Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton Exclusive makes our inner plutocrat swoon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volkswagen-phaeton-exclusive-makes-our-inne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volkswagen-phaeton-exclusive-makes-our-inne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volkswagen-phaeton-exclusive-makes-our-inne/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Volkswagen Phaeton Exclusive - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the Phaeton, we really don't care what anyone else thinks. The only justification we'll offer is that back in the early 2000s, VW's ubermensch Ferdinand Piech took off the calf-skin gloves and dropped the mother of all gauntlets. He told commanded engineers to build A) the very best high performance hypercar the world had ever seen, and, B) an equally superb luxury sedan. The results, as you may have guessed, were the Veyron and the Phaeton. A little bit of this high high-falutin' zeitgeist rubbed off on the Touareg as well -- especially the twin-turbo TDI V10 monster.

The whole Phaeton can'o'worms is quite messy in the States. To put it bluntly, the grand sedan completely failed. Still, anyone that's spent so much as thirty seconds in the back seat knows that the Phaeton's failure in WalMart country had nothing to do with the Phaeton. Proof? Volkswagen, who by year's end is projected to be the largest automaker in the world and therefor knows a thing or two about cars, is bringing the Phaeton back to our red, white und blue shores. This particular Phaeton Exclusive (featuring the universe's glossiest, deepest and darkest black paint) is actually sporting the 2007 facelift. But you can rest easy, secure in the knowledge we'll be getting the new Phaeton when it returns to the US in 2011.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton Exclusive



Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton Exclusive makes our inner plutocrat swoon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Phaeton2010 Volkswagen Phaeton Exclusive2010Phaeton2010VolkswagenPhaetonExclusive2011 Phaeton2011 Volkswagen Phaeton2011Phaeton2011VolkswagenPhaeton201o Volkswagen Phaeton201oVolkswagenPhaetonFrankfurtFrankfurt 2009Frankfurt Auto ShowFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowPhaetonVolkswagenVolkswagen PhaetonVolkswagen Phaeton ExclusiveVolkswagenPhaetonVolkswagenPhaetonExclusiveVWVW PhaetonVwPhaetonWed, 16 Sep 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #141 of the Autoblog Podcast marks the first time we're joined by a guest outside the Autoblog Inner Circle, and we're hoping that it's the start of a trend. This week, our interview couch is occupied by drift, rally and stunt legend (and all-around good guy) Tanner Foust, the only back-to-back Formula D champion ever. Since Tanner's a racer, we kick off the show talking about the heartbreaking Ferrari crash at Monterey before touching on the Dodge Viper powered Devon GTX and its screaming lap at Laguna Seca.

Actual news starts with talk of the Hyundai Equus coming to the United States, moves on to the Volkswagen Phaeton's supposed return to the North American market, and then to the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Acura's ZDX tickles (or not) our design eyes, and then we wrap up with some of your questions. Thanks for the new reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, as well as taking the time to fill out our survey. The feedback to our Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com address has been great, too, so keep it coming... see you next week!



Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura zdxAcuraZdxautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastdevondevon gtxDevonGtxfalsefeaturedferrari 250ferrari 250 testa rossaferrari 250 trferrari 250 tr crashferrari 250trferrari crashferrari monterey crashFerrari250Ferrari250TestaRossaFerrari250trFerrari250TrCrashFerrariCrashFerrariMontereyCrashhyundai equusHyundaiEquusphaetonphaeton returnphaeton returning to usPhaetonReturnphaetonreturningtouspodcast 141podcast tanner foustPodcast141PodcastTannerFoustspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker c8 aileron spyderSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8AileronSpydertanner foustTannerFoustvolkswagen phaetonVolkswagenPhaetonvw phaetonVwPhaetonzdxTue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #141Autoblog68:00tanner foust, podcast 141, spyker aileron, devon gtx, ferrari 250tr crash, ferrari monterey crash, hyundai equus, volkswagen phaeton, acura zdx <![CDATA[REPORT: VW CEO confirms Phaeton will return to America, doesn't say when]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-vw-ceo-confirms-phaeton-will-return-to-america-doesnt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-vw-ceo-confirms-phaeton-will-return-to-america-doesnt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-vw-ceo-confirms-phaeton-will-return-to-america-doesnt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volkswagen Phaeton - Click above for high-res image gallery

