Next-generation VW Phaeton confirmed for 2011 . . .
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,283
Likes: 363
From: Canada
Next-generation VW Phaeton confirmed for 2011 . . .
Posted on Wednesday 7 February 2007
. . . apparently in an interview published in Vanity Fair with VW-Chief Martin Winterkorn confirms that a Phaeton replacement will be built by 2011, and was picked up by our friends over at the German Car Blog.
Winterkorn goes on to say that it’s “natural we need a Phaeton “, and that “in the luxury class technology is demonstrated nevertheless. A marque such as Volkswagen must be a constant authority - from the Polo to the Phaeton.” Well, that’s according to the horribly unreliable translation software used. Either way, it’s clear there will be a new Phaeton, and that VW won’t back down from making it the most over-engineered car in the world. Get ready for 53 different modes of automatic light adjustment and an electronic dash system that puts the space shuttle to shame.
. . . apparently in an interview published in Vanity Fair with VW-Chief Martin Winterkorn confirms that a Phaeton replacement will be built by 2011, and was picked up by our friends over at the German Car Blog.
Winterkorn goes on to say that it’s “natural we need a Phaeton “, and that “in the luxury class technology is demonstrated nevertheless. A marque such as Volkswagen must be a constant authority - from the Polo to the Phaeton.” Well, that’s according to the horribly unreliable translation software used. Either way, it’s clear there will be a new Phaeton, and that VW won’t back down from making it the most over-engineered car in the world. Get ready for 53 different modes of automatic light adjustment and an electronic dash system that puts the space shuttle to shame.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 740
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From: MA
Wasn't this car an unequivocal failure? And they're bringing it back?!?
I actually liked the car, but it seems like nobody else did. I thought it was a real clean looking design, but if I was spending my money on a car like that, I would want something a little less anonymous
I actually liked the car, but it seems like nobody else did. I thought it was a real clean looking design, but if I was spending my money on a car like that, I would want something a little less anonymous
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,001
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From: D2'sville
Wasn't this car an unequivocal failure? And they're bringing it back?!?
I actually liked the car, but it seems like nobody else did. I thought it was a real clean looking design, but if I was spending my money on a car like that, I would want something a little less anonymous
I actually liked the car, but it seems like nobody else did. I thought it was a real clean looking design, but if I was spending my money on a car like that, I would want something a little less anonymous
The premise for this car just doesnt work here in America. Most people that spend 80-115k on a car, do not want to be asked "Wow this is a sweet VDub, what did it set you back?? 40k?" lol
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From: What is G?
Im gonna be honest, the Phaeton IMO was a damn good car!! I got the chance to drive one a few years back at a dealership meet and I must say that car is incredible. Very luxurious interior, wood everywhere (even had motorized wood panels over the air vents), nice comfortable ride, quiet engine, tons of room and a damn nice rear seating package (that was until the LS460 w/executive package came out 
). I wasnt fully sold on its exterior design as IMO the C-pillar and rear end looks very weird and out of place.
Its to bad that we give into image a lot here in America and the Phaeton couldn't survive on its true merits on being a great full size luxury sedan (and an alternative to MB/BMW/Audi).
As for the updated model, I heard conflicting reports that they will try with the Phaeton again in the U.S., and really tackle the problems it suffered here, but others say VW wont even bother bring it back and will just focus on the Euro market.
However, this sounds very interesting. Sounds like some futuristic stuff!! The Japanese, the leaders of all things electronics should be on top of stuff like this. Need to be more cutting edge IMHO.
). I wasnt fully sold on its exterior design as IMO the C-pillar and rear end looks very weird and out of place. Its to bad that we give into image a lot here in America and the Phaeton couldn't survive on its true merits on being a great full size luxury sedan (and an alternative to MB/BMW/Audi).
As for the updated model, I heard conflicting reports that they will try with the Phaeton again in the U.S., and really tackle the problems it suffered here, but others say VW wont even bother bring it back and will just focus on the Euro market.
However, this sounds very interesting. Sounds like some futuristic stuff!! The Japanese, the leaders of all things electronics should be on top of stuff like this. Need to be more cutting edge IMHO.
VW won’t back down from making it the most over-engineered car in the world. Get ready for 53 different modes of automatic light adjustment and an electronic dash system that puts the space shuttle to shame.
That's the last generation picture.
I don't think they'll be bringing it back to the US. We have the A8. I could see if they made a car to compete with the Avalon, Maxima, etc. But this just doesn't fit into the VW AG.
I honestly think VW needs to reorganize their entire AG. They have a lot of toe stepping here.
I don't think they'll be bringing it back to the US. We have the A8. I could see if they made a car to compete with the Avalon, Maxima, etc. But this just doesn't fit into the VW AG.
I honestly think VW needs to reorganize their entire AG. They have a lot of toe stepping here.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Didn't they announce, within the last year or so, that they were going to stop shooting for the stars with their vehicles and accept middle-class status instead of trying to be upscale?
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 660
Likes: 5
From: Missouri
Exactly my thoughts! When I read this thread title, I thought to myself "They didnt learn their lesson the FIRST time?!!"
The premise for this car just doesnt work here in America. Most people that spend 80-115k on a car, do not want to be asked "Wow this is a sweet VDub, what did it set you back?? 40k?" lol
The premise for this car just doesnt work here in America. Most people that spend 80-115k on a car, do not want to be asked "Wow this is a sweet VDub, what did it set you back?? 40k?" lol
The Phaeton and A8 can't both exist in the US market. They're essentially the same car.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 1
From: MA
Gluttons for punishment I tell you...
Even the A8 has trouble selling in America and yet they want to try to sell
a luxury flagship at that price point with a VW badge.
They would be better off producing a 40-60K car that is an upscale
Avalon and to focus on their decreasing market share due to poor quality
and high cost issues.
Even the A8 has trouble selling in America and yet they want to try to sell
a luxury flagship at that price point with a VW badge.
They would be better off producing a 40-60K car that is an upscale
Avalon and to focus on their decreasing market share due to poor quality
and high cost issues.