Volkswagen: Phaeton News
101 years of heartache...
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
From: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
Man, this coming from a company that sells a 37k Accord competator and 26k Civic competator. VW is rediculous; the only 2 reasonable options they have are the Rabbit/GTI, and a low-end Jetta IMO.
Por Favor?
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 10
You either dig VW or you dont I guess.
I've never once seen a Volkswagen I was truly tempted to own. I often wonder why they're as popular as they are. Overpriced. Nowhere near as reliable as a Japanese product, dont have anywhere near the status appeal of the other German automakers...
I've never once seen a Volkswagen I was truly tempted to own. I often wonder why they're as popular as they are. Overpriced. Nowhere near as reliable as a Japanese product, dont have anywhere near the status appeal of the other German automakers...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, Maryland
Has anyone driven the Phaeton?
You can pick one relatively cheap nowadays. With the introduction of this new model, it will probably drive down the prices of the first generation even lower than they already are.
You can pick one relatively cheap nowadays. With the introduction of this new model, it will probably drive down the prices of the first generation even lower than they already are.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 934
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
HAHAHA i find the article funny...
well hoopefully they can sell a dozen or so of these like they did the phatheon..
i see more real sports high-end cars than these stupid things
good luck VW- you need it!
well hoopefully they can sell a dozen or so of these like they did the phatheon..
i see more real sports high-end cars than these stupid things
good luck VW- you need it!
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 45,641
Likes: 2,335
From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Originally Posted by ali.ahmed
Has anyone driven the Phaeton?
You can pick one relatively cheap nowadays. With the introduction of this new model, it will probably drive down the prices of the first generation even lower than they already are.
You can pick one relatively cheap nowadays. With the introduction of this new model, it will probably drive down the prices of the first generation even lower than they already are.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
Oddly enough, I was surprised to see the only Phaeton I've ever seen a couple of days ago here in NJ. I did a double-take, because at first I didn't know what it was and had to stare it to figure it out. Didn't have much time to look, as we were in traffic and it disappeared, but at first I thought it was an A8, then I saw the VW grille and put 2 and 2 together. Haha. It's the only one I've ever seen, and I kinda doubt I'll ever see it again.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 1
From: Alpharetta, GA
The Phaeton was a great car.. just not for the states. It actually does pretty well in europe- so for the people talking about how much of a mistake this is.. do your research 
Check out this link for some behind the scenes hand built goodness:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641
Just checked ebay motors and the v8 models are going for ~$25k
Check out this link for some behind the scenes hand built goodness:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641
Just checked ebay motors and the v8 models are going for ~$25k
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,238
Likes: 0
From: Weston, FL
Originally Posted by SSMTL01
The Phaeton was a great car.. just not for the states. It actually does pretty well in europe- so for the people talking about how much of a mistake this is.. do your research
Check out this link for some behind the scenes hand built goodness:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641
Just checked ebay motors and the v8 models are going for ~$25k
Check out this link for some behind the scenes hand built goodness:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641
Just checked ebay motors and the v8 models are going for ~$25k
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 6
From: Short Pump, VA
http://select-luxury.ebizautos.com/w...px?iid=1829896
I have a shot to buy this phaeton W12 for $48k and am in negotiations with the dealer to try to talk him down to about $42k. If he bites on that then I just might pick it up.
I have a shot to buy this phaeton W12 for $48k and am in negotiations with the dealer to try to talk him down to about $42k. If he bites on that then I just might pick it up.
_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,594
Likes: 12
From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
Originally Posted by Ikko
Um....why?!
oh and do it!!!!!!!
Last edited by stangg172004; Sep 7, 2007 at 10:51 PM.
_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,594
Likes: 12
From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by stangg172004
Suzuka Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,271
Likes: 236
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by gsi00154
To be honest I am intrigued by the technology and have always wanted a 12 cylinder vehicle.
has been here awhile
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I got the 'rents to toy with this idea as well for a while. There's a few things that put on the damper:
1. Resale value is a double-edged sword. What will it be worth in a few years?
2. Vehicle is an electrical engineers dream. This leaves plenty opportunities for things to go wrong.
3. VW dealer service. I better get a higher level of service than a Golf...errr...Rabbit owner.
4. The future of the Phaeton (or lack thereof). Will the dealers keep their service techs up-to-date on the Phaeton now that it is no more? What if I need a hard-to-find part in the near future?
It's a pity, too; the Phaeton is one helluva car. It is beautifully put together and just dripping in detail. However, the target market just wouldn't bite with a VW badge on this thing.
