Volkswagen is launching into this year’s automotive spring time with a display of new model fireworks. Six German premieres are currently being presented to the public in Leipzig at the 2008 Automobil International. They include the four-door Volkswagen Passat CC coupé and the new Scirocco sports car.

Volkswagen is celebrating the comeback of the legendary two-door car. Thanks to its long sweeping wagon-coupé roof it offers space for four adults, making it the sports car for every day of the year. The Scirocco is powered by one of four TDI and TSI engines that are as torque-strong as they are economical. Their power range lies between 90 kW (122 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS). The new sports car will be offered with numerous innovative technologies such as an adaptive chassis control system.

The Passat CC is one of the most important new Volkswagen models of the year. Its calling card: Coupé design, yet four doors; impressive comfort, yet pure dynamics; sporty interior, yet ample space without compromises. The Passat CC is a progressive technology platform with pioneering assistance and vehicle dynamics systems. They include the “Lane Assist” lane-keeping system and a new “adaptive chassis control” system. Volkswagen will be offering the Passat CC exclusively with highly advanced direct injection engines. The petrol engines (TSI and FSI) deliver 118 kW (160 PS), 147 kW (200 PS) and 220 kW (300 PS), while the common rail engines (TDI) go to the starting blocks with 103 kW (140 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS).

Also celebrating a premiere on German soil is the Golf Variant TDI 4Motion. Thanks to its full-time all-wheel drive, it provides the best possible road grip even under the harshest of conditions. In extreme cases, up to 100 percent of the car’s propulsive force can be transferred to the rear wheels. The 4Motion system is paired with an economical and torque-strong TDI with 77 KW (105 PS). The Golf Variant TDI 4Motion accelerates from a stop to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds, is 185 km/h fast and consumes just 6.0 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.

In the Golf TDI Hybrid, Volkswagen is demonstrating the great energy-saving potential that is possible when a high-tech diesel, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are combined. The concept car consumes just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. Designed as a high-performance full hybrid, the Golf TDI Hybrid masters both pure combustion and mixed mode operation – that is, the powerful and fuel-efficient combination of TDI and E-motor. Also possible: emissions-free driving in electric drive mode. In the city, an automatic start/stop feature automatically shuts down the turbo-diesel whenever the vehicle is at a stop.

The Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel is celebrating its German premiere at the 2008 Automobil International too. It marks the beginning of a new era of natural gas powered cars. The reason: until now, there have been rather restrictive limits to the temperament of cars powered by natural gas, a fuel that is as environmentally friendly as it is economical. The Passat – thanks to its 110 kW (150 PS) strong TSI engine – is finally putting an end to this. Despite its high performance, the Passat’s direct-injection turbo engine – configured for natural gas operation for the first time in the world – is satisfied with just 5.2 kilogrammes of natural gas per 100 kilometres.