The Volkswagen Arteon won’t be arriving on US soil until early 2019, according to a recent Automotive News report. Volkswagen has been promoting their new flagship sedan, but issues with emissions testing are setting back the launch date. The Volkswagen Arteon originally debuted at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the now-defunct CC.
Here’s what happened
Volkswagen stated that the reason for these delays have to do with emissions. Not diesel emissions, but emissions for its gasoline engines. To clarify, this doesn’t have to do with earlier emissions cheating scandals. Volkswagen has been backlogged trying to meet new certification standards set by the EU. Specifically, the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) regulations. As a result, the Volkswagen Arteon will arrive a few months later than we originally anticipated.
What we know
The Volkswagen Arteon, like most of Volkswagen’s lineup, is based on the MQB platform. It’s replacing the CC in the lineup, though it’s gained 5 inches of length in the process. It features the tried-and-tested EA888 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit. In this application, it should make 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. One key difference, however, is that the CC had a manual option for some time. Unfortunately, the Arteon will not have such an option – just an 8-speed automatic.
Being Volkswagen’s flagship sedan, the Arteon will be full of tech. This is set to include a digital cockpit, heads-up display and a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch screen. Plus, a host of driver safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, emergency braking and more.
The hard part for us is that Europe has been driving the Arteon since 2017. We think it looks great and we want to drive one too! As it stands, we’ll just have to wait.
Until then, stay tuned to TFLcar.com for the latest news, views & real-world reviews. Plus, check out the video below to see the Arteon’s US reveal at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show: