Volkswagen Eos World's first convertible coupe with five-section CSC roof

[mikeyb]

Specs:Golf V/Jetta V-based folding hard-top convertible. Powered by either a 200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI for the U.S. market. Arrives in May of 2006 on the North American continent and is expected to be priced just below $30,000.

What makes it special: This is a segment in Europe occupied by the Peugeot 307CC and the new Volvo C70. The Eos has transparent tinted roof panels that fold in three sections and include a sunroof. Engines include both 4-cylinder turbo and a VR6 offering several levels of power. With good looks and a decent level of practicality, the Eos is a well executed alternative.

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What we think: Other than dimensions being toned down a bit, the Eos pulls off a decent representation of the Concept C. The trunk is shorter than the Jetta V, but otherwise wheelbase and track are similar. The car has very clean lines that convey neither very femine nor masculine traits which should help the appeal of this new convertible. Top up the proportions are still good, but top-down is where this car shines. The folding hardtop offers a good alternative to a regular soft-top convertible making the interior feel like a regular steel roof car. The ability to still have a sunroof when you don't want to drop the top is a nice option. Interior materials are first rate and the tweed like cloth seats are unique. Overall we're surprised how close the Eos came to the Concept C and how good this car looks. Maybe VW needs to consider putting this front end on the Jetta as well...

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The full German press release follows below:

Wolfsburg, September 2005. IAA world premiere: Just 18 months after the concept C study made its much lauded debut at the Geneva Automobile Salon, Volkswagen now presents the series version of its new convertible coupe in the form of the Eos. This is the world's first four-seater car with a five-section CSC roof; the folding hard top combines the characteristics of a coupe, sliding and convertible roof. When closed, the CSC roof curves in an arc between the rear end and the windscreen, giving rise to an outstanding coupe roof which is both elegant and sporty. The roof's curve is elongated, the rear end muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality. Equally important: When the roof is open, the Eos also clearly shows that it has been specifically developed as a convertible coupe. The background to this is the short design of the windscreen frame thanks to the extensive roof curve, benefiting the vehicle's proportions and giving rise to a classic, autonomous convertible rather than a saloon which has been sliced open.

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CSC ROOF - CHARACTERISTICS
New CSC roof enables harmonious design; short windscreen frame offers pure convertible feeling

Significant technologies such as the engines (85 kW / 115 PS to 184 kW / 250 PS) and running gear have been adapted from the Passat and the Golf. Indeed, the Eos is positioned precisely between these two classes. The fact is that its five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard (plus sun blind) offers not only optical, but also practical advantages. Firstly, pure convertible feeling. As the windscreen frame - the roof cross member, to be perfectly accurate - projects far less into the interior than is the case with many similar solutions, there is nothing above the driver and front passenger but blue skies. Secondly, easier entry and exiting. The shorter windscreen frame makes it easier to get into the Eos when the top is down, as the driver or passenger does not have to manoeuvre his head past the frame. Thirdly, the integrated glass/sliding/tilting roof, because the sun does not always shine, nor is it always summer. In such cases, the sliding glass roof fitted in the Eos lets in light, air and good humour. In addition, the CSC roof offers the general advantages of unimpeded suitability throughout the year and a low noise level, even at high vehicle speeds, when closed. Its hard shell also makes life difficult for vandals and thieves.

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CSC ROOF - FUNCTION
Eos roof is comprised of steel and glass components; the CSC roof disappears into the boot within 25 seconds

The CSC system functions as follows: The CSC roof is opened and closed via a specially and attractively designed switch located in the centre console between the front seats. The entire process takes around 25 seconds from the first "clack" to the last "click". As soon as the convertible top switch is actuated, the glass/sliding/tilting roof moves backwards (section 1). At virtually the same time, the entire rear area of the roof, from the C-pillar to the imaginary B-pillar (section 2) is raised. The glass/sliding/tilting roof slides beneath the rear area of the roof, forming a compact "sandwich". A hydraulic control system now folds the entire convertible top compartment cover, including the luggage compartment cover, backwards (section 3). The optional parking assistant system, whose sensors are integrated into the bumper, scans the area at the rear of the vehicle to detect any obstacles before the roof begins to move. If all is clear, the "sandwich unit" moves backwards; only now are the lateral roof members (sections 4 and 5) released from the windscreen frame, moving backwards. The glass/sliding/tilting roof and the rear area of the roof are lowered completely to the rear; the lateral roof members slide into separate cavities (concealed by flaps) on a level with the rear side windows. It sounds complicated and is technically complex, but functions perfectly and looks sensational. In conjunction with the compact "sandwich unit", the longitudinal roof members' first moving horizontally backwards and then vertically down results in a very low height when opening and closing the hard top, allowing this transformation to take place even in low garages without any problem whatsoever. When the roof is open, a volume of 205 litres is available; when closed, 380 litres of stowage space are on offer. As standard, a power latching system closes the boot lid the last few millimetres. A lockable through-loading aperture integrated into the rear seat bench and the rear bulkhead also allows skis and other bulky articles to be transported. The boot's luggage compartment cover, which is designed as a hard shell, prevents damage to cargo and the roof.

