Volkswagen says niche models are its future: "Today this spectrum ranges from the Fox to the Phaeton," says one well-placed insider. "But more and more, we will be seeing a fascinating diversity between these columns. CrossPolo, Golf GTI, Golf R32, Eos, or the Passat Individual are showing the way. The New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible were forerunners."
With VW sales in the U.S. in a slump, Wolfsburg intends for niche models to stimulate consumer interest in the brand. Here's a look at that strategy for the U.S.:
2008 C1: A high-roof, near-luxury rear- drive five-door hatchback that replaces the Phaeton and short-lived Passat W8. It could be badged 511 or Cfero.
2008 Roadster: Based on the 2003 Concept R, its mid-engine FSI turbo-four could be tweaked to the tune of 280 horsepower.
2009 Scirocco: A coupe based on the Concept R/Roadster.
2009 minivan: Built by DaimlerChrysler on the next-generation Chrysler minivan platform. It'll have unique sheetmetal; its V-6 may be either Chrysler- or VW-sourced.