First Details On Next-Gen Volkswagen Phaeton, U.S. Market Crucial
2012 Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept Debuts: Video
After years of speculation, Renault has finally revived its Alpine performance branding, which has... Read More
- #1LEADERBOARD RANK
- 7398ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 82COMMENTS POSTED
Add to circle
2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
Also See
-
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Walkaround: Video
-
Volkswagen Previews ‘The Dog Strikes Back’...
-
Volkswagen Using The Force, Again, For Its...
See more video »
The Phaeton flagship sedan may have been a major flop for Volkswagen but officials are keen for a launch of a successor. The car was priced similarly to BMWs and Audis but it wore a humble VW badge, and there was nothing particularly exciting or innovative about it either. It had mundane styling, poor dynamics and a much heavier chassis than its Audi A8 cousin--need we go on.
Yes, by all accounts, the Phaeton was a flop and nowhere did it perform more badly than in the U.S. where the decision to drop the car came just two years after launch. Since going on sale back in 2003, VW managed to find a local home for just 3,354 cars in total, but despite the poor result the automaker is considering bringing the next-generation Phaeton to the U.S.
A significantly refreshed version (pictured) will go on sale in Europe later this year, however, the car destined for a U.S. return will most likely be an all-new model.
For the next-generation Phaeton, VW won’t be so ambitious. Instead of targeting the likes of the 7-Series and A8, and their respective European buyers, VW will be going after American and Chinese buyers. This means the Phaeton will be growing in size, and it’s styling will also be made more flamboyant.
A platform change is also on the cards, with the current Audi A6’s underpinnings likely making the cut. The engine lineup will most likely be trimmed, with the V-6 and V-8 units remaining and a new hybrid option being added, the same from the 2012 Touareg Hybrid. Gone will be the W-12 monster and V-10 TDI units.
Whatever the outcome, don't expect to see the new Phaeton in showrooms for at least a couple of years.
[Autocar]
Connect with Facebook
Related Articles
-
Aston Martin's Lagonda SUV Plans Still Alive And Kicking
-
BMW Expands Its Used Car Presence In China
-
Volkswagen Gets China's Take On The People's Car Of The Future
-
BMW Opens New Design Center In China: Is That A Good Thing?
-
First AMG-Only Dealership Opens In Beijing
-
Follow Us
On Facebook
2013 Ford Shelby GT500: First Drive 
2013 BMW 4-Series Coupe Spy Shots 
MINI’s John Cooper Works Lineup Gets New Engine For 2013 
Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 To Spawn New Alfa Romeo Spider: Official 
2014 BMW X5 Spy Shots 
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By NC2000 Posted: 6/18/2010 6:34am PDT
By NoNameDenton Posted: 6/18/2010 3:25pm PDT
By MaXimO Posted: 6/19/2010 11:14am PDT
The ugly designs of Japanese cars are preferred for their aspet square and deformed, they are like many people in the usa.
By NoNameDenton Posted: 6/19/2010 3:48pm PDT
By HyundaiSmoke Posted: 6/19/2010 4:30pm PDT
It doesnt make sense to stay int he same segment I know, but both VWAG and HKAG insist on the in company rivalries they have.
It does benefit in making VW into the new Audi and Audi into something better. Like KIA is becoming the new Hyundai and Hyundai is going upmarket. Then in the future Hyundai will move over from near Luxury to luxury, and KIA will move to near luxury.
It makes all 4 brands strive harder to be better than they were before.
By NoNameDenton Posted: 6/19/2010 7:07pm PDT
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!