn VW is showing too many nice cars these days, I can't decide...

[Nautiliux_vag]

The gallery arent funcionatting... "The requested URL was not found on this server. It has either been moved or is no longer available.

Click here to take you back to our home"

[ASurroca]

http://carspyshots.proboards2....70873

Here's a link to a few more (though small) photos of the Concept C, to whet our appetites until somebody fixes the link to the VWVortex photo gallery

Those wheels are particularly interesting. Looks like Volkswagen is taking a more adventurous styling approach to their wheels too

[Elbows]

Sweet car...the rumor on price was substantial, around 30-35K. But its bigger than a Jetta, and a little smaller than the next Passat (note: the next jetta is about as big as the current passat).

I think this could be a homerun, if accompanied by the small concept R sport coupe....however, judging by the rumored release schedules - they need to fix up their line quickly.

[merlin]

Not bad, but it really looks like it belongs in the Chrysler family. There's something about the grill -- the louvers and the way the whole front end is rounded -- that makes it look like a Sebring or Crossfire. And those taillights are not good. They look very American.

[thrashvr6]

Quote, originally posted by Aluman »

If you put a star on the hood or grill, probably get away with it looking like a Mercedes

I was thinking more along the lines of chrysler.. That could be the new Sebring.

It's a nice looking car, but it really seems to lack VW-ness..

[dubsport87]

true that grille is chryslerish

[BruinToo]

Quote, originally posted by thrashvr6 »

I was thinking more along the lines of chrysler.. That could be the new Sebring. It's a nice looking car, but it really seems to lack VW-ness..

Exactly my sentiments: a Bangled Sebring! Still though, this is a nice companion to my turbo NB vert!
-BruinToo

[unixb0y]

Then roof looks like a MB SL/SLK

the trunk looks like a cavalier/sunfire (yuck)

All in all though, it's still nice.

[ftillier]

I was thinking it looked like another product from the Daimler-Chrysler group: Sebring convertible.

[mr_e1974]

Honestly....I really like the Volkswagen products design but they seem to get screwed up somewhere in the transition from concept to production. Maybe they need to look at the suppliers of their components a little better to make sure that they DO NOT have another disappointment like the current Golf/GTI/Jetta has turned out to be.

To me, even though I've spent more in maintenance in the last year than payments I would do it again if 1. VWOA got their dealer network to treat their customers in a more civalized manor, 2. If they didn't let a situation that is developing develop into a PR nightmare, and 3. Make a product that isn't going to be breaking all the damed time.

IF VWOA actually reads this I'd honestly be surprised. As far as I am concerned the introduction of this new technology will just lead to more thing that WILL break on the cars. Virtually everything that has brok on my car has been related to the electrical system in someway. For a car that is less than 3 years old and only has 50,000 miles on it to have all of these gremlins is inexcusable.

Like I said before I started to rant...I like the design but I WON'T BE BUYING ONE.

[GTIfreak]

Looks pretty good and I really like the interior. But I don't like the Chrysler front.

[Travis Grundke]

Ladies and gentlemen I present to you...the next generation Jetta.

If VW were smart, they'd take these styling cues (esp. the front end, the side body crease and tail) and slap it onto the Jetta. That would be one beautiful looking vehicle.

[SRGTI]

Nice. VERY Nice.

[phinn]

Uggh that front grill is ASS ugly. Reminds me of a Chrylster or somethin.

The concept was much nicer, especially when they talked about a 265 hp version of the R32 engine in it.