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[mikeyb]

INTERIOR
New interior design and electrically actuated easy-entry seats

In general, the Eos offers a new interior design. Whilst the functional and operating details (e.g. light, air conditioning, radio systems) are familiar from other models, many fundamental Eos elements are new developments. These include the cockpit, the door and side trim panels and the rear seat system. A glance to the front, towards the dash panels, shows Volkswagen's typically dominant centre console and the side areas which spread out like wings to the left and right. The exclusively designed air vent apertures are each bordered in chrome. The cockpit can be optionally configured in two colours, with dark colours dominating the upper areas to minimise reflections in the windscreen. As in the Passat, the plastics installed in the lower area are lavishly coated with soft-effect paint. Volkswagen is additionally fitting electrically activated easy-entry seats for the first time: These "remember" the driver's and front passenger's longitudinal seating positions, and return to these - once the rear passengers have entered or exited the vehicle - at the push of a button.

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EQUIPMENT
One refined equipment version, new wood trims; Climatronic distinguishes between convertible and coupe function

Volkswagen has also developed a new range of wood and aluminium interior trims for the Eos. As the convertible coupe will be exclusively available in a high-quality, refined version offering standard features such as 16" alloy wheels (3.2l V6: 17"), air conditioning system (semi-automatic Climatic / V6: automatic Climatronic)), fog lights, electric window lifters, ambient lighting, leather-covered steering wheel*, gear lever knob* and handbrake lever* plus sports seats*, these trims are not restricted to a specific equipment line. Instead, they may be individually selected (* = standard as of 103 kW, optional for 85 kW). Besides the self-explanatory and clear design of all instruments and controls, it is the detailed perfection in the Eos which is striking. Three brief examples: The automatic air conditioning system (Climatronic / standard in the V6) "recognises" whether the roof is open or closed, and co-ordinates its cool and hot air control system accordingly. Whoever wishes to enjoy music of perfect quality even with the convertible top down will derive great pleasure from the 600 W Dynaudio sound system. This has been designed by Danish high-end manufacturer Dynaudio specifically for the Eos; integral system components include a ten-channel digital amplifier and ten painstakingly positioned and co-ordinated loudspeakers. Regardless of which audio or navigation system is chosen, the aerials fitted in the Eos are never visible. The fourth example is the Advanced Front light System (AFS). This system offers innovative bi-xenon headlights with dynamic and static cornering lights - a clear boost to safety for the Eos driver and other road users.

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SAFETY
Standard roll-over protection system and newly developed head-thorax airbags

However, not only the AFS shows that Volkswagen has undertaken its traditionally high level of effort in terms of safety. Examples include the fact that the new convertible coupe is fitted with a roll- over protection system, which shoots upwards in the area of the rear headrests within a maximum of 0.25 seconds after a defined lateral acceleration or vehicle inclination has been exceeded. The structure and function of the roll-over protection system correspond to the system installed in the New Beetle convertible. The new Eos is also equipped with front headrests optimised to deal with rear impacts and four airbags. However, the number four is not actually a correct reflection of the conditions on board. The background to this is that Volkswagen has also fitted this convertible with very special side airbags - called head-thorax airbags - in parallel with the front airbags. In the event of a crash, these unfold horizontally and vertically to cover the entire length of the side windows. In concept, therefore, they also undertake the task performed by conventional head or window airbags which, logically, are impossible to accommodate in the design of an open-topped vehicle. To prevent crashes from occurring wherever possible, the new Eos is additionally fitted with the electronic stabilisation programme ESP as standard.

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DERIVATION OF THE NAME
New convertible coupe has been named after the goddess of sunrise

On the bottom line, this car, which is itself of a rather emotional bent, offers many substantial features. Even its name stands for emotion. Eos is derived from the Greek goddess of sunrise, and is indeed intended to arouse associations with an idealised situation of driving a convertible: Setting off in the early hours of a summer morning. Phonetically, Eos is a name which can be rapidly and clearly annunciated throughout the world. Eos also continues the practice of model names based on sources of Greek mythology, which was first introduced along with the Phaeton. If the saga is to be believed, the goddess Eos rises up from the depths of the ocean each morning in her chariot to bring daylight to mankind. Eos is also the mother of the winds, and the evening and morning stars. Sunrise, wind and stars- all of these are elementary bridges in the world of convertible driving.

