Inspired by the Concept C shown just 18 months ago, the all-new Volkswagen Eos 'convertible coupe' made its world debut here at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This four-seat convertible features a retractable hardtop that folds neatly under the rear deck.
This is the world's first four-seat car with a five-section CSC (coupe, sliding, cabriolet) roof. The hardtop takes approximately 25 seconds to open or close. A tilting/sliding glass roof is integrated into the top, offering additional versatility. The Eos is equipped with a rollover protection system that extends roll bars in just a quarter second in the event of an impending rollover.
A range of engines from 85 to 250 horsepower will be available for the Eos when it goes on sale in Europe next spring. Sales in the rest of the world will start later in 2006.
If driving excitement is more important than lowering the top, then Volkswagen's new R32 may be the car of choice. Shown for the first time here in Frankfurt, the top of the Golf lineup boasts a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. Power goes to all four wheels through VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The R32 is also available with a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) for even quicker gear changes and acceleration.
More power will also be available in the Passat and the new Passat Variant (wagon) from the newly developed 3.2-liter FSI V6 engine. Producing 250 horsepower and teamed with the DSG transmission, the Passat can reach 62 mph in less than 7 seconds.
