#NAIAS An all-male dance troupe and smoke machine were on hand to welcome the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe (or VW NCC) into the world at the Detroit auto show today. To a man, the dancers were dressed in rumpled two-piece suits -- wardrobe shorthand for the post-college preps who will buy the production version of this Jetta coupe.
Oh, actually, there's no official confirmation that this is the precursor to a two-door Jetta production car. But too many winks and smiles were exchanged with Volkswagen public relations officials to think this is anything but a 2012 Jetta coupe. It's likely to be sold under a different name, though, we hear. Something like "Jetta CC," but different than that.
As we've written, the front-wheel-drive NCC is said to be a full hybrid with a 150-hp TSI engine and a 27-hp electric motor joining forces with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. But there's no reason to think a production Jetta coupe wouldn't come with more conventional full-gasoline and diesel engine options.
The redesigned 2011 VW Jetta sedan will be out in the U.S. this summer. So remember this face.
Thanks to James Riswick for capturing the dance troupe in action.
dougtheeng says:
09:37 AM, 01/11/10
i will never understand how these gimmicky dancing presentations are actually useful. they always just look ridiculous.
jederino says:
10:04 AM, 01/11/10
This is a great design direction for the jetta. A lot of hip people who have never heard of sludge or VW electrics will buy this.
sabastian says:
10:07 AM, 01/11/10
Classy and understated. I like it. Here's hoping for a hot version.
rick8365 says:
10:40 AM, 01/11/10
Like it.
The "action" photo of the dancers is hysterical....I would have had a hard time holding the camera steady.
mrryte says:
11:14 AM, 01/11/10
dougtheeng says:
"i will never understand how these gimmicky dancing presentations are actually useful. they always just look ridiculous."
+100. I realize that the carmakers need to capture and keep the crowd's attention somehow, but in the end it's a waste of time and money.....
cr_driver says:
11:37 AM, 01/11/10
All right, its looking good.
adantium says:
12:01 PM, 01/11/10
Front end of a Honda Civic, Side sills of a BMW 1 series and the rear end of an Audi A4. Is there anything original about this car?
lmbvette says:
12:11 PM, 01/11/10
Zzzzzzzzz.
Not a fan of the current VW CC and this builds upon that design.
I'm not impressed with VW going so horizontal on the front end. The entire car lacks any sort of exciting shape or design. Notice on the side view, the crease on the upper edge is perfectly straight from nose to stern. Sigh.
inlinesix says:
12:57 PM, 01/11/10
Looks really good.
lucien4 says:
03:46 PM, 01/11/10
Ok but very boring and nothing we haven't seen before.
Also the back looks too much like the Scion tC. It won't compete with Civic or Scion since it would be too expensive for that.
tommyboy23 says:
10:33 PM, 01/11/10
After dealing with my girlfriend's Jetta, I will NEVER buy a VW. Having said that, this car looks great. VW/Audi have always had great style (and big time electrical problems), but if I could ignore the reliability issues, I would be first in line for one (even if the front end looks like a civic).
autoboy16 says:
01:08 AM, 01/14/10
@ tommyboy23 Not sure what you're talking about, but my 01 Vw Beetle 1.8T has no problems and thats supposedly the WORST year to get a VW. I've dealt with the sludge, but its an easy fix; Change the oil (AND USE SYNTHETIC LIKE THE MANUAL SAYS) and clean the oil screens that clogged with it and all done. Otherwise, i've had nothing else wrong with my car that the previous owner didn't cause. I visited him to get the key to the car (traded with only valet key) and his new jetta was in the same horrible shape cosmetically.
That and even consumer reports rated the 5th generation jetta as being very reliable. Anything 2005.5 and after, and you're good with it being reliable.
This car looks good! Its simple and has the right curves. I bet this concept isn't even a hybrid! I bet it has a TDI under the hood! Thats what all the winking and smiling was on stage!