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Preview: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift

Preview: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift

Alex Kaufmann June 30th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author June 30th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Volkswagen will be updating its Phaeton flagship for the second time in its short life, reaffirming the lackluster opinion of the car in the full-size luxury sedan market. With a brand new BMW 7-series already on sale, a facelifted Mercedes Benz S-Class just around the corner and a completely redesigned Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ less than a year away, VW’s entrant in this segment is facing a serious uphill battle. With the introduction of the first facelifted model last year, sales of the Phaeton in Europe actually rose. Now, with a possible return to the U.S. on the cards, VW is hoping to maximize the potential for success of its stumbling flagship. The facelifted Phaeton will be getting several minor styling changes as evidenced by these latest spy shots. The changes to the car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian-friendly reshaped bonnet. The styling will be influenced by VW’s new edgier corporate look that was first seen on the Mark VI Golf, as revealed by this computer generated rendering. The powertrain lineup will also likely be revitalized, with a range of more fuel-efficient engines introduced in line with more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. A hybrid variant may also be introduced. Expect to see the latest version bow in late next year as a 2011 model.2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift preview
The updated Phaeton is expected to get Volkswagen’s new edgier corporate look

The updated Phaeton is expected to get Volkswagen’s new edgier corporate look

Enlarge Photo

Volkswagen will be updating its Phaeton flagship for the second time in its short life, reaffirming the lackluster opinion of the car in the full-size luxury sedan market. With a brand new BMW 7-series already on sale, a facelifted Mercedes Benz S-Class just around the corner and a completely redesigned Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ less than a year away, VW’s entrant in this segment is facing a serious uphill battle.

With the introduction of the first facelifted model last year, sales of the Phaeton in Europe actually rose. Now, with a possible return to the U.S. on the cards, VW is hoping to maximize the potential for success of its stumbling flagship.

The facelifted Phaeton will be getting several minor styling changes as evidenced by these latest spy shots. The changes to the car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian-friendly reshaped bonnet. The styling will be influenced by VW’s new edgier corporate look that was first seen on the Mark VI Golf, as revealed by this computer generated rendering.

The powertrain lineup will also likely be revitalized, with a range of more fuel-efficient engines introduced in line with more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. A hybrid variant may also be introduced.

Expect to see the latest version bow in late next year as a 2011 model.
2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift
Gallery
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2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift preview
Gallery
  • 2011 volkswagen phaeton facelift preview rendering 001

Tags: Spy Shots, VW, facelift

Posted in: 2006, Volkswagen, Spy Shots, Sedans, Phaeton


Comments (7 total)

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  1. ma_solo84 avatar by solo84 #1, Posted: 6/30/2009

    sweet. make it even more generic in appearance. this thing will continue to get ripped apart by the S-Class, status and sales-wise.

  2. ma_HECTOR avatar by HECTOR #2, Posted: 6/30/2009

    Not as stunning as the first one but definitely a step ahead of the LOOK AT ME!!! S class.

  3. ma_NC2010 avatar by NC2010 #3, Posted: 6/30/2009

    There has to be a market for the more sophisticated look of the Phaeton compared to the strange appearances of the MB and BMW competitors and the down right tackiness of the Asian "competitors".

    The Phaeton and A8 are definitely top of the class in appearance. (maybe tone down the chrome a bit, though)

  4. ma_HECTOR avatar by HECTOR #4, Posted: 7/1/2009

    Right here baby, I'm the market (when I can afford them). The other day I saw the W12 Phaeton driving in front of me, definitely not an every day accurrence. That's a good looking car there. If I wasn't so afraid of spending $300 a month in gas and god knows how much in repairs I'd buy one. OK, maybe the V8 version.

  5. ma_gazzed avatar by gazzed #5, Posted: 7/1/2009

    I like Volkswagen cars but do believe they should just leave this segment to their cousin Audi.

  6. ma_Rocko avatar by Rocko #6, Posted: 7/1/2009

    Great looking car and I hope VW is moving away from the giant chrome grill.

  7. ma_Mike avatar by Mike #7, Posted: 7/1/2009

    The previous one looked better. The front end treatment on this reminds me of the late '90s Passat, definitely not the image VW wants to conjure up. They should make it like a larger CC, similar to how Jag is making the XJ a larger XF. Every time I see a CC on the road, I can't help thinking that it is one of the best looking current sedans, especially from the front. I'd much rather have one than the Merc CLS, and I'd save more than a few grand, too.

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