Pricing and specifications of the revised Phaeton luxury saloon has already been announced by Volkswagen ahead of its launch on September this year. The revisions made on the Phaeton include an updated interior and exterior styling, a new engine that follows the Euro V emissions legislation, making it the first Volkswagen engine to follow such and is a 3.0L V6 TDI. This engine also prides itself of its more power than the outgoing unit.
This new engine uses common rail technology, with an utmost power output of 233 PS, which is eight more PS than its predecessor. This 3.0L V6 TDI engine also produces a torque measurable of up to 450Nm, 0-62 miles per hour in an approximate time of 8.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 146mph. But it still returns a 29.4 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. The 80 percent reduction in particulates (compared with the Euro IV) is one of the requirements of the Euro V emission and is not scheduled to come out until 2009, has already been achieved by this new Volkswagen engine.
Two other engines complete the Phaeton line up – the 4.2L V8 335 PS and the 6.0L W12 450 PS. All the models are equipped with the standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive and the long wheelbase, which gives 12cm additional rear legroom, are also available. The only thing offered with the standard wheelbase is the 3.0L V6 TDI engine.
There are certain subtle style changes on the Phaeton’s exterior and these are the re-profiled bonnet, newly-designed headlights complete with automatic driving lights, body coloured bumpers with chrome trim,cherry red rear light clusters, hazard lights which illuminate automatically in extreme braking situations for added safety, and chrome air inlets. There is an option however, to upgrade into the cornering bi-Xenon lights with LED daytime running lights. This innovation upgrade is already a standard on the W12.
Phaeton also now features a modified center console switchgear for enhanced ease of use in its cabin, and a new DVD navigation system. Again, as an option, the current telephone preparation is replaced by Voice Activated Mobile Phone Preparation. This already includes a Blueetooth Interface with hands-free operation and the control unit integrated into the “infotainment†system. This costs £825.00.
The prices for this revised Volkswagen Phaeton starts at £37,995* RRP OTR. This will arrive in UK in September this year and will be available to order now from Volkswagen retailers.