VW spreads its wings

VOLKSWAGEN AG intends to introduce two prestige niche cars within five years.

The two are a mid-engine rear-drive roadster based on the 2003 Concept R show car and a large sedan (codenamed C1) that would sit between the Passat and Phaeton.

The C1 could be a luxury offering in the same vein as the Mercedes-Benz CLS coupe.

These are the latest details to come from VW’s plan to introduce 20 new vehicles over the timeframe, including 10 in segments where the German manufacturer currently does not compete, a spokesperson told Automotive News this week.

It is also believed that the launch date for the Golf VI has been brought forward to 2008, a year earlier than planned.

VW sources are quoted as saying the company plans to reduce costs (such as using a cheaper rear suspension) for the new model.