More and more carmakers are considering diesel engines for the U.S. market, despite a traditional perception that the oil-burners would be unwelcome. The simple truth is that diesels are a cheaper and easier way to improve fuel economy without sacrificing much performance than just about any alternative. With tighter CAFE standards looming, everyone from BMW to Mercedes to Chrysler is employing diesel for precisely those reasons - and that's what makes the Volkswagen CC such a likely candidate for the fuel as well.

So far, only petrol-engined CCs are in the product plan for VW, but Brett Scott, VW's U.S. product planner for mid-size cars, says the company is considering diesel as an option, according to The Car Connection. Several variants are already in the works for the CC's powertrain, sharing most of what's available in the Passat, which also shares a platform with the CC. That includes both four and six-cylinder engines plus FWD and AWD options. Transmissions will be available in six-speed automatic and manual versions as well, with pricing to start around $27,000.

The two petrol engines in the U.S. include a 2.0L TSI engine rated at 200hp (149kW) and a 280hp (209kW) 3.6L FSI. The two diesel variants sold in Europe and other markets are rated at 140hp (104kW) and 170hp (126kW), so if they are offered, they will be markedly less powerful than either petrol variant. That may not sit will with buyers given the price premium that typically accompanies a diesel powertrain, though the improved fuel economy could outweigh the drop in power for many.

The VW Jetta TDI, back in the U.S. for the 2009 model year, uses a 140hp 2.0L turbodiesel that is EPA rated at 29mpg (8.1L/100km) city and 40mpg (5.9L/100km) highway. The same engine would likely be available in the Passat CC, since it has already effectively passed 50-state certification.