At least as far back as March 2007, we were reporting that Volkswagen might bring back their range-topping and bank-draining Phaeton sedan to the States. Back then, it was the company's CEO Martin Winterkorn predicting the car's return to America, but in more recent times, we haven't heard much news about the luxury liner. Then spyshots of a re-designed 2011 Phaeton emerged in June of this year, but we speculated there was zero chance of the much-maligned model being sold here.

Of course, Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America had to prove us wrong by telling The Detroit News that yes, there will again be Phaetons sold on American VW dealers' lots. He doesn't get specific about when the luxury sedan will return (or even if it will be anything like the model American consumers already shunned), but he does say it will indeed be the range's high-end flagship once again.

Jacoby also lays out the brand's U.S. strategy to pretty much have something to offer in every category save perhaps amphibious vehicles. He admits additions to the German carmaker's U.S. lineup could include a Polo-sized car below the Jetta, a compact SUV to be produced next to a new midsize sedan in Chattanooga, which will be topped by another new midsize sedan "like the Avalon for Toyota."


Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)


[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: VW CEO confirms Phaeton will return to America, doesn't say when originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogaphaetonphaeton returning to usPhaetonReturningToUspolostefan jacobyStefanJacobyvolkswagenMon, 17 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Facelifted 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton caught in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-volkswagen-phaeton-caught-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-volkswagen-phaeton-caught-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/spy-shots-facelifted-2011-volkswagen-phaeton-caught-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Volkswagen Phaeton may not have gotten much love in the States, but V-Dub's range-topping saloon has soldiered on in Europe, undergoing a series of minor tweaks since its introduction earlier this decade. For 2011, the Phaeton is finally due for a comprehensive facelift, and these newest spy shots show a new fascia is in the works.

Although the extensive camouflage doesn't give us much to work with, expect a revised grille to join more sculpted, drawn headlamps that lend some familial cohesion to the sedan. Imagine a stretched and broadened Golf and it's likely you're not too far off. Other tweaks include a reworked rear bumper and tail lamps, along with a new instrument panel, center stack and shifter arrangement. A range of powerplants will be available - possibly including a V10 or V12 TDI - and the 2011 Phaeton could debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter. Chances of it coming back to the U.S.: zero.

[Source: FastestCar]

Spy Shots: Facelifted 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton caught in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 volkswagen phaeton2011VolkswagenPhaetonfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowphaetonspy shotsSpyShotsvolkswagenvwThu, 18 Jun 2009 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Phaeton could return to the U.S. this year, or next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-phaeton-could-return-to-the-u-s-this-year-or-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-phaeton-could-return-to-the-u-s-this-year-or-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-phaeton-could-return-to-the-u-s-this-year-or-next/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.

To put it charitably, the Phaeton never met the U.S. sales expectations set by Volkswagen, but that hasn't stopped VW execs from considering another push to market the luxobarge in North America. Sales of the facelifted Phaeton are up in Germany by 45.4-percent for the first quarter of 2008 and that's making V-Dub's brass seriously consider bringing the Phaeton back to U.S. shores. According to Autobild, many of the higher-ups at VW want to start shipping the Phaeton across the Atlantic towards the end of the year, but VW's largest shareholder, headed by Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, isn't convinced that the Phaeton could fly again. We can't blame him, considering the chilly reception a $60k+ VW garnered here in the States, partnered with Volkswagen's new push to reestablish itself as the affordable people's car.

Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)


[Source: Autobild]

Volkswagen Phaeton could return to the U.S. this year, or next originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 volkswagen phaeton2009VolkswagenPhaetonphaetonvolkswagenThu, 17 Apr 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view more pics of the Passat CC in high-res

Remember when Volkswagen launched the Phaeton, and everyone was like, What the heck are they thinking? Yeah, that was awesome. But it left a huge gaping hole in Volkswagen's product line-up between the Passat and the Phaeton. Wolfsburg tried to bridge the gap a little with the previous-generation Passat W8 4Motion, but that didn't do so well and was quickly taken off the market. The Passat CC unveiled earlier this week in Detroit helps fill the void, and the next Phaeton is expected to go down-market, but the gap is still so wide between the sedans that Volkswagen is reportedly considering making another one to slot into the line-up. Since the Phaeton isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, we assume this gap-bridging car is destined for the European market only.

This isn't mere rumor, speculation or conjecture. It comes straight from the mouth of Volkswagen's design chief, Klaus Bischoff, who revealed at the Passat CC's unveiling "We are planning another model between the Passat CC and Phaeton." Well, there you have it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccgapline-upmodelnewpassatphaetonsedanvolkswagenThu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen to build Up! in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Volkswagen has been struggling here in the US, but in emerging markets the German automaker is among the best. VW has been a big player in China since way before it was cool, and now Mr. Winterkorn and co. are focusing their attention on the booming India market. VW is planning on producing 240,000 vehicles per year in India by 2012, and it's using two small cars to supply much of the volume. The size and price of the Polo compact and the upcoming Up! minicar are perfect for the India market, and Europe's largest automaker plans on building both vehicles at its new plant in Chakan. Up! will go head to head with its low-cost Indian market competition with a price tag in the $7,500 price range.

The Passat has already been on sale in India since November, the next generation Jetta and the ultra-luxury Phaeton are scheduled to hit India's VW dealerships in the next couple years. With VW's vast expertise making and selling its cars in low-cost markets, the company that created the original Beetle has a great chance to make hay in the land of Gandhi and the Taj Mahal.

[Source: Inside Line]

Volkswagen to build Up! in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IndiaJettaPassatPhaetonPoloUp!VolkswagenVWSun, 09 Dec 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: VW Phaeton coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/rendered-speculation-vw-phaeton-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/rendered-speculation-vw-phaeton-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/07/rendered-speculation-vw-phaeton-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although it came as a surprise to most (okay, all), Volkswagen plans to revive the Phaeton nameplate and possibly make a play for buyers of more high-budget coupes like the Mercedes SL. A few spy shots surfaced last month showing a test mule of VW's intentions, and although little was gleaned from the misshapen two-door, artists contracted by Automobile decided to take a whack at styling the Phaeton coupe in the virtual realm.

Looking more like an Eos hopped up on a Barry Bonds cocktail, the stretched wheelbase and bulging fenders make an attempt to convey more luxurious pretenses. We say it fails to excite. But then again, neither did the original sedan, so it's keeping with tradition. What say you?

[Source: Automobile]

Rendered speculation: VW Phaeton coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertiblecoupephaetonvolkswagenvwTue, 07 Aug 2007 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Phaeton, Take 2: let's try smaller this time, with a bit more Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/vw-phaeton-take-2-lets-try-smaller-this-time-with-a-bit-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/vw-phaeton-take-2-lets-try-smaller-this-time-with-a-bit-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/vw-phaeton-take-2-lets-try-smaller-this-time-with-a-bit-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen's Phaeton could not exactly be described as a run-away success. The German carmaker planned to make a modest 20,000 units, but only managed to sell a quarter that amount. But someone in Wolfsburg must have gotten an "if at first you don't succeed" fortune cookie, and they're determined to give it another shot.

The next Phaeton, as we've reported previously, will save considerably on development costs by sharing its underpinnings with the next A6 from corporate cousin Audi. This, however, is no mere speculation: it comes straight from the mouth of CEO Martin Winterkorn. The end result will be a Phaeton smaller than the one it replaces, bringing costs down and bringing it slightly closer to the top-end Passat to help close the enormous gap in the Volkswagen model line-up.

