2011 L.A. Auto Show Debut: Updated 2013 Volkswagen CC

Despite recent product introductions that have been getting more competitive in terms of pricing, equipment and fuel economy, the 2013 Volkswagen CC proves that the German automaker company isn't ready give up on the stylish, niche four-door coupe market. The redesigned CC was introduced at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show with an exterior design more in line with current VW models as well as a more accommodating interior. The 2013 VW CC will go on sale in U.S. showrooms in the spring of next year, and official pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

The most obvious changes for the new CC are the restyled front and rear ends which now feature the more angular appearance to fit in with other new models like the redesigned Jetta, Passat and Tiguan. Up front, the new CC actually has a familiar appearance with the ill-fated (and over-priced) Phaeton with squared-off headlights, while the new lower fascia helps to give the car a sportier look. Likewise, the rear of the CC has also received an update with rectangular taillights and a smoother fascia design. Finishing off the CC's new styling, the car received sportier side sills and will be offered with sporty 17- and 18-inch wheel options. Inside, and probably the biggest change made, the 2013 CC will now be able to accommodate more occupants thanks to an optional five-passenger seating configuration that replaces the rear bucket seats with a more conventional bench seat.

As many changes that were made to the 2013 CC, VW kept the engine options the same. This means that it will still offer the base CC with the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged inline-four that produces 200 horsepower and can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW's six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. A new feature for this powertrain is the XDS cross-differential system which adds a limited-slip feature to transfer torque across the front axle when wheel slippage is detected. The optional engine is still the 280-horsepower 3.6-liter VR6 which is available with 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

2011 Volkswagen Beetle R Concept

After unveiling the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle R Concept a couple months ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen finally showed off the souped-up Beetle on American turf. The Beetle R Concept features VW's 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged inline-four that has likely been tuned to produce something far more impressive than the engine's stock 200-hp rating, but VW has yet to announce any official number. Currently, Volkswagen is only calling the Beetle R Concept a "design study," but we wouldn't be surprised to see the car in American showrooms to help make redesigned Beetle even less of a "chick car."

The styling highlights of the Beetle R Concept include a more aggressive body kit including bigger front air vents, a louvered hood and a rear wing that could make some Porsche 911 models jealous. VW also fitted the car with massive 20-inch, five-spoke wheels which help show off the signature blue-painted calipers, and the whole look is finished off with a unique "Serious Grey Metallic" paint scheme. Fitting the concept name, the interior has been fitted with aggressive sport bucket seats that might not make it to production, although these Nappa-leather-trimmed seats would sure add some more character.