The new Volkswagen Cabriolet-Coupe is to be called Eos

There is another sore spot to most cabriolets, especially when it comes to compact-type versions, and that is that the majority of them are originally modelled on the typical cab-forward design, so that the A-pillar and its transverse beams extend a long way into the interior of the vehicle, causing almost a tickling sensation to the forehead as the frame of the windscreen hovers menacingly close. All these problem areas were effectively dealt with in the concept C. This vehicle is not founded on an existing basic model, but was newly developed as a cabriolet in its very own right.

Which is why Volkswagen's cabriolet design study has a number of constructional advantages. These are merits which are perceivable even in the design - from whichever perspective you look at the car.

A fusion of tradition and progress.

The concept C's sporty and powerful architecture and the principles employed to design its contours produce a very concrete outlook on the new design for future Volkswagen automobiles. By the same token, however, the concept C is but a new chapter in a long and successful tradition of cabriolets: including the legendary Beetle Cabriolet, which achieved cult status around the world, or the more rationally designed Golf Cabriolet, one of the most successful of all convertibles. The most recent in the series of Volkswagen convertibles, today's New Beetle Cabriolet, is characterised by a combination of emotional and functional attributes. It is on this foundation of successful tradition that the concept C was designed.

The front end.

The concept C features a radiator grille of unmistakable design (first featured in the roadster design study - the concept R - and, in this case, made of aluminium). Combined with striking round headlights, this feature forms the new "face” of the front end, variations of which will adorn many other Volkswagen models in future. The versatility of the headlights as an individual style feature in different vehicles is aptly demonstrated when one compares the concept R and the concept C. Although the formal parameters applied to both are the same, simply changing the proportions and the positioning of the various elements helps to create a look very specific to the individual vehicle.

Another feature which is common to both these new Volkswagen cars is the slight slant of the bonnet over the headlights, which creates the impression of "eyebrows”. This is a stylistic attribute first introduced in the premium-class Phaeton.

The positioning of the headlights and radiator grille has also substantially influenced the modulation of the concept C's bonnet, with the V-contour of the grille reproduced in a wide depression on the bonnet. The sides of the bonnet along these V-contours are raised to a slight curve, giving this cabriolet distinctly contoured wings and wheelhouses. The result is an exquisitely muscular-looking shoulder section. This robust look is further accentuated by protruding wheel arches and the treads already described above.

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