The current slow-selling Phaeton cost Volkswagen a bundle to develop, but all was not lost as the platform ended up providing the basis for the more successful Bentley Continental range, with its coupe, cabrio and sedan variations. What will happen with the next Continental, you ask? Sources suggest that it will take its underpinnings from the latest Audi A8.

All in all this amounts to a change of direction for the German auto group, which has a history of investing heavily into new models which compete with offerings from their own subsidiaries.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VW Phaeton, Take 2: let's try smaller this time, with a bit more Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a6a8audigenluxurynextphaetonreplacementsedanvolkswagenvwMon, 23 Apr 2007 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[One more time: VW Phaeton returning to U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/11/one-more-time-vw-phaeton-returning-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Phaeton
Click image for hi-res gallery of the facelifted VW Phaeton

It appears that the VW Phaeton will make a return to the Unites States market, according to Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn. In an interview with Financial Times Deutchland, he essentially stated that to be successful with a product, it has to be something sold worldwide. (We're paraphrasing from a Google Translation of the FTD article, so be advised that the wording may be off a bit.)

The other thing we took from the translated article is that the car earmarked for a return to the States is the "successor" to the Phaeton. That has us thinking that the facelifted car introduced at Geneva last week is not the one Winterkorn's talking about. The Phaeton story is well known by now; poorly marketed and just as poorly received by car shoppers, the VW super sedan is a beautiful, handbuilt machine that tanked thanks in large part to an idiotic campaign at the car's launch (remember the TV commercials where VW showed still photos of the car with the logos covered while a voiceover clown said things like, "No question...that's a BMW"?) and a price tag that was incongruous with what people were willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The 8-cylinder Phaeton stickered at over $64K, and a gargantuan $94K was the price set for the range-topping W12. For that kind of money, people could go shop at Audi (or BMW, or Mercedes), and that's likely what many of them did. The Phaeton was pulled from our market in 2005.

Assuming this actually happens, it'll be interesting to see what Volkswagen does to help make round two a success for the Phaeton. If any readers have a proper command of German and can better elucidate what the FTD article says, please chime in with your own comments. The Financial Times piece can be found here. If you don't read German, this will come in handy.

Thanks to all who sent tips.

[Source: FT Deutchland]

Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)

One more time: VW Phaeton returning to U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financial timesfinancial times deutchlandFinancialTimesFinancialTimesDeutchlandmartin winterkornMartinWinterkornphaetonphaeton returnphaeton returning to USPhaetonReturnPhaetonReturningToUsSun, 11 Mar 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: The new VW Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-the-new-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-the-new-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-the-new-vw-phaeton/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click the above pic for a gallery

It's not coming here, no need to get out of your chair. The Phaeton picks up a new nose, a ton of little tweaks, a new 3-liter TDI V6, and will be on sale in Europe this summer. It's a wonderful car -- gorgeously appointed and scrupulously assembled. Unfortunately, the marketing didn't connect enough Phaetons with owners, so it has been banished from US showrooms. A shame, really, as VW's already dreamy dreamboat picks up a passel of safety gear and the aforementioned new diesel that meets Euro V emissions standards while remaining the ultimate showcase of VW's formidable tech integration chops. We like the new face, which keeps the Phaeton in line with the corporate look of Volkswagen. It's always been a stealth bomber, and it still maintains its Passat-in-a-double-breasted-suit look, which will help you fly along under the radar of most drivers (and constabularies, hopefully) while enjoying sumptuous appointments and a vaultlike structure.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Gallery: VW Phaeton (facelifted)


Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: The new VW Phaeton

Geneva Motor Show: The new VW Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselgenevageneva motor showGenevaMotorShowphaetontdivolkswagenvwWed, 07 Mar 2007 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Xtreme shadow puppets sell the VW Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/video-xtreme-shadow-puppets-sell-the-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/video-xtreme-shadow-puppets-sell-the-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/video-xtreme-shadow-puppets-sell-the-vw-phaeton/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This spot is as amazing as the fact that the Phaeton actually made it into production. Of course, its run didn't pan out (at least in the U.S.), but you have to admit the Phaeton's a hell of a car no matter the badge on the grille. This commercial is truly incredible, as well. The expressiveness, detail and natural-looking motion these shadow puppets achieve just boggles the mind. Actually, it makes us wonder if it was a real spectacular feat shot in a single take with many talented performers who had rehearsed it until they were doing it in their sleep; or if it was a digital creation. Either way has its challenges, but we're more impressed with the former, so that's the story we'll continue to tell ourselves.

Video after the jump

[Source: YouTube via Fresh Creation]

Continue reading VIDEO: Xtreme shadow puppets sell the VW Phaeton

VIDEO: Xtreme shadow puppets sell the VW Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialphaetonshadow puppetsShadowPuppetsspottvvideovolkswagenvolkswagen advolkswagen commercialvolkswagen spotvolkswagen tvVolkswagenAdVolkswagenCommercialVolkswagenSpotVolkswagenTvTue, 30 Jan 2007 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: phaecelifted VW Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/spy-shots-phaecelifted-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/spy-shots-phaecelifted-vw-phaeton/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/25/spy-shots-phaecelifted-vw-phaeton/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Earlier reports suggested that Volkswagen may be canceling the range-topping Phaeton sedan. Some opined that it'd be right to do so - the big saloon was never the runaway global success Volkswagen had hoped for. It seems customers, in the United States especially, weren't prepared to drop that kind of dough on a VW.

Such rumors are now looking to be just plain wrong, as Volkswagen prepares not just one, but two sequential replacements for the uber-sedan. The first is a minor facelift to update the Phaeton's styling to be more like - perversely - the Polo supermini (and also like the Passat and Golf for that matter). The front bumper, headlights and hood are all revised, and inside the CD navigation system is replaced by a DVD version.

The facelift is just to tide the Phaeton over until its complete replacement comes in 2009. The all-new sedan is expected to take on more coupe-like styling, in the same vein as the Mercedes CLS. The 2009 Phaeton will also go down-market a bit so as not to compete with the Audi A8, but still positioned significantly higher than the Passat.

With cars like the Bugatti Veyron and the all-conquering Audi racers dominating Le Mans, we all know what happens when the people at the Volkswagen group set their minds to something, so this ought to be interesting....

(Follow the link for more pics of the revised Phaeton caught in the wild)

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: phaecelifted VW Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>faceliftnewphaetonvolkswagenvwWed, 25 Oct 2006 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-worlds-first-4wd-limo-is-a-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-worlds-first-4wd-limo-is-a-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/the-worlds-first-4wd-limo-is-a-volkswagen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Phaeton Lounge
Click to enlarge

Volkswagen Individual, the company's in-house customizer, is charged with creating bespoke vehicles and various limited-edition, niche market and specialty models. Their involvement could be something as simple as developing a new paint color or wheels to producing a run of specifically-equipped variants of existing models.The breadth of Individual's involvement across the VW lineup came as a surprise to us, and we'll discuss that in a separate post. For now, we want to focus on a special car they created to show off their capabilities, the Phaeton Lounge stretch limousine.

A 2005 design and engineering study, this six-passenger (2 in front, 4 in back) Phaeton limo also happens to be the first 4WD vehicle of its kind. Powered by a 420-horsepower W12, the 22-foot-long Phaeton Lounge's exterior is drenched in shiny black piano lacquer and accented with flashes of chrome.

The passenger compartment is decadently luxurious, awash in premium woods and contrasting leathers. The floorboards, all wood with aluminum strips separating them, look like they belong in a megayacht, never mind a car. In addition to the rich materials used, the rear cabin is predictably feature-laden. Replete with individually adjusting seats and footrests, 12-liter refrigerator, minibar, humidor, DVD entertainment system with two 17" displays, and a hidden PC with Bluetooth peripherals and mobile internet connectivity, the Phaeton Lounge is set up to make each ride comfortable, relaxing, and, if necessary, productive.

