GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: The 2008 VW Phaeton

Top Model with New Technical Features and First Euro-5 TDI

Innovation: Phaeton with new V6 TDI satisfies Euro-5 standard that goes into effect starting in 2009

Perfection: Systems like Front Assist and Side Assist for even greater safety
Wolfsburg, 06 March 2007

At the Geneva Motor Show Volkswagen is presenting a generation of the Phaeton that is equipped with numerous technical innovations. Modifications and new equipment details will already flow into ongoing production starting at the end of May.

NEW V6 TDI / 233 PS TDI is the first large diesel of the corporation to fulfill the Euro-5 standard; standard that goes into effect in 2009 calls for 80 percent reduction in particulate limits

A technological highlight of this engine: The Phaeton with V6 turbo-diesel engine will be the first car model of the corporation, and one of the first cars worldwide, to already fulfill the Euro-5 standard that goes into effect in 2009. In this context, one change compared to the Euro-4 standard is that required limits for soot particulates are 80 percent lower – the new Phaeton V6 TDI car version fulfills these requirements with its new 171 kW / 233 PS common rail direct-injection engine.

Compared to the now retired V6 TDI, the new engine adds eight PS, but at 9.6 liters per 100 kilometers it does not by any means consume any more fuel. CO2 emissions at 259 g/km are also very low for a luxury class car. Driving performance of the standard all-wheel drive and now 236 km/h fast Phaeton V6 TDI were also slightly improved. Alternatives to the TDI on the new version of the Phaeton are three gasoline engines (V6, V8 and W12) that offer a power range from 177 kW / 241 PS to 331 kW / 450 PS.

NEW TECHNICAL FEATURES/
Front Assist stopping distance reduction, Side Assist lane change assistant, new DVD navigation system, modified infotainment system, new headlamps

Technical changes and new systems implemented for the first time on the Phaeton, besides the V6 TDI, include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now with a new Follow-to-Stop function, "Front Assist" stopping distance reduction, "Side Assist" lane change assistant and automatic activation of the low-beam lamp during faster Autobahn driving (starting at 140 km/h after ten seconds) and in case of rain. Also new: The navigation system now has DVD support and many new functions, in parallel to navigation a similarly modified infotainment system with haptically and visually optimized control buttons and a new voice-controlled Bluetooth telephone with auxiliary Bluetooth receiver and memory capacity of up to 1,000 telephone book entries (up to four numbers may be saved per entry). A new tire pressure control system also offers an even higher level of safety and operator convenience.

In the exterior area, advanced development of the generation is recognizable by its additional chrome accent strips in the lower area of the front apron and newly designed bi-xenon headlamps. Integrated here are the dynamic and static cornering headlamps as well as newly designed LED daytime running lamps. The LED daytime running lamp – arranged as a narrow, horizontal strip in the lower area of the headlamp housing – is automatically activated with ignition. Another 19-inch alloy wheel type was also newly designed.

FRONT ASSIST AND SIDE ASSIST IN DETAIL/
Front Assist occasionally reduces stopping distance by important meters; Side Assist contributes to preventing side collisions

Front Assist: A technological highlight is the Front Assist stopping distance reduction system. It serves to prevent front end collisions. The system utilizes a radar sensor to monitor the distance to vehicles in traffic in front of the Phaeton. When they approach too closely the driver is informed in two stages. At the same time the vehicle is prepared for possible hard braking by the driver. In certain situations the system preventatively puts the brakes in a preconditioned status ahead of time; otherwise they would only become active when the driver actuates the brakes. This is how the new system achieves Stopping Distance Reduction (AWV).

Side Assist: Another new assistance system is the Lane Change Assistant (Side Assist). This system monitors the area in back of and next to the Phaeton via radar sensors in the rear bumper (one sensor each for areas to the left and right of the vehicle), and it signals a potential collision risk via an indicator light in the outside mirror housing. The sensor monitoring range is about 50 meters to the rear and 3.60 meters to the sides of the sedan.

Mark - 3/7/2007 3:59:25 PM

+3 Boost

Nah, I'd still take the A8 over this (or even an A6). It's a nice try though.

Actually saw one in DC. First on on the road ever for my eyes.

Caddyman - 3/7/2007 4:00:16 PM

0 Boost

I know, too bad they dont offer it in the US anymore. Does anyone know if its coming back? If I was going for a conservative full-size luxury sedan, it would definitely be this one. I think I would even take this over an LS...

Designer1 - 3/7/2007 3:58:10 PM

0 Boost

I honestly don't get it. This car was and is still plain and ugly, so what's the new about it? Its extremely high priced for what it offers and for its very basic and plain looks.

Agent009 - 3/7/2007 4:09:49 PM

+5 Boost

The biggest problem in the US for this model was the badge on the grill.

jeffy210 - 3/7/2007 4:45:29 PM

+4 Boost

009, and that's the problem... I'm going to get modded down for this, but too many american's look solely by the badge that is on it. Pay no attention that you're almost getting an A8 for a significantly reduced cost, because it doesn't have the four rings it's perceived to not be as good. This is a quite solid full size luxury sedan that is very good. It's biggest problem is the stigma it holds by carrying a VW badge.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/7/2007 6:17:03 PM

+1 Boost

Designer1, you have no idea what you're talking about. This car had SO MUCH KIT for $66K. It was a bargain. Nobody noticed.

jeffy, although I agree with the rest of the comment... the price wasn't "significantly" less than the A8's.