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ENGINES
Four petrol engines with 115 PS, 150 PS, 200 PS and 250 PS; TDI with standard diesel particulate filter and 140 PS output

To ensure that driving the convertible functions as perfectly as the Eos looks, its beautiful body conceals all manner of innovative drive train technology. In detail, this encompasses four petrol engines with outputs ranging from 85 kW / 115 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS to 184 kW / 250 PS plus a 103 kW / 140 PS TDI equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard. Four-cylinder direct injection engines are fitted to provide outputs up to 147 kW, whilst the 184 kW variant derives its power from six cylinders. All of the engines are powerful. Two initial examples of the Eos' performance: The Eos 2.0 FSI, which offers 110 kW of output, reaches a top speed of 209 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. In the turbocharged version, the Eos 2.0 Turbo-FSI, the top speed climbs to 232 km/h; this Eos reaches a speed of 100 km/h after just 7.8 seconds. The Eos 3.2 V6 reaches 248 km/h, accomplishing the classic 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 7.3 seconds. The Eos 3.2 V6 is shifted as standard via the already legendary double-clutch gearbox DSG - an automated direct-shift gearbox. This will be optionally available for the Eos 2.0 Turbo-FSI (147 kW) and Eos 2.0 TDI (103 kW). All of the gearboxes fitted in the Eos transmit their power to the front axle via six forwards gears.

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DIMENSIONS
Width-to-length ratio lends the vehicle a powerful appearance

The Eos is 1.79 metres wide, 4.41 metres long and 1.44 metres high. In relation to each other, these dimensions enhance the vehicle's dynamics: In comparison with its length and height, the vehicle's width lends the Eos a particularly powerful appearance. Its large track width (over 1.55 metres) not only looks good, it also contributes extensively towards the extraordinarily agile and safe handling characteristics exhibited by the Eos. The result is pure driving enjoyment regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

DESIGN
CSC roof enables extremely homogeneous and refined lines

At the front end, the "chromed escutcheon grille" first implemented in series production in this form in the new Passat and the expressive headlights herald in a new VW face. Another currently typical Volkswagen design element is the bonnet, which is drawn forwards slightly over the headlights, giving the vehicle "eyebrows". Modulation of the Eos' bonnet is also extensively influenced by the position and shape of the headlights and the radiator grille. The V- shape of the grille is continued as a wide indentation in the bonnet. At the edges of this V, the sides of the bonnet rise in a gentle curve, clearly emphasising the convertible coupe's wing and wheel housing areas in optical terms. As a result of this, the front shoulder area looks particularly powerful. This superior image is enhanced by the projecting wheel housings and the previously mentioned, wide track.

The design of the Eos' rear end is no less muscular and athletic. As in the case of the bonnet, the rear wings curve upwards above a continuous, lateral character line. As a consequence, the boot lid's aerodynamic tear edge lies embedded between the wings. This in itself gives rise to a particularly dynamic look.

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The powerful design of the rear area is essentially determined by three further stylistic features. Firstly, the very clear, vertical surface of the boot lid with its integrated VW badge, corresponding to the style of the Passat and Phaeton. Secondly, the voluminous bumper which stretches into the projecting wheel housings. Thirdly, the striking, trapezoidal rear lights, which curve inwards in a manner similar to the headlights, with a round, central LED element for each of the tail light, turn signal, brake light and reversing light functions. As at the front, the entire rear bumper is painted in the body colour.

Outline: Regardless of whether the roof is up or down, the Eos' lateral curve is characterised by a wedge shape which ascends to the rear. The shut lines of the bonnet and boot lid, which stretch around the sides and into the wings, are also striking. The joint between the bonnet and front wings curves almost seamlessly into the lower edge of the side windows. As a contrast, the rear of what are called the lid shut lines (the material boundary between the boot lid and wings) continues the side windows' arc in a dynamic counter-swing. The interaction of all of these lateral shapes results in an extremely elegant, appealing curve even when the convertible coupe's roof is closed. Viewed from the side with its roof down, the Eos develops the characteristic charm of a large convertible. The homogeneous design of the formally enclosed windscreen frame, with its top rail, is eye-catching. Thanks to the five-section CSC roof, it does not project too far into the interior, guaranteeing unimpeded open-topped driving pleasure.

source:http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/article_1526.shtml

 

[genericuser]

if they make an AWD version, I'm sold.. either way.. I like it.. a lot

 

[BradC]

I like it, where do I sign up?

 

[vindication]

yup, still ugly as sin. interiors nice though

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

I like it quite a bit

 

[Dexter]

wow, i really like that. amazing.

 

[tsunami]

the rear end sucks... other wise nice car... and i really dig the hard top convertable option... specially for those in the inclement weather areas, where its not really practical to have a convert unless you own two cars... some do and those soft tops deff don't last thru to many winters...

 

[tyusha]

schweeeet that front end is sick looking......

 

[anarchistchiken]

I'd drive it. If it was rwd or awd, I might even pay for it.

 

[digitalricepape]

it looks pretty cool. diggin the look, though im not really feelin the jetta for some reason?

 

[tyusha]

many people i know don't like the new jetta i am one of them. The overhangs on that car are just too long..... Besides it's sooo overpriced. You really have to be making some decent money to affort to buy one..... Mazda3 is da winnar in my eyes...

 

[romecandleboy]

I'd rather turn a handle and sling the roof back miata style...rest of the car looks boring too.