Volkswagen->ke94 first unveiled the Passat CC (known simply as the CC in the USA and South Africa) in 2008 and since then, the company has managed to sell an impressive 270,000 units. Now, for the 2013 model year (2012 in Europe), the CC has received a technically and visually updated version to make it look and perform even better.

Changes for the 2013 model year include a new front and rear styling, and an extended range of standard equipment, including standard Bi-Xenon headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillights. On the US market, the CC will be offered with a choice of 197 HP and 276 HP engines and with a manual six-speed gearbox. In Europe, the engine line-up will also include diesel versions.

The Volkswagen CC's official debut will be made in November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and sales will begin in the Spring of 2012.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Volkswagen CC.

UPDATE 01/17/2012: Fresh off of its unveiling at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show last November 2011, the Volkswagen Passat CC has fresh new photos and videos that VW just released. Check out the pics in the gallery and the videos by clicking on the photo above!

UPDATE 02/28/2012: Volkswagen has announced prices for the 2013 CC that will go on sale at US dealers this spring. Prices will range from $30,250 for the base 2.0T Sport to $41,420 for the VR6 4Motion Executive version.

2013 Volkswagen Passat CC

Specifications
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  • Model: 2013 Volkswagen Passat CC
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Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

For the 2013 model year, the new Volkswagen CC has received new front and rear styling for an even bolder appearance and the list of standard features has been significantly increased. Customers will benefit from new bi-xenon headlights, static cornering lights, and a new LED tail light design without having to add any options.

For the interior, Volkswagen will also be adding fatigue detection, an RCD 310 radio-CD system, stainless steel door sill plates, and safety head restraints.

Engine Line-up

On the US market, the new 2013 CC will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines: one with 197 HP and one with 276 HP. Both will be combined with a manual six-speed gearbox.

In Europe, things will be a little bit different. Customers will receive three petrol engines - 158 HP, 207 HP, and 295 HP - and two diesel engines - 138 HP and 167 HP. Diesel engines will be equipped with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode (for recovering braking energy) as standard.

Also, all models will come with optional technologies such as Side Assist Plus with integrated Lane Assist (warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists driver in avoiding an accident by steering intervention), Dynamic Light Assist (automatic main beam control), and a camera-based traffic sign detection system.

Prices

On the US market, the new Volkswagen CC will go on sale in the Spring of 2012. Prices will range from $30,250 for the base 2.0T Sport to $41,420 for the VR6 4Motion Executive version.

Competition

In developing their new CC, Volkswagen took their inspiration from the Mercedes CLS, but their four-door coupe is far from delivering the same level of performance or luxury as the Mercedes model. It is fair to say that the CC targets models like the Acura TL and the Infiniti G37.

Compared to the CC, the TL has the advantage of offering more powerful engines: 280 HP and 305 HP versions. However, the CC has the advantage of being cheaper (current model starts from $28,500 while the TL goes up to $35,605). On the other hand, the model that really catches our attention is the G37. With a bolder appearance, it is also the most powerful model: it delivers a total of 328 HP. That being said, it is also the most expensive at $36,200.