It's tastefully executed and communicates subtle elegance inside and out. As a showcase of Volkswagen Individual's abilities, it succeeds completely.

(Press release & high-res photo gallery after the jump)

[Source: Volkswagen AG]

Continue reading The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen

The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's what we call a newsbrief - In the a short Dow Jones Newswire piece, Volkswagen denies a report in German newspaper the Leipziger Volkszeitung that it is shopping Lamborghini and Bugatti, and that it is discontinuing the brand's top-rung Phaeton luxury sedan.

This is the first we've heard of the rumors, and while Volkswagen has been conducting some aggressive restructuring over the past several months, it would appear that both of the supercar marques' model portfolios (present and near-future) are tied too closely to the mother ship to make such sell-offs viable. Word of the Phaeton's demise also comes within hours of a Freien Presse report indicating that VW has designs on replacing the luxury sedan in 2009.

[Sources: Dow Jones Newswire via Morningstar.com; AFX News Limited via Forbes; Volkswagen]

Rumor mill: VW shopping Lamborghini and Bugatti? Phasing out or replacing the Phaeton? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GallardoPeople's CarPeople'sCarPhaetonVeyronVolkswagenVWMon, 12 Jun 2006 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/volkswagen-strips-vehicle-lineup-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/volkswagen-strips-vehicle-lineup-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/volkswagen-strips-vehicle-lineup-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a bid to rationalize its vehicle lineup and control costs, Volkswagen's British outpost is taking a massive axe to its range, culling dozens of models and options from its order books. With in excess of 10,000 different build combinations and pressures to streamline their operations, VW has resorted to nixing entire trim levels, colors, options in an effort to simplify its offerings.

Models that have seen their final days on UK shores include the 4.2-liter V8 short-wheelbase Phaeton, the Polo in 1.4-liter TDI E, S, SE and Sport variants, and the Touran in 2.0-liter FSI 150 SE trim. Newer models like the Eos, Touareg, Jetta, and Fox have been spared.

The company promises that existing owners of discontinued models will not have any service or parts issues as a result.

While Autoblog has yet to confirm if mainland Europe is similarly affected, we would be surprised if similar measures weren't taken there as well. Will U.S. lineups receive a similar once-over? Nothing is certain, but VW's U.S. lineups have a far more abbreviated lineup of vehicles and trims on offer, particularly in areas of drivetrain options. If company officials do seek to lessen the number of build combinations, expect changes to be wrought with a far lighter hand.

[Sources: AutoExpress UK; VW-Resource.com]

Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EosFoxJettaNew BeetleNewBeetlePassatPhaetonPolosharanTouaregTouranVolkswagenVWThu, 18 May 2006 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen's 5-year plan includes new roadster, four-door coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/vw-5-year-plan-includes-new-roadster-coupe-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/vw-5-year-plan-includes-new-roadster-coupe-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/vw-5-year-plan-includes-new-roadster-coupe-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Volkswagen chairman Wolfgang Bernhard's plans for 20 new vehicles over the next five years includes both a roadster and a coupe-style four-door sedan, according to Automotive News Europe.

The roadster will be based on the Concept R mid-engine car (at right), which debuted at the Frankfurt auto show in 2003. An earlier production version was killed in 2005 after it came-in near the Porsche Boxster's price point. The second version will aim for a lower MSRP, and will likely debut around 2009.

The long-rumored 4-door will be positioned between the Passat and the Phaeton, and above the two-door Scirocco, which will launch in 2008.

[Sources: Automotive News Europe and Volkswagen]

Volkswagen's 5-year plan includes new roadster, four-door coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boxsterconcept rConceptRPassatPhaetonPorscheVolkswagenVWTue, 21 Mar 2006 14:00:00 EST