Next-gen Audi A8 to spawn new VW Phaeton and Bentley Continental GT and Arnarge

Development work for the second generation Volkswagen Phaeton is already well underway with the new model expected to share the same platform as the next Audi A8, due one year prior to the release of the VW flagship. The new Phaeton should hit the market in 2010 and will once again be produced at VW’s high-tech glasshouse factory in Dresden.

In 2011, we should see the release of the next-generation versions of the Bentley Continental GT, and according to Germany’s Automobilwoche, the British coupe will also utilize the same component sharing formula. In that same year, Audi will release the new A6 sedan and by 2012 we’ll see the release of an all-new Bentley Arnage. Though most cars based on the new architecture will be AWD, the Arnage will remain RWD only as this is seen as more befitting for the luxury marque.
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Will_ - 6/18/2007 9:17:10 AM

+2 Boost

Boy, look at all that platform sharing...

EnnNorak - 6/21/2007 6:36:49 PM

+1 Boost

Nothing wrong with platform sharing as long as it does not compromise the goodness of the stuff that attaches to the platform. The common platform is designed for the heaviest vehicle and the manufacturer saves much money by economies of scale.

phaetonmeister - 6/18/2007 11:06:02 AM

+4 Boost

Just an FYI for all you naysayers, the current Bentley Flying Spur has been built on the Phaeton platform in the Dresden glass factory for 3 years....they are all beautiful machines....if you haven't driven them zip it.

Dave - 6/18/2007 10:07:00 AM

+4 Boost

would someone explain to me why there is even the need for the Volkswagon Phaeton? It was already a failure in the US.

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 2:27:29 PM

+4 Boost

Sport - where does the Phaeton sell well?

snatchandgrab - 6/19/2007 9:57:29 AM

+1 Boost

True...It was a beautiful car though.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 10:09:34 AM

+3 Boost

Ok.. I can live with the fact that the Bentley Continental GT is basically an expensive VW Phaeton. But I CANNOT live with the fact the next Arnage will have anything German in it! (not including the gearbox and ECU)

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 10:11:23 AM

+4 Boost

I just read the article.. what a load of crap!

This is PURE speculation.

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 11:20:13 AM

+2 Boost

I agree. Who can they quote directly that said that? Audi execs have gone on to say that the new A5 platform will spawn the A4/6/8 and will be Audi exclusive. An article posted in many publications stated that VW would follow Audi's lead and develop their own modular platforms to cut costs. This sounds like gossip.
Either way - regardless of what platform is to be used - a VW Phaeton is still a dumb idea.

Larry - 6/18/2007 10:25:15 AM

-1 Boost

it is a shame that bentley will be bulit of the VW platform, it hurts prestige in fact they need get rid of the phaeton. sharing a mercedes or Bmw platform is one thi

Larry - 6/18/2007 10:54:26 AM

-3 Boost

sharing a mercedes or BMW platform is one thing but there is no prestige in sharing VW products, or toyota products.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 2:03:44 PM

+1 Boost

It's more that they're based on the A8 than the Phaeton- if my memory serves me, the A8 was out first. So I think it's okay for them to be based off of a beautiful luxury sedan...

cdoke - 6/18/2007 12:07:34 PM

+2 Boost

I happen to agree with a few here about the platform sharing. The Phaeton, the A8 and the Continental sharing platforms is not so bothersome. The Arnage, however, is another matter altogether.

It needs to be remembered that these are not people who have scrimped or are using credit to purchase their car- the average Arnage buyer will puchase their car outright something which is not really the case with the Continental series. In addition, these aren't people [and I know a few VERY well] who will tolerate what is preceived as a sub-par product for their money. They will go elsewhere if need be.

Rupert - 6/18/2007 12:34:12 PM

+7 Boost

The Arnage should be kept on its own platform.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/18/2007 2:53:28 PM

+4 Boost

I definitely agree. The Arnage is so British in every way unlike the Conti GT(C)/Flying Spur.

zorbeeze - 6/18/2007 12:58:26 PM

+3 Boost

Please VW, don't waste your time and money on building the Phaeton. How about you omprove the GTI and redo the Passat instead.

The Arnage on a VW platform. Shame.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 2:04:52 PM

0 Boost

The GTI doesn't need improvement- it's fabulous. The Jetta and Passat could use it, though.

zorbeeze - 6/19/2007 1:30:43 PM

+1 Boost

I'm sorry but i have high expectations for the GTI and the current for me is a flop.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 2:06:52 PM

+2 Boost

I agree with most here- the Arnage shouldn't be based on anything else.

However, this article is just speculating. I would be surprised if Porsche, Audi and VW were cheap enough to base it off of another vehicle, especially when Porsche and Audi are reaping record profits.

The Phaeton, although it was beautiful, should not be replaced. It will go down in history as the overpriced VW that just couldn't.

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 2:33:07 PM

+2 Boost

Correct - this is speculation. As far as the Arnage - it doens't even make sense what they are saying. How can the Arnage be based on the same platform? They claim it's going to use the same platform as the A8 but that platform (from the A5) is not formatted to fit RWD. As far as the Continental - there is nothing at all wrong with it sharing the platform with the A8 - which it does right now - just as long as the materials it uses are more luxurious to match the price increase.

I also agree that the Phaeton should disappear into history.

Lexus - 6/18/2007 4:56:46 PM

+2 Boost

Wow!....this a very bad idea, it going to lessen the prestige of Bentley and RR's Arnage. If they do that it going to help the sales of Lexus LS600hl. Why get a VW platform when you can get the a Toyota/Lexus instead.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 7:24:23 PM

0 Boost

STOP WITH THE LS600HL!!! IT'S NOT A BENTLEY AND IT NEVER WILL BE!!!!!!!

Larry - 6/18/2007 5:07:47 PM

0 Boost

poor bentley, rolls royce is in much better shape. Is is possible to have a front-trak fwd drive bentley?? You see with BMW they just focus, on the BMW platforms, the Mini platform ( joint venture engine with Peugeot) and the Rolls Royce phantom platform ( new smaller Rolls Royce based on next 7 series) The VW group has so many brands and so little cash, laying off more than 20,000 workers in 2006, it is almost like Generel Motors the only difference is that the small sports car brand posrche are the controlling stock owners.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/18/2007 7:26:35 PM

-1 Boost

Not really. Phantom is also based off of the 7 Series. What's worse about a Conti being based off of an A8? Oh, right, it's an AUDI, which is clearly inferior.

Also, Rollers are struggling to sell, while Bentley is stronger financially than ever before.

"So little cash?" Porsche and Audi could buy out the BMW group if they wanted to.

How could you not spell "General Motors" right?

truecarlover - 6/18/2007 9:43:08 PM

+1 Boost

Larry - Rolls Royce does not sell more vehicles - and I doubt it is more profitable than Bentley. Bentley is more successful now than it has been in it's history. How is Rolls Royce in better shape?

Lexus - 6/18/2007 7:09:54 PM

+1 Boost

corretion, it the Bentley Arnage not RR's Arnage etc.

Larry - 6/19/2007 12:56:01 AM

+2 Boost

2 Errors on S4 post 1. the rolls royce is currently using a space frame platform separate from the 7 series , 2. BMW made more profit than Porche and audi combined. Plus audi is under the VW brand.

JUGNU - 6/19/2007 6:46:08 AM

+1 Boost

If this is true,

Good for VW. OK for Audi. Worse for Bentley.

JUGNU