New Popemobile: Benedict XVI Gets Special 450-HP VW Phaeton

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Oct 23, 2006 | 08:16 AM

Overclocker

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New Popemobile: Benedict XVI Gets Special 450-HP VW Phaeton

Two leaders, one great car: Volkswagen Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder presents the keys for a specially outfitted Volkswagen Phaeton to Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City.

Date posted: 10-21-2006

VATICAN CITY — Volkswagen has presented Pope Benedict XVI with a specially equipped Phaeton. The extended-wheelbase luxury car was handed over by VW Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder personally to His Holiness in Vatican City.

Pischetsrieder called the presentation of what he called "a fitting limousine" for the Pope a "particular honor" for Volkswagen. The Phaeton, painted a dignified black, has a 450-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 engine. The company says it has been kitted out to meet the "comfort, privacy and security requirements of the Holy Father."

This is not the first VW owned by Pope Benedict. Earlier this year, AFP reports, a Golf he had owned before elevation to the role of pontiff was sold online for nearly a quarter-million dollars.

What this means to you: Popemobile. That's all you need to know.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=117233#2

Oct 23, 2006 | 09:10 AM

JessePS

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Whats wrong with his G-class Mercedes?

Oct 23, 2006 | 09:40 AM

ff_

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I guess they'll need to pass around another collection plate at Sunday service to pay for the pope's new wheels.

Oct 23, 2006 | 10:24 AM

mmarshall

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Now......what was all of this nonsense about the Phaeton not selling to the Masses?

Oct 23, 2006 | 10:25 AM

Koma

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JessePS

Whats wrong with his G-class Mercedes?

He had a G wagen? So unnecessary... What happened to the Ugos they used to use. If God existed and you were the Pope you could drive around in soap box car and not be hurt.

Alright, alright being that I'm not religious I realize some people may want the Pope dead.

Oct 23, 2006 | 11:53 AM

Incendiary

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

Now......what was all of this nonsense about the Phaeton not selling to the Masses?

Mike, that was sinfully terrible.

Oct 23, 2006 | 12:16 PM

mmarshall

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Koma

He had a G wagen? So unnecessary... What happened to the Ugos they used to use. If God existed and you were the Pope you could drive around in soap box car and not be hurt.

Alright, alright being that I'm not religious I realize some people may want the Pope dead.

The last Pope was the target of an assassination attempt in 1981 ( shortly after President Reagan was shot ) . Fortunately, both survived.