TheVolkswagen Phaeton(/ˈfeɪtən/FAY-tən) (Typ3D) is afull-sizesedan/saloon[4]manufactured by the German automobile manufacturerVolkswagen,described by Volkswagen as their "premium class" vehicle.[5][6]Introduced at the2002 Geneva Motor Show,the Phaeton was marketed worldwide. Sales in North America ended in 2006 and global sales ended in 2016.
| Volkswagen Phaeton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Production | December 2001 – March 2016[1][2] |
| Model years |
|
| Assembly | Dresden,Germany (Transparent Factory) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizeluxury car[3](F) |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan |
| Layout | LongitudinalFF layout LongitudinalF4 layout(4motion) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D1 |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Petrol: 3.2 LEA390 AYT / BKL / BRKVR6 3.6 LEA390VR6 4.2 LBGH, BGJV8 6.0 LW12(2004–2011) Diesel: 3.0 LTDI Common Rail (BMK / CARA / CEXA)V6TDI 5.0 LAJSV10TDI(2003–2007) |
| Transmission | 6-speedZF 6HP26Aautomaticwithtiptronic(5.0 V10 TDI only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Length |
|
| Width | 1,903 mm (74.9 in) |
| Height | 1,450 mm (57.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,184–2,449 kg (4,815–5,399 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Volkswagen Phideon(China) |
The name Phaeton derives fromPhaëton,the son ofPhoebus(orHelios) inGreek mythology,by way of thephaeton auto body styleand thetype of horse-drawn carriagethat preceded it.
Production ended in March 2016 and an all-electric second generation was slated to be produced.[7][8]Starting in April 2017, theTransparent FactoryDresden began assembling thee-Golfinstead.[9]
First and second series (2002) (GP0/GP1)
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Development
editThe Phaeton was conceived byFerdinand Piëch,then chairman ofVolkswagen Group,[10]who wanted a car that would surpass the German prestige market leaders,Mercedes-BenzandBMW,in part as a response to Mercedes' and BMW's decision to compete in Europe directly with Volkswagen by introducing theA-ClassandBMW 3 Series Compact.It was officially revealed at the 2002Geneva International Motor Show.
Although theVolkswagen Groupalready had a direct competitor in the full sized luxury segment, theAudi A8,the Phaeton was intended to be more of a comfort-oriented limousine, like theMercedes-Benz S-ClassandLexus LS,whereas the Audi A8 andBMW 7 Seriesare more performance-oriented.[11][12]Piëch also wanted to move the VW brand upmarket, with the Phaeton serving as the brand's flagship model.
Initial development of the Phaeton, given the internal project code VW611, began with Piëch giving his engineers a list of ten parameters the car needed to fulfill. Most of these specifications were not made known to the public, but a number of them were told to automotive reporters.
One of them was that the Phaeton should be capable of being driven all day at 300 km/h (186 mph) with an exterior temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) whilst maintaining an interior temperature of 22 °C (72 °F).[13]Piëch requested this even though the Phaeton's top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).[10]Other requirements were that the car should have a torsional rigidity of 37,000N·m/degree,and that the electric motors that perform various functions in the vehicle be hidden for a cleaner look.
At the1999 International Motor Show Germany,Volkswagen presented theConcept D,which was essentially ahatchbackprototype of the Phaeton, with very similar design,V10 TDIengine, air suspension and all wheel drive.
Overview
editThe Phaeton used a special version of theVolkswagen D platform,designatedD1.The D1 variant was shared with theBentley Continental GTandBentley Flying Spur,and was differentiated from the other D platform model, theAudi A8,by using all-steel construction, whereas the A8 continued to use the all-aluminum "Audi Space Frame" chassis. Certain systems, such as theautomatic transmissionand someengines,are shared with the A8.
Compared to the Audi A8L 4.2 litre FSI quattro, the Phaeton is 545 lb (247 kg) heavier but is still competitive with the lighter A8 in most driving tests, due to the Phaeton's increased engine power (335 hp versus 330) and a shorter axle ratio (3.65:1 versus 3.32).[14]However, the weight gives the Phaeton considerably worse acceleration and poorer fuel economy compared to the A8.[15]
The Phaeton had the longestwheelbasein the Volkswagen passenger car line.
Features
editDevelopment of the vehicle led to over one hundred individual patents specific to the Phaeton.[citation needed]Distinctive features include a draftless four zone climate system and standardTorsenbased4motionfour-wheel drive.
For high ride comfort, it introducedAdaptive Air SuspensionwithContinuous Damping Control(CDC)-(Skyhook suspension). The same suspension system, with firmer settings, was introduced in the technically similarAudi A8in November 2002.
The Phaeton was the first Volkswagen withradaradaptive cruise control:automatic distance regulator(ADR). Additionally, the 5.0 L V10 TDI engine option in Phaeton marked the first ever use of aV10 enginein a production sedan.
