Spy Shots: VW Phaeton Coupe

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Jul 17, 2007 | 12:58 PM

GFerg

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From: What is G?

Spy Shots: VW Phaeton Coupe

Quote:

Volkswagen’s Phaeton has been something of an albatross around the German automaker’s neck. Despite actually being a decent drive, consumers have largely stayed away from the pricy big sedan with the “People’s Car” badge, opting instead for competitors like Audi’s A8 and BMW’s 7-series.

That said, according to the spy shooters over at Hidden Image, VW is apparently keen on developing a next-generation model, which will include a folding hardtop convertible that will square off against the Mercedes-Benz SL.

The image above shows what is believed to be the very first mule, with comically altered A8 bodywork. According to Hans Lehmann, when the testers noticed they were being photograph, they quickly loaded the mule into a truck, and the engineers did what they could to stop the snapper from taking more photographs.

Fortunately for us, the engineers failed, though the poor quality of many of these spy shots attests to the top-secret nature of this model.

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:02 PM

Koma

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Bad idea.... Keep it under the Audi marque.

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:10 PM

PhilipMSPT

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So, VW wants an ultra-expensive Eos?

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:12 PM

thetopdog

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What is in the water in Germany these days? It seems like every German manufacturer is going absolutely crazy with the number of models they're offering. Just a few years ago who would have thought BMW would be reintroducing a subcompact car to the US market, Mercedes would be coming out with a minivan, Audi would be competing with the 911, VW would try competing with the SL, Porsche would be making SUVs and sedans, etc.

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:19 PM

JessePS

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From: QC/FRANCE

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetopdog

To me it seems they are acting like Hitler and trying to take over the whole world with different cars.

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:20 PM

Koma

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JessePS

To me it seems they are acting like Hitler and trying to take over the whole world with different cars.

And like Hitler, they'll fail and kill themselves.

That might have been a little inappropriate.

Jul 17, 2007 | 01:54 PM

CdeFabio

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Haven't they learned their lesson yet!! People will not spend that much money for a VW.

Jul 17, 2007 | 02:55 PM

biggie27

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From: International

I think thats either gonna be bently or an audi just look at that thing, it looks more like a bently than an audi, with thick tires and those openings on the side, or an audi to take on the mercedes sl and bmw's upcomming hardtop convertible

Jul 17, 2007 | 06:11 PM

#10

LexFather

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that looks nice!

Jul 17, 2007 | 06:22 PM

#11

TRDFantasy

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From: A better place

A Phaeton Coupe? Why? Was the sedan that successful

Jul 17, 2007 | 07:23 PM

#12

kit cat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TRDFantasy

Was the sedan that successful

but its so good looking!

Jul 17, 2007 | 10:54 PM

#13

Suneet

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From: California

Really? I don't find that blue colored vehicle attractive looking at all. It looks like they kind of tried to model it after the SL but made the hood too short.

Jul 17, 2007 | 11:59 PM

#14

miniround

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From: Boca Raton, FL

mercedes sl...audi a5

mercedes sl...audi a5

mercedes sl...audi a5

mercedes sl...audi a5

mercedes sl...audi a5

mercedes sl...audi a5

ok you get the point. so where does this phaeton coupe fit in. it's going to be like the phaeton, who wants a 150g VW when they could buy an RS5 hardtop coupe, knot-60 3.4 seconds, for 120gs. or w/e.

and test mules these days, holy *h**. that could be the ugliest, dirtiest, most unattractive blob of light blue that I have seen in decades. I like the replica TIS 24's on there though, hahahaha...I know that's a TIS wheel design.

anyway..why?

Jul 18, 2007 | 07:04 AM

#15

biggie27

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Quote:

Originally Posted by miniround

um the audi A5 was made to square off against the 3 series coupes and the clks, not the SL, and I highly doubt the RS5 is gonna hit 0-60 in 3.4 seconds thats just too fast for that class of cars, that would actualy steal sales away from the upcomming R10