SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Performance

Volkswagen rolled out some new high-performance concepts with an eco twist at the 2008 SEMA Show, including hot-rodded versions of the Tiguan CUV and the brand-new CC four-door coupe.

The most obvious upgrade on the CC Eco Performance Concept is the custom aero kit. I see hints of Audi R8 in the design, with its big lower grill openings and black horizontal slats. The vehicle is suspended over big 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels wrapped around huge Brembo brakes, by an H&R full coilover suspension.

The real show, however, is under the hood. VW has partnered with turbocharger manufacturer APR to create a three-stage turbo kit with three performance levels. In Full Power mode the Performance CC brings 311 horsepower and 313 pound-feet of torque; GT mode offers 252 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque; and in the Eco mode 222 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

While the CC Eco Performance Concept shows sizable power gains over the stock 2.0T CC, it also shows increased fuel economy in all modes. Eco mode obviously has the greatest gains, delivering 33 highway and 27 city miles per gallon, versus the CC 2.0T's 28 highway and 19 city mpg.

The interior of the CC Eco Performance Concept also sees upgrades in the way of black chrome and laser-etched piano black finishes with white contrasting trim on the doors.

The performance CC is equipped with the Technology Package with touch-screen DVD navigation system, rearview camera, and the lightning quick DSG transmission. We like the DSG, but the DVD-nav would be best replace with a hard-drive-based unit.

The doors receive white contrasting panels and contrasting white stitching. You can also see the laser-etched graphics on the piano black door trim.

The stock seats have been chucked in favor of these black Recaro sport buckets with white leather inserts laser-etched to match the exterior graphics.

The piano black and white theme continues throughout the cabin.

The slight lip spoiler finishes the tail end nicely, adding a hint of performance without being overstated or aerodynamically inefficient.

We reviewed the VW Tiguan S some time ago. With its zippy 2.0L turbocharged engine, a lack of power was nowhere in our list of criticisms.

That hasn't stopped Volkswagen from removing the stock turbocharger from this Tiguan Performance Concept and replacing it with a Stage 3 APR unit. In this incarnation, there's only one mode: FAST! With 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, there's nothing cute about this little 'ute.

Hauling the almost 300 horsepower Tiguan to a stop is the requisite Brembo big brake kit. High performance tires and an H&R coilover suspension enhance both the looks and the performance.

Volkswagen says that these "Omanyl" style wheels and the custom aero kit will be available in as options by early 2009.

When we tested the Tiguan S, we did have complaints about the lack of cabin tech. VW has sort of addressed this issue with the factory SEL trim DVD navigation system powered by a Rockford Fosgate audio system.

The heart of the audio system is the brand new for 2009 Power T1000 1,000-watt amplifier. The amp drives two 500-watt Punch subwoofers tucked in the rear storage area.

Rockford Fosgate speakers replace the stock paper cones around the cabin for a fantastic sound quality that is head and shoulders above the factory system, though it may be a little boomy for some tastes.

Volkswagen also brought out its CC Gold Coast edition, which was unveiled at Pebble Beach earlier this year.