2008 Volkswagen Eos

(from Volkswagen Press Release)  2008 EOS: TRANSFORMATIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL
Retractable hard-top with built-in sunroof just one of the benefits Eos offers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Following up on the introduction of the world’s first fourseat, hard-top convertible, with an integrated glass sunroof, the Eos sets the standard for year-round fun.

With the push of a button the revolutionary CSC™ (coupe-sunroof-convertible) transforms the coupe’s five-panel hard-top, with integrated sunroof and heated-glass rear window, into an open-air convertible.

The 2008 Eos comes with a choice of engines: the Volkswagen 2.0T four-cylinder and the innovative Volkswagen 3.2 L narrow-angle V6. Either way you get plenty of power and the innovative hard-top coupe convertible for as little as $28,915 for an Eos 2.0T and $37,990 for the Eos 3.2 L.

The 2008 Eos 2.0T offers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. High-pressure, FSI helps with performance and efficiency. The 2008 Eos 2.0T is EPA-rated at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 32 mpg in highway driving.

For people who need even more performance, the 2008 Eos 3.2 L V6 cranks out 250 hp and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The narrow-angle six-cylinder engine accelerates the Eos from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds.

The Eos 3.2 L V6 model comes standard with the double-clutch DSG® six-speed transmission with Tiptronic®. This transmission is available as an option for those who wish to replace the standard six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch that comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. Regardless of powertrain setup, the power transfers to where rubber meets the road via front-wheel drive in all 2008 Eos models.

A sliding glass roof, with automatic pinch protection, is incorporated into the retractable hard-top, which can be opened to let in as much light and fresh air as desired. The sophisticated roof movement is accomplished via a switch in the center console that activates eight hydraulic cylinders with mechanical linkages. In just 25 seconds, the hard-top convertible is completely and automatically lowered. To raise the roof, another click of the roof switch quickly raises the solid panels to create the
protected, quiet interior environment found in traditional coupes. The front roof panels, including the glass sunroof, slide under the forward roof panels as the entire roof area rises from the C-pillar to what would be a B-pillar and is stored beneath a rear deck. The panoramic, tinted glass power sunroof is integrated into the folding roof of the Volkswagen Eos – “sandwiched” between roof panels as the hard-top is lowered.

An available Trunk Lid Assistance program with integrated bumper sensors monitors up to 20 inches behind the vehicle and prevents the roof from operating if any object or obstruction is detected. Preserving the luggage area is a cargo cover that must be in place and latched for the roof-lowering to be completed.

Also, just to be safe, the vehicle ignition must be “on” and vehicle speed must remain below 0.6 mph during roof operation. A status indicator provides warnings if the roof is not secured – either up or down.

To make top-down driving even more enjoyable, a pop-up mesh-fence wind deflector is standard for the front windshield frame of the 2008 Eos. A removable windblocker also can be set up behind the front seats to reduce wind buffeting and increase top-down comfort.

Another thoughtful design feature is the shorter windshield frame that is less intrusive to interior space than with a typical, traditional convertible windshield frame. The shorter window frame also eliminates the “duck” of getting into and out of conventional convertibles with tall window frames.

The Eos comes standard with a Rollover Protection System. Spring tension instantly elevates the roll bar-like elements of the Rollover Protection System. In the event of a severe frontal impact, a side or rear collision, or in the case of vehicle rollover or extreme lateral tilt, specially designed individual “roll-bars” pop up from behind the rear seats.

While the Eos is a two-door coupe, it gives the driver and passengers the feeling and comfort of being in a much larger convertible. At 173.5 inches long overall with a wheelbase of 101.5 in., width of 70.5 in. and height of 56.8 in, the dimensions of the Eos enhance vehicle dynamics. A large track width not only looks good, it helps create extraordinary agility and safe handling characteristics exhibited by the Eos.

For nighttime driving, the 2008 Eos 3.2 L models have an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) that swivels low-beam headlights to improve visibility though turns. The headlight rotation, to a maximum of 15 degrees, is activated by the steering wheel or by operation of the turn signals. In addition, the available “Coming Home” feature helps light the way into enclosed spaces during nighttime arrivals.
Standard power folding exterior rearview mirrors are heated and incorporate LED side blinkers and brake lights. The driver side mirror is self-dimming to help prevent temporary “blinding” from following automobiles.

The 2008 Eos 2.0T offers a respectable 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the roof closed, and 6.6 cu.ft. with the roof retracted. A lockable, rear seat pass-through allows for transporting some long or bulky items, such as skis.

Inside, the Eos offers an inviting interior—the dash includes Volkswagen’s typically dominant center console, and the side areas are spread out like wings to the left and right. The center-stack holds exclusively designed air vent apertures bordered in chrome. Interior trim is available with genuine walnut wood, full brushed aluminum and metallic-look synthetic interior trim.

The Eos interior can be configured in three colors, with darker colors dominating the upper areas to minimize windshield reflections. All plastics used in the lower area of the dash are coated with soft-effect paint.

A twelve-way power adjustable driver’s seat is standard as is a twelve-way manual adjusting front passenger seat. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle, as well as heated washer nozzles, are available on all models. Shift paddles on the steering wheel also are available with the DSG transmission.

The Volkswagen 2008 Eos include Climatic single-zone air conditioning as standard in the base Eos, with dual-zone Climatronic™ standard in the Eos 2.0T and 3.2 L models. Easy-entry rear seats that “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, are standard on the Eos 3.2 L and optional on the 2.0T models.

The Eos can be ordered with an impressive 600-watt sound system, which includes a 10-channel digital amplifier and 10 specifically positioned and coordinated loudspeakers. An iPod adaptor also is available.

Standard audio in the Eos includes an AM/FM radio with single-disc in-dash CD player and eight speakers. A premium six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight-speaker system are available as an option, as is a DVD-navigation system with visual and audible commands for increased driver safety and reassurance.

For increased safety, Volkswagen has fitted the 2008 Eos with special side supplemental restraint airbags. A driver and front passenger frontal airbag supplemental restraint system includes a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) and headthorax airbags designed to work in parallel with driver and front passenger frontal airbags. In the event of a crash, the combination airbags unfold horizontally and vertically to cover the entire length of the side windows.

Additional safety-enhancing features that are standard equipment on the 2008 Eos include: four-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system) and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and brake-disc wiper system, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and an electromechanical power steering setup.

For ride comfort and control, Volkswagen designed the all-new 2008 Eos with a front McPherson strut with triangular wishbones and self-leveling shock absorbers. In the rear is a fully independent, four-link suspension. Stabilizer bars front and rear add to roll control and reduce lateral drift.
Power-assisted front vented disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes are standard. A
brake wear indicator, which gives owners a tip when it is time for new pads, also is
standard.

Of course, all the standards and features you’d expect in a Volkswagen are there, including tilt steering wheel, seat lumbar support and childseat LATCH system in the two rear seats. And, like all new Volkswagen models, the Eos comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranties including: