2012 Volkswagen Eos Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show - Web Exclusive

HERNDON, Va., " For the first time, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will unveil its all-new 2012 Eos hardtop convertible, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with market introduction in early spring of 2011. Featuring an updated design with numerous new features, the 2012 Eos is the perfect complement of style and performance. A convertible that boasts the versatility of a sophisticated four-season vehicle the Eos is a fun-to-drive, fully featured, premium convertible. The German engineered Eos is the only hardtop convertible with a built-in sunroof.

Exterior

Clearly structured and horizontally contoured, the freshened appearance of the new Eos, available in new exterior color options, follows the code of the Volkswagen design DNA. Extending now between the new headlights is a grille consisting of three shiny black louvers, each trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. With sporty handling and independent suspension, from behind, the Eos stands out through its reworked, two-part LED rear lights with a fiber optic technology system and redesigned rear bumper with diffuser.

Interior

The refined interior, available in several color options, showcases new trim on the instrument panel and doors with standard "Matte Chrome" detailing, as well as chrome-framed window buttons and light switches. On higher trim lines, genuine walnut wood adds elegance to the instrument and door panels, and is accompanied by supple "Vienna" leather seating. All Eos are equipped with leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob.

Engine and Transmission

Providing a dynamic driving experience, the 2012 Eos features the powerful and efficient German engineering that drivers have come to expect from Volkswagen. The Eos utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine. The direct injected power plant produces 200 horsepower and develops 207 lbs-ft. of torque while delivering a top highway fuel economy of 31 mpg highway.

For 2012, the Eos features the automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox® transmission as standard. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear needed while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox.

High-Tech Features

In technical terms, numerous contemporary details set the 2012 Eos apart. With a robust five-part roof unit, the fully opening hardtop converts the Eos from coupe to convertible (and vice versa) in just 25 seconds with the touch of a button. Unlike any other convertible, the Eos features a fully-functional sunroof with shade, allowing an open-air experience when the convertible top is up. A wind deflector has been cleverly integrated into the roof bow above the sun visors that effectively reduces wind noise when the top is stowed. And as temperatures rise and fall, the Eos is ready to respond with its dual-mode automatic climate control system that adjusts temperature based on the position of the convertible top. All of these make Eos a great alternative for all-season fun.

Also new on the Eos is the Keyless Entry and Start System, which allows the owner to get in and start up their Eos without getting out their key. Music lovers will enjoy the addition of HD Radio reception alongside SIRIUS satellite radio programming and MP3/WMA music file playback through the color touch-screen radio.

Safety

The 2012 Eos includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety, including roll bars that are integrated into the seats and sensor-deployed in the event of a roll-over. Standard fog lamps now feature integrated cornering lights to heighten safety on all models.

Roadside Assistance and Warranty

The 2012 Eos comes standard with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first), through a third party provider. The vehicle's standard limited warranties are:

• Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
• Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation

The Eos is covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, all of the scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty " three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the Eos uses synthetic oil, which when combined with the state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change. This allows Volkswagen owners to drive farther between scheduled oil changes.