Volkswagen is showcasing its highly anticipated Volkswagen Phaeton at the Miami Auto Show. Volkswagen's luxury sedan arrives at dealerships in North America in mid-November, becoming the German automaker's flagship car and dramatic expression of the Volkswagen brand's unique character.
The all-new Volkswagen Phaeton has a base price of $64,600 and is the brand's first entry into the high-end of the German-built luxury segment.
"With the launch of the Phaeton, Volkswagen is expanding its unique appeal to the luxury segment. This car delivers the best qualities of German- engineered performance and luxury at a superior value," said Frank Maguire, vice president in charge of sales and marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc.
For the U.S. market, Phaeton offers two exceptionally powerful engine configurations. The high-torque 4.2 liter V8 engine delivers a strong 335 horsepower 6,500 revolutions per minute going from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The top-of-line 6.0 liter W12 engine registers a remarkable 420 hp at 6,000 rpm. Volkswagen estimates the W12 accelerates from 0-to-60 in a scant 5.9 seconds.
Volkswagen has manufactured 330 special "Premier Edition" models of the Phaeton W12 to celebrate its entry into the German-built luxury segment. These special models are available in Piano Black exterior paint finish and were ordered with identical specifications. The Premier Edition Phaeton W12 has a base price of $79,900 plus a special equipment package priced at $4,990 for a total MSRP of $84,890. This Premier Edition model represents a great value within its competitive segment.
Volkswagen estimates in calendar year 2004 approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Phaeton V8 and W12 models will be sold.
Quietly elegant, the standard Phaeton V8 offers a substantial list of standard equipment. All Phaetons offer Volkswagen's exclusive 4MOTION, a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen (TORque SENsing) center differential; Phaeton's air suspension system with Electronic Damping Control that automatically adapts the suspension to all driving conditions; and a world-class climate control system called Climatronic, which offers a draft-free, four-zone interior with humidity sensors and separate temperature controls.
Other standard features include: 18-way power leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, aerodynamic Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, heated washer nozzles for the front windshield, courtesy entry-exit lights at all doors, an oversized sunroof with a deluxe shade, and a premium AM/FM sound system.
Additional equipment includes a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer, a luggage compartment lid that closes automatically with the push of a button, a HomeLink universal transmitter to program garage doors and home lights, and a remote-key anti-theft alarm system.
The Phaeton also comes equipped with Telematics provided by OnStar and an integrated infotainment center with numerous personal profile settings featuring a seven-inch color screen that functions with the CD changer, navigation system, onboard trip computer and air conditioning.
The highly refined Phaeton W12 is quite simply a well-equipped sedan with standard features such as: 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires; quad- visible exhaust pipes versus dual pipes on the V8 model; a sporty leather- wrapped, hand-stitched heated steering wheel with multifunction controls; a world-class, four-zone Climatronic system with rear-seat climate controls; and an upgraded 12-speaker, 270-watt sound system with digital sound processing. A coating of metalized infrared foil on windows is heat-reflective and shatter-resistant, while promoting interior comfort.
The W12 Phaeton's 18-way memory power front seats are heatable, ventilated and have a 10-minute massage function and four-way power lumbar support. Rear seats also are heated. Interior trim on seating, steering wheel and doors includes premium wood, leather upgrades, and brushed metal accents.
As with all Volkswagen vehicles, concern for safety is uppermost in Phaeton. As standard safety equipment, both the V8 and W12 models have eight airbags, including Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection; a four-wheel Anti- lock Braking System with emergency brake assist; electronic park assist; an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP); and a tire pressure monitoring system.