ShareThis2009 VOLKSWAGEN CC VR6 SPORT
TYPE: Front-drive, four-passenger, compact sedan.
PRICE: $38,300 base, (invoice $36,393), $41,630 as tested.
WHERE BUILT: Emden, Germany.
KEY RIVALS: BMW 3-Series; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; Infiniti G37; Pontiac G6; Hyundai Genesis; Toyota Camry; Nissan Maxima.
POWER: 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower, 24-valve VR6; six-speed auto transmission with Tiptronic.
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds; top speed 130 mph (electronically limited).
FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city, 27 highway, 21 combined mpg; estimated annual fuel cost $3,070 based on 15,000 miles at $4.30 per gallon.
CHASSIS: Unitized construction; front suspension includes McPherson concept with triangular wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar; rear four-link independent suspension with telescopic shocks, coil springs, anti-roll bar; power disc brakes with ABS; electronic parking brake; electronic stabilization program; anti-slip regulation; 18-inch alloy wheels; 235/40 R18 95W all-season tires; speed-variable power steering.
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 188.9 x 73 x 55.8 inches.
WHEELBASE X TRACK: 106.7 x 61.2/61.4 inches.
CURB WEIGHT: 3,854 pounds.
STANDARD: Front/side/head-curtain air bags; park-distance control; rain-sensing windshield wipers; heated washer nozzles; Homelink; leather upholstery and armrest; 12-way power-adjustable, heated sport seats with three memory settings for seats and mirrors; air conditioning; Sirius Satellite Radio; Dynaudio premium sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer; multi-function steering wheel with aluminum trim; bi-xenon auto headlights with AFS; power rear window sunshade.
OPTIONS: Technology package with MDI includes Navigation System with rearview back-up camera ($2,640).
(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)
With AUTOS
