2019 Volkswagen Arteon release date, specs news: Fastback sedan to make US debut at Chicago Auto Show 2018

A promotional image for the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon.Volkswagen

The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon will reportedly make its U.S. debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2018. The direct successor to the Volkswagen CC will then go on sale in mid-2018.

Consumer Reports was the first to report about the 2019 Arteon's introduction in the United States. According to the publication, the upcoming four-door fastback sedan will also have an entry-level price that is in the same range as the outgoing CC — which is around $34,500.

Specifications for the U.S. model have yet to be revealed but official details regarding the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon were already revealed during the vehicle's world debut at the Geneva Auto Show back in March. The vehicle is already available to purchase in Europe.

The 2019 Arteon is based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. It is the same architecture used by other Volkswagen models such as the Golf, Tiguan and Atlas. In terms of design, the stylish sedan features classic sports car design elements but with the dimensions of a fastback. It has a long wheelbase, elongated roofline and coupe-like styling. The five-passenger hatchback is thus able to provide ample legroom and 19.8 cubic feet of luggage space.

The U.S.-spec Arteon is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 276 horsepower. The powertrain will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a front-wheel-drive system as standard. However, customers can choose to upgrade to an all-wheel drive.

Upon its launch, the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon will compete with the likes of the Buick Regal Sportback, Audi A5 Sportback and the Kia Stinger.

Meanwhile, in other news, Volkswagen has confirmed that a high-performance version of the fastback sedan, called Arteon R, is already in development. It will eventually become the range-topping model thanks to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces up to 404 horsepower. However, the Arteon R is not expected to arrive in the United States.