- New Phaeton gets bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and a new grille.
- It comes standard with 4Motion AWD, an adjustable air suspension and leather trim.
- Power will come from either a 236-hp 3.0-liter V6 TDI or a 444-hp 6.0-liter W12.
BEIJING — A slightly more aggressive-looking 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton made its formal debut on Thursday at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The flagship sedan is not bound for the U.S. market, Volkswagen of America confirmed for Inside Line, adding that we are unlikely to revisit the expensive VW until at least 2015.
"No plans to introduce the face-lift," wrote Steve Keyes, Volkswagen of America spokesman, in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line. "We're considering the next-generation model, which is scheduled for approximately 2015."
The new Phaeton gets a new face, made up of bi-xenon headlight units with LED running lights and a new grille. VW said the changes were designed to give the car "a more imposing stance." Other changes include a revised front bumper with chrome strips, LED foglights, a redesigned rear bumper and new alloy wheels.
The cabin gets a new steering wheel, new trim finishes and the option of Google Maps on the navigation system. Standard equipment includes 4Motion all-wheel drive, continuous damping control adjustable air suspension, leather trim, satellite navigation, 18-way-adjustable power seats and eight airbags.
VW will offer two wheelbase options and a choice of two engines — either a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel that delivers 236 horsepower or a 6.0-liter W12 engine that delivers 444 hp.
Pricing and specifications will be announced at a later date, said VW.
Inside Line says: You'll have to admire this VW from afar, since we are unlikely to see it back in these parts for at least five years. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
johnmarco says:
08:58 PM, 04/23/2010
It's a good looking car, although I share the "what exactly is VW trying to do?" curiosity.
kdoodoo says:
05:18 PM, 04/23/2010
Looks ugly.
autoadviseorg says:
07:17 AM, 04/23/2010
I think VW is using some common sense especially making this car for developing nations using existing tooling and left over parts from the discontinued model here in US and elsewhere. It is probably the best method to get their return on investment and cut losses.
This model however would not fly in US, especially with the current/prev generations of Audi A8 selling at very good (depreciated) prices.
zoomzoomn says:
04:47 AM, 04/23/2010
kevin118 says:05:52 PM, 04/22/2010
"When will VW get it thru their heads that the Volkswagen brand's very essence conflicts with the concept of entering the high-end market?"
Amen!!! I keep saying that VW would be better served, at least in the North American market, by offering a german alternative to likes of Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Ford/Chevy and the like. Doing so would also make Audi's entry level models more viable. Crowding their own established premium brand is just not good from a marketing and sales standpoint. But, then what do we know. We're just some average consumers.
cz_75 says:
08:27 PM, 04/22/2010
Slap four rings on it and sell it as an Audi, especially in place of the bizzare yet bland looking A8.
kevin118 says:
05:52 PM, 04/22/2010
When will VW get it thru their heads that the Volkswagen brand's very essence conflicts with the concept of entering the high-end market? It's a noted low- and mid-range car brand, which is not at all a bad thing. As for the high-end market, they have Audi. So what's the deal? (Skoda and Seat do their own thing, without any serious conflict to the Volkswagen brand). If they want to spend time, money and effort, they should be busy designing a new entry-level "people's car" (what put the brand originally on the map). The cheapest car VW offers today (in the US market) is hardly entry level in pricing.
beau_lane says:
02:47 PM, 04/22/2010
yea i was going to say this b4 i looked at this comment but it craps on the new A8 in looks.
speedrcr says:
01:44 PM, 04/22/2010
OMG!...Me thinks this looks better, exterior wise, than the A8!!