The Volkswagen Eos is a four-seater retractable hardtop coupe convertible, introduced in 2006 as the successor to the Volkswagen Cabrio. The Eos is Volkswagen's first production coupe since the last Corrado in 1995.

The name Eos is derived from Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn and wind.

Roof design

The Eos incorporates into its five-piece folding roof an integrated and independently sliding glass sunroof — making the Eos the only retractable hardtop of this kind. The roof folds automatically into the trunk in 25 seconds, thereby reducing trunk space from 10.5 cubic feet to 6.6 cubic feet.

The roof was designed by Murat Günak , a Turkish designer — and is built by OASys, a subsidiary of Webasto Germany.

Inception, production and history

Prior to production, the EOS was shown as the Concept C concept car at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show — designed by a team headed by Peter Schryer, Head of Volkswagen Design in Wolfsburg. Other sources attribute the design of the EOS specifically to Slovenian Robert Lešnik.

The production Eos was presented in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with the North American introduction at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, 2006.

Unlike the Cabrio, which was a convertible version of the Golf hatchback, the Eos is a standalone model with all-new body panels, although it shares the platform and components from the Passat (Mark 6 (B6 now PQ46 platform) (2005-present)). The wheelbase matches the Golf Mk5 and Jetta.

The Eos is produced in Volkswagen's Autoeuropa factory in Palmela, Portugal. Although production started in late 2005, first deliveries were delayed due to a wind noise problem. The Eos was finally released in Europe in the first quarter of 2006, and in North America in the third quarter of 2006. Right-hand drive market Japan began sales in October 2006 followed by New Zealand and Australia in January 2007. It was released in South Africa in the second quarter of 2007.

Drivetrain

Six engines are available, all are front-wheel drive and Euro-4 compliant:

• 1.4 litre TSI, I4, turbocharged gasoline engine, 6-speed manual (Europe only)
• 1.6 litre FSI, I4, gasoline engine, 6-speed manual (Europe only)
• 2.0 litre FSI, I4, gasoline engine, 6-speed manual (Europe only)
• 2.0 litre TDI, I4, turbocharged diesel engine, 6-speed manual (Europe, Australia only) 2009 model is now common rail engine
• 2.0 litre TFSI, I4, turbocharged gasoline engine, 6-speed manual / 6-speed manual DSG
• 3.2 litre, V6, gasoline engine, 6-speed DSG

References

External links

• Eos at Volkswagen International
• A link to an article of the Eos' inspiration, the Concept C.
• Dimensions, specifications and color combinations
• Eos owners' and enthuisists' forum on VWvortex