1. Resale value is a double-edged sword. What will it be worth in a few years?
2. Vehicle is an electrical engineers dream. This leaves plenty opportunities for things to go wrong.
3. VW dealer service. I better get a higher level of service than a Golf...errr...Rabbit owner.
4. The future of the Phaeton (or lack thereof). Will the dealers keep their service techs up-to-date on the Phaeton now that it is no more? What if I need a hard-to-find part in the near future?
It's a pity, too; the Phaeton is one helluva car. It is beautifully put together and just dripping in detail. However, the target market just wouldn't bite with a VW badge on this thing.
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,224
Likes: 1,181
From: YVR
I too agree that this W12 Phaeton is a technological marvel, only if it works properly all the times. Now this is VW reliability (which is among the worst for European makes) which may hit you real hard some years later, if you're not familiar with European cars. So try to talk the dealer to include extended warranty with the longest coverage period before buying the car.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 168,919
Likes: 23,738
2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift
From Motor Authority: http://www.motorauthority.com/previe...-facelift.html
Volkswagen will be updating its Phaeton flagship for the second time in its short life, reaffirming the lackluster opinion of the car in the full-size luxury sedan market. With a brand new BMW 7-series already on sale, a facelifted Mercedes Benz S-Class just around the corner and a completely redesigned Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ less than a year away, VW’s entrant in this segment is facing a serious uphill battle.
With the introduction of the first facelifted model last year, sales of the Phaeton in Europe actually rose. Now, with a possible return to the U.S. on the cards, VW is hoping to maximize the potential for success of its stumbling flagship.
The facelifted Phaeton will be getting several minor styling changes as evidenced by these latest spy shots. The changes to the car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian-friendly reshaped bonnet. The styling will be influenced by VW’s new edgier corporate look that was first seen on the Mark VI Golf, as revealed by this computer generated rendering.
The powertrain lineup will also likely be revitalized, with a range of more fuel-efficient engines introduced in line with more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. A hybrid variant may also be introduced.
Expect to see the latest version bow in late next year as a 2011 model.
With the introduction of the first facelifted model last year, sales of the Phaeton in Europe actually rose. Now, with a possible return to the U.S. on the cards, VW is hoping to maximize the potential for success of its stumbling flagship.
The facelifted Phaeton will be getting several minor styling changes as evidenced by these latest spy shots. The changes to the car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian-friendly reshaped bonnet. The styling will be influenced by VW’s new edgier corporate look that was first seen on the Mark VI Golf, as revealed by this computer generated rendering.
The powertrain lineup will also likely be revitalized, with a range of more fuel-efficient engines introduced in line with more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. A hybrid variant may also be introduced.
Expect to see the latest version bow in late next year as a 2011 model.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 111
From: NYC
hah, another example of german govt pushing exports to GDP recovery. there may be some tax dollars behind VW on this one.
but why not go mainstream? making a few thousand Phaetons isnt necessarily going to help them in the short run, or dent the german employment rate.
counter argument: this VW halo car serves not only as a representative of VW, but as a response to under-demand german engineering. like i said, there could be some govt funding behind this.
IMO, do it - just so i could check it out
that photo looks like a 2000 passat.
but why not go mainstream? making a few thousand Phaetons isnt necessarily going to help them in the short run, or dent the german employment rate.
counter argument: this VW halo car serves not only as a representative of VW, but as a response to under-demand german engineering. like i said, there could be some govt funding behind this.
IMO, do it - just so i could check it out
that photo looks like a 2000 passat.
Last edited by ThermonMermon; Jul 1, 2009 at 09:52 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
2011 Spied with limited camo
Our previous attempts at capturing the upcoming 2011 VW Phaeton flagship sedan were foiled by camouflage, but our most recent photos show the Phaeton in its full glory. Our spy photographers managed to capture this hulking sedan in the midst of a late night VW photoshoot.
As you can tell from our most recent photos, compared to the current European model, the next Phaeton will get a new front bumper, grille and headlight-units. In back, changes appear limited to slightly re-designed taillamps. Although no major departure from previous design language is present, it does get a touch-up in virtually every areas.
There were rumors of a large V10 TDi motor for the Phaeton, but so far we don’t have any solid evidence of that.
Although the Phaeton’s main testing has taken place on European soil, it remains possible that the refreshed sedan could wind up in U.S. showrooms. VW executives are said to be keen on the Phaeton’s return to the U.S. market as the revised version of the car has seen tremendous sales success in the European market.
The VW Phaeton was last sold in the U.S. for the 2006 model year but VW was forced to pull the plug on the Phaeton after the U.S. market failed to embrace a $60,000+ VW model, selling only a couple thousand units in two years.
VW has said that the next Phaeton would ride on a slightly shorter platform than the Audi A8, and will have a price tag around $55,000