Phaeton Lounge (2005)
editThe Phaeton Lounge was a concept car based on a lengthened version of the Phaeton with seating for four (two pairs of seats facing each other) in the rear compartment. It features a W12 engine, a reinforced chassis, six speedTiptronicautomatic transmission, individual climate control for each passenger, front and rear wine coolers, a minibar, multi color mood lighting, a cigar humidor, two 17 inch monitors, DVD changer in the trunk, second DVD player in the rear cabin, and a Bluetooth enabled computer with a broadband connection.[16]
The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 Middle East International Motor Show.[17]
Production
editThe Phaeton was hand assembled in an eco friendly factory with a glass exterior, theTransparent Factory(German:Gläserne Manufaktur) inDresden,Germany. This factory had a capacity of producing 20,000 vehicles a year, and was planned to expand to 35,000 vehicles a year.[18]It also assembledBentley Flying Spurvehicles destined for the European market until October 2006, when all assembly of the Bentley products was transferred toCrewe,England.[citation needed]
The Phaeton body was fabricated and painted at the Volkswagen works atZwickau,Germany, and the completed bodies were transported approximately 100 km by special road transport vehicles to the main factory. Most Phaeton engines, the W12 being the notable exception, were built at the VW/Porsche/Audi engine plant inGyőr,Hungary.[citation needed]
Reception and sales
edit
Sales of the Phaeton fell far short of expectations. Its biggest market was China, followed by South Korea.[19]
In 2002, the manufacturer stated the annual capacity of the new Phaeton plant atDresdenwas 20,000; by September 2006 a four-year total of 25,000 had been built,[20]with production running at approximately 6,000 cars annually. The domestic market was the Phaeton's strongest, with 19,314 Phaetons delivered in Germany alone by January 2009. Production decreased to 10,190 cars in 2012 and 5,812 in 2013.[21]In Phaeton's production run that lasted 15 years, 84,253 units were built.[18]
In Canada, 93 Phaetons were sold in 2004, and in the first eight months of 2005, only 21 found owners. In the United States market, 1,433 Phaetons were sold in 2004, and 820 were sold in 2005, leading the company to announce that sales in the North American market would end after the 2006 model year. TheW12 enginedmodels have depreciated significantly, and sell for a small fraction of their original cost.[22]
The Phaeton debuted at prices comparable to similar offerings fromMercedes-Benz,BMW,Lexusand the Volkswagen Group's ownAudi A8(which shared its powertrain with the Phaeton).Motor Trendsuggested that the "VW badge on the hood may not say 'premium' to many auto shoppers" but they were impressed at how the Phaeton drove.[23]
In January 2011, Volkswagen reported the possibility of bringing the Phaeton back to the United States in the car's next product cycle.[24]In Autumn 2013,The Economistplaced Phaeton into the report on Europe's biggest loss making cars.[25]In October 2014,Top Gear Magazineplaced the Phaeton on its list of "The worst cars you can buy right now."[26]
In 2008, Volkswagen released the first update to the Phaeton. Subtle design changes were made by the introduction of chrome fog light covers and cherry red rear lights. The CD-based navigation system was upgraded to a DVD system, and the 3.0 V6 TDI engine had its power increased from 222 to 230bhp.
The GermanChancellorGerhard Schröderchose Phaeton to be hisofficial state carin his second term from 2002 to 2005.[27]The reason is widely thought[by whom?]to be that before becoming chancellor, he previously served as theMinister-President of Lower Saxonyin 1990–1998, where Volkswagen is headquartered in the city ofWolfsburgand is a major employer in the state, alsoLower Saxonystate government owns several shares in Volkswagen AG.[citation needed]
Third series (2008) (GP2)
editThe vehicle was unveiled at the2007 Geneva Motor Show.[28]
Update included newLEDdaytime running lights,as well as a freshened centre console with revamped controls and materials. NewFuel Stratified Injection(FSI)V6petrol engine with greater power and fuel efficiency (206 kW / 280 PS) which satisfyEuro-5emissions standards is also available.
Other changes to the car for 2009 included: three new types of alloy wheels (17, 18 and 19 inch), a slightly modified radiatorgrille,three new exterior colours, the new leather colour, the new wood trims, white switch illumination instead of red, accent and switch trim in the new "Warm gray" colour, an upgraded car key, makeup mirror in the rear on the LWB version, dampers optimised for low-friction,Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide(C/SiC)ceramic compositebrakes (front) on the PhaetonW12,as well as arearview camera(Rear Assist) andblind spot warning systemSide Assist.
Fourth series (2011) (GP3)
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The vehicle was unveiled in the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.[29][30]
The car for 2011 got a new front fascia to more closely resemble the Volkswagen styling direction first seen on the Golf Mk VI. This included new LED running lights, bi-xenon headlights and a new bumper with LED fog lights. The rearLEDclusters were altered to mimic those found on facelifted Touran, Sharan, the new Touareg and the new Passat.
The interior benefited from some new technologies, but retained the 2009 MY layout. The Phaeton was offered in two wheelbase lengths (standard and long) and two seating layouts (standard five seats and optional