Volksbloggin.com » Volkswagen Phaeton

The Phaeton (pronounced failure) Destined to Return to US

Dan Volkens — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:33:49 +0000

Autoblog reports that VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby made the point blank statement that the Phaeton will return to the U.S. market... but not WHEN. More at Autoblog.com

Phaeton Due to Return to U.S.

Matt Radel — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:45:38 +0000

“Volkswagen hopes to save significant development costs on the 2010 model by sharing a chassis, transmissions, and engines with the next-generation Audi A6. It’s not known if these savings will make the new Phaeton less expensive than its predecessor, but it’s certainly possible.”

I’m sorry, but this is stupid. The VW brass is really starting to make me scratch my head. The Phaeton was a dismal failure, and a contradiction to the core values of the brand. I keep asking, why would someone want a luxury VW? Why does it exist? They’re already looking at ways to separate the A8 from the Phaeton, which target the same market of course. Wouldn’t a successful Phaeton cannibalize A8 sales?

Volkswagen of America already axed the arrival of the Scirocco for fear of what it might do to GTI sales, which I must say might be the right choice. So they make a (relatively) smart move in there, and a flat out dumb ass move here. All this does is support my fear that VW is truly attempting to move the brand upscale. And if they do, I’m gone.

Thanks for rockin’ the news, Leftlane.

What Hands Can Do?

Dan Volkens — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:02:37 +0000

Even the Freakin’ Pope Drives One

Matt Radel — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:54:30 +0000

Pope Benedict XVI is rockin’ some new wheels courtesy of Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. The ride is a new pimp-tastic specially equipped Phaeton Limo, powered by a 450 hp, 6.0 l W12 engine specially equipped to meet the needs of the Holy Father. He seems pretty pleased:

Unfortunatly, it’s been getting increasingly difficult for me to ~~laugh at~~ joke about the Phaeton, but now it’s getting damn near impossible with the Pope driving one. Oh well. I can hear the marketing folks now; “VW. Even the Pope drives one.” or “Christians Wanted.” Oh. Maybe that’s too far.

For those that don’t know, this is his second ‘dub. That’s right, he was a fellow Golf driver! Rock it brother.

Drive A Phaeton, Kill People

Matt Radel — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:23:28 +0000

Okay, so there are fundamental rules to follow when reviewing a car. What’s at the top of that list? Oh yeah, talking about the car. I mean, why would you not take the opportunity to attack speeders and reckless drivers in a review of a ~~way too~~ high end car, primarily driven by old white guys? This goofball from the UK does exactly that.

This one and a half page “review” fails to mention the Phaeton until the second page. I’d drop you all some quotes to whet your appetite, but I honestly don’t know where to start. I personally feel that the car deserves negative press, but not as the spearhead of an anti speeding/reckless driving rant.

Jeremy Clarkson, I’m sure you’re a fine journalist. just separate the material a little bit huh?

via Volkswagen Photography.

Phaeton Limo. Ugh.

Matt Radel — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 01:42:58 +0000

I’ve never been a big fan of limos – maybe it’s because the only real attribute that I would enjoy, a large group of fun and drunk people, I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing. Mostly I find the folks that are rollin’ around in limos I have no interest in dealing with (weddings being an exception). Thus the limo becomes a symbol of the unfavorable and obnoxious, and I turn my head quickly as one passes by.

So regular readers of VB that know my thoughts on the Phaeton won’t be surprised at my gag reflex at this:

Though the interior looks sweet:

I’ll let you be the judge. Mayhaps I’m being too harsh.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Mini Photo Gallery

Dan Volkens — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:52:53 +0000

Click on a thumbnail to view a larger version.

The Phaeton – would you pay 67-100k for a VW?

Matt Radel — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 15:00:19 +0000

Granted, I’m not in the target market for a Phaeton. But, did this model come out of left field for anyone else? Just looking down their line, I doesn’t seem to fit. And generally speaking, none of the options seem to warrant such a high price tag. I’m sorry but if I’ve got 100k to spend on a vehicle, I’m not looking at VW (and, of course, I love VW). I’m thinking Audi, Mercedes, etc. Hell, I’d snag an R32 and a Passat for that change.

But, I’m issuing a call out to all Phaeton owners. You got one? Tell me why it’s so great. Did you ALMOST buy one? Tell me why you didn’t and what you went with. As far as I’m concerned, the existence of the Phaeton is primarily so they can price the Touareg more aggressively. This way, it’s not really the top of the line(Even though 99% of consumers would see it that way).

Please, feel free to disagree. Right now the Phaeton doesn’t have too many proponents.