LOL



Seriously, this was a terrible mistake that anyone could have seen coming from about 12,000 miles away. I knew things were going to go to hell when they built a special glass factory just for it which focused heavily on the use of "quiet tools" to preserve the "atmosphere"...

 

 

The car is selling well with the dumbass crowd.

 

The front on that Audi reminds me of the Chrysler 300...or do I have it reversed?

VW took a long shot and didn't listen to anyone but themselves...sad. My thought is that if they placed this with the MB E320 and like by toning it down, the objection from a well optioned Passat may not have been so overwhelming. From Passat to Phaeton, it was too much and this whole thing probably did well to steer some toward Audi.

 

 

I cannot understand how a company that achieved world acclaim building inexpensive "people's cars" can seriously believe they can successfully carry that badge over into the luxury market. Despite VW's engineering and performance claims, the buyer dynamics for the luxury segment demand some sort of cachet for a 40K and up price tag.

Honda begat Acura, Nissan begat Infinity, Toyota begat Lexus . . . obviously this tactic is not news to the auto industry. What makes Volkswagen think they can sell a "cheap" nameplate into the luxury market? To make matters worse, the Phaeton and the Touareg sport those huge saucer-sized VW badges. I'm sure VW is proud of these vehicles, but get a clue, guys!

Latest laugh line at the country club: "Hey, have you seen Harry's new seventy-five thousand dollar VOLKSWAGEN??"

 

Love the A8!



However, I'm interested in the use of that B-25 the models seem to be exiting in the background as an executive aircraft. Twelve 50-cal. machine guns would make a heck of an impression on your customer as you taxi to the terminal. I've used this one as a camera platform a couple of times and can attest to the fact that with two 1750-hp 14-cyl Wright Cyclone engines, they are rough, drafty, and LOUD (but a heck of a lot of fun)!

 

That's what VW gets for not branding the Phaeton as a Audi

 

Audi already has their version, the A8. VW just figured they could squeeze out another model with the developement of the A8.

 

What I mean it not putting the W12 motor into an audi
They are planning to put in into the A8 6.

 

I consider the A8 the best looking large luxury sedan with the best interior bar none. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I wanted and needed such a car.

AutoWeek recently also had the A8 as best luxury sedan.

 

I concur. I saw one at the little local Ace Hardware, of all places, and almost went into cardiac arrest.

 

I've seen a couple on the road. Then I went to the dealership to get a closer look. The interior is great. Quality all around. You close the door and it's no different than being in any luxo barge. However, standing outside of it...all you can visualize is overgrown Passat. Salesman said they were discounting them in the low to mid $70's. As nice as the engine and interior is that is too much moolah for an overgrown Passat.

 

Oh my ....

The car in those pictures is an abomination of an abomination of a car.

Where'd he cop those aluminum foil wheels????

 

This is the inherent flaw with the Phaeton and to a lesser degree the Passat W8. I have said many times before, why would VW chase the same customers as Audi? I hve heard the product projections that state the VW is intended to combat M/B, while the Audi is to combat BMW but who are we kidding here? I think they conjured up that malaky to squeak out another car on that platform (as if a premium Audi and a Bently were not enough).

As I have said time and time again, Americans are WAYYY to image conscience to purchase a VW for the same price as a MB/BMW/Lexus/Audi, etc. Even Audi is just getting to the point where it is viewed as a direct competitor for MB, and BMW. I went to Waterfest this weekend and was talking to a few Audi salesman and they said the Phaeton is not a problem for them (meaning they are not selling very well). There is one point that does not come up very often, what dealer channel does Volkswagen have to accomodate a Premium Ultra Lux Customer?? What do they say, concierge services for Phaeton owners only, others scram??

I have never seen a Passat W8 on the street, I have seen 2-3 Phaetons though. Like I always say, who wakes up and says.........."Hmm, time for a new car, do I go for the M/B, the BMW, the Lexus or the............VOLKSWAGEN??!! lol