VOLKSWAGEN Phaeton - Start of a new era

Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

© 1998 - 2002 Copyright &
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com

News of May 22, 2002

VOLKSWAGEN Phaeton - Start of a new era

Volkswagen Phaeton

Photo: VW

Phaeton dynamic design and high-end technology Starting phase with V6 and W12 engine; four-wheel pneumatic suspension in series

Wolfsburg - May, 31st marks the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen - the market introduction of the Phaeton. For Europe's most successful vehicle manufacturer, the start of the upper class limousine is an important step towards becoming a full line provider. Be it the Lupo or the Phaeton, what is important is that Volkswagen is represented in each class with premium products. The new Phaeton sets new standards in quality, comfort and safety.

Phaeton W12 with 309 kW / 420 hp and four-wheel drive in series

In the starting phase, the 5.06 metre long, 1.90 metre wide and 1.45 metre high limousine is available with two powerful petrol engines. The top engine is the new W12, a comfortable and very dynamic 6.0 litre 12-cylinder with a performance of 309 kW / 420 hp and 550 Newton metres torque (from 3,000 rpm). The W12 power is transmitted to the wheels via 5-gear automatic transmission and 4MOTION four-wheel drive. The electronically limited maximum speed is 250 km/h.

Also debuting at the same time as the W12 is the Phaeton V6 with a 3.2 litre 6-cylinder 177 kW / 241 hp engine performance and a 6-gear transmission for the front-wheel-drive. Its maximum torque of 315 Newton metres is already available at a very low 2,400 rpm. The Phaeton V6 attains a maximum speed of 245 km/h (automatic: 242 km/h).

In autumn the Phaeton V10 TDI will follow, having a performance of 230 kW / 313 hp, driven by the world's most powerful passenger car diesel engine. Already at 2,000 rpm, the direct injection biturbo diesel achieves an incredible 750 Newton metre torque. The 4MOTION four-wheel drive is also used for the 250 km/h fast Phaeton V10 TDI. Power transmission ensues via a new 6-gear automatic transmission.

The new four-wheel pneumatic suspension for each model in series

A new continuous four-wheel pneumatic suspension, which has been integrated into an innovative chassis layout made up of a four-link front suspension and a trapeze rear suspension, forms part of the unique propulsion concept. Combined with the rigid body (best in class), the standard use of ESP, brake assistant, the most powerful brake system in the segment, eight airbags and active front headrests (AKS) guarantee optimum safety performance.

The body's steel elements are fully galvanised. The doors and covers are made from aluminium, the front fender and the spare wheel cavity from high-tech plastics.

All body components, as well as the entire chassis and drive unit with its enormous safety reserves, has been layed out for a maximum speed of up to 300 km/h. These construction specifications ensure an unsurpassed solidity of the Phaeton.

Phaeton design as an expression of a new self-assertive generation

The new limousine design was independently layed out, all forms deviate from the beaten track. Harmonic and powerful body lines underline the dynamic features of the Phaeton. A clear, fresh and modern elegance dominates the progressive interior. The incisive technological and structural interior concept is easily accessible. Although no details known from other models were used for the Phaeton apart from the VW logo, all user controls appear quite familiar due to the intuitive and appealing design.

Newly designed air conditioning system - the first and only aircon that does not cause a draught.

A separate key bar is used for operating one of the best air-conditioning systems the world has seen: the new 4-Zone Climatronic. Due to the Climatronic, the rear passengers, too, can, along with the driver and front passenger, individually adjust the temperature for the left and right seat. A further definite advantage of this air-conditioning system is absolutely unique on the international market: The cool or warm air reaches the interior without causing a draught, using emitters that open and close automatically (and are covered by fine wood panels). Furthermore, an effective function for controlling the air humidity has been added, which automatically prevents the windows from steaming up.

The large vertical centre console is the dominating cockpit element. Here the infotainment centre, with a 7-inch colour display in 16:9 format, has been centrally placed. This monitor is really multitalented. Principally it can be used to adjust just about all comfort-, audio-, TV-, navigation-, on-board computer- and telephone settings via eight large multifunctional basic keys using the display, six additional basic function keys and a central menu controller.

In order to not overload the menu functions, a separate key bar for audio system control is found underneath the infotainment centre. Generally, all basic functions of the Phaeton are easily operated using buttons, not via a complicated menu. Such as, for instance, the manual settings for the four-wheel pneumatic suspension. Only the individualised fine tuning, for instance for particular sound parameters of the audio system, takes place via a logically set up menu structure.

Outstanding spacing and electrical seat adjustment, in series

The Phaeton offers above average interior spacing. The so-called comfort measurements (defined dimensions for front and rear passengers), the knee space in the rear and the shoulder space in the front are both best in class.

Upper class limousine forms part of a trilogy of product, manufacture and service

Volkswagen has not only developed a remarkable vehicle; at the same time, an unique manufacturing and customer service concept was also developed. All three components - product, manufacture and service - make up the Volkswagen upper class trilogy. Firstly, Phaeton owners purchase a high quality limousine, which, secondly, was constructed at one of the world's most innovative and advanced production lines - the transparent factory in Dresden. The third part of the trilogy is the exceptional service concept, the Phaeton Service, which Volkswagen offers its customers. This is, amongst other things, consists of an unrivalled, fully inclusive mobility guarantee, which is valid for the entire vehicle registration period. All repairs are co-ordinated by a superior Technical Service Centre (TSC), which individually controls all service activities.

(May 21, 2002)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]