What you're looking at here is the Volkswagen New Compac Coupe (NCC) concept that we first told you about this past weekend. Based on the next generation Jetta sedan (forget about the Polo nonsense that has been making the rounds on the internet...), the NCC made its world premiere today at the Detroit motor show and it previews a production version that will expand VW's portfolio in North America and other parts of the world.
The German firm positions the NCC concept, which comes with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, between the not-for-North America Scirocco Coupe and the CC hardtop convertible.
Although it features the same length ( 4.54 meters or 178.5 inches) and width (1.78 meters or 70.1 inches) as the current Jetta, the NCC is two inches lower at 1.41 meters or 55.6 inches and has a three-inch longer wheelbase at 2.65 meters or 104.4 inches.
It also gets wider tracks at 1.53 meter or 61.2 inches at the front and 1.54 meter or 61.4 inches at the back.
The exterior styling of the NCC is fairly simple yet extremely elegant and brings to mind the Audi A5 Coupe, which isn't a bad thing. In fact, we must admit that we find the NCC's styling rather sleek.
With the exception of a few minor details like the mirrors and head/tail lamp crystals, the NCC's design is virtually production ready.
The same design philosophy is followed in the interior that features a 2+2 seat layout. Again, even though VW's designers added a few concept touches mainly in the trim department, the cabin looks ready to roll out of the factory.
Keep in mind that the NCC's exterior and interior styling also hints at the next-generation Jetta sedan.
Under the bonnet the NCC or if you prefer, the Jetta Coupe, is driven by a new hybrid powertrain that comprises of a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection that delivers 150HP and a 27HP electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery located at the rear of the vehicle.
Power is transferred to the front wheels through a 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.
Volkswagen says that the NCC can run on gasoline or electricity or a combination of the two.
According to the Germans, the two-door coupe accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds (0-60mph in 8.1 seconds - that's the official figure released by VW) and can reach a top speed of 227km/h while returning a combine fuel consumption of 4.2lt/100km or 55mpg US and carbon dioxide emissions of just 98 g/km.
Even though VW avoided to talk about a production version, sources state that the NCC is expected to follow shortly after the introduction of the next Jetta sedan that's due to hit the market in late 2010 or early 2011.
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