Phaeton base was $66,700. The A8 SWB is $68,900. Admittedly, the Phaeton is as long as the A8L, so I SHOULD be comparing it to the A8L's $72,900 base price. But I'm not.

d35442 - 3/7/2007 6:35:46 PM

0 Boost

I agree. I think VW would've been better off making this into an A8 coupe like the prototype they did a few years back.

BMW4me4ever - 3/8/2007 10:11:52 AM

0 Boost

LOL .. I dont even know where to begin. What the #$%# are they thinking about bringing or even the thought of bringing back this car? Has VW lost their minds. How many models do they have to have to compete against one another?

S4 .. You know as well as I know, that the base price on the base model wasnt the only problem it didnt sell in the US. I wonder if it could have been the horendous badge on the back that screams " Peoples Car !!" . The other issue is the price. THe W12 went for around $85 to $90k for a VW for goodness sake. all I can do is laugh atthr phaeton coming back ...

S4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 11:27:15 AM

+1 Boost

I wasn't talking about why the Phaeton didn't sell.

For all the car's features, it could've been the Mercedes S-Class. Give it new light clusters and a huge three-pointed star in place of the VW sign, and it would've been sold out by the time it hit the car show circuit.

The interior is beautiful and the exterior is handsome/contemporary. It weighs a lot, but it was only the badge that hampered its performance.

Rupert - 3/7/2007 4:57:56 PM

-1 Boost

I love that interior with the black wood. Looks so solid.

komododave - 3/7/2007 5:30:45 PM

0 Boost

A phaeton that's a year or two old is a screaming deal. Just look it up. You can find some for $40,000 to $50,000 with 25,000 miles when new they were $80,000.

chewy - 3/7/2007 7:58:48 PM

+1 Boost

Nice updates.

Mark - 3/7/2007 10:01:48 PM

+1 Boost

It has the same interior from the Toureg. (sp)

answer - 3/7/2007 10:15:49 PM

+1 Boost

Sad this didn't do better in the U.S. It's a cool car with a very neat name. (The glass factory they make it in is pretty cool too!)

truecarlover - 3/7/2007 10:30:45 PM

-1 Boost

It makes no sense that they ever built this car. As well engineered it is - this is stillf a VW. I doubt very much that they made a profit off of this. On another note - aside from the basic layot of the engine - this car is not at all related to the Audi A8. One is aluminum and one is steel - they really aren't related.

DieselRules - 3/9/2007 1:14:23 AM

+1 Boost

and you're smoking what????
Its a steel-bodied A8 ... other than different metal, what part DON'T they share?
Same engines, tranny, Quattro drive, suspension, brakes.
There is likely more profit in a Phaeton than in an A8 with the cost of aluminum and related assembly complexities...

aeyjay - 3/8/2007 12:14:42 AM

+1 Boost

I see where FoMoCo got their inspiration for the interiors of the 500/Montego. The dash layout is very similar down to the clock.

Kostin - 3/8/2007 3:54:35 AM

+1 Boost

I've always considered this car gorgeous.It's ONLY problem is the badge.It has the same engines as the A8 and i like it 100%.I wouldn't change anything on it.
One thing i don't understand:People who say it's ugly.I am aware that taste is unquestionable but come on,what's ugly about it?

M53R - 3/8/2007 8:26:34 AM

-2 Boost

Actually the interior looks very good, exactly what a luxury car would look like. The exterior is also good looking, but its starting to age. Overall its a very good car with the all features but it wont sell because its a VW, even the A8 doesnt sell that well so I wouldnt expect the phaeton to sell well either.

truecarlover - 3/8/2007 10:02:07 AM

+2 Boost

That was exactly my point. The VW and the Audi have different personlities altogether because they were to target different clientele. The car is well put together - but people don't want to spend that money to have a VW on the grille. That is bad marketing!! The Audi A8 actually sells well outside of the US (then again that's every Audi).

Agent63 - 3/8/2007 10:10:43 AM

+1 Boost

I think the ONLY problem for this model WAS the badging. Since many are conscious about symbols and name brands a car of this price with the badging VW will be hard to market.

I've seen a couple around where I live. I was very understated but I don't doubt the level of luxury is virtually Audi anyway. The car on the outside didn't look that great as it was no wow factor. I actually thought the Phaeton was a Buick Lucerne from the back but obviously quality wise the Phaeton would be 100 times better.

-Agent63

S4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 11:29:15 AM

+1 Boost

The Lucerne copied it. I remember thinking that when Buick started spewing out the advertisements.

DieselRules - 3/9/2007 1:19:07 AM

+1 Boost

VW was the first maker to put BlueTooth into production cars ... several years ago.
That handset will be the dialer for the integrated GSM phone, so you can dial while driving without having to stare at a low-mounted LCD. But the central display will show the number dialed and such.

DieselRules - 3/9/2007 1:21:10 AM

+1 Boost

I like the idea of the V6 TDI. The V-10 uses so much fuel that it defeats the purpose of getting a diesel (other than superior grunt and longevity). But 30 MPG in a 5500 pound lead-sled is quite an achievement! Can I order mine with big fins on the back and wide white-wall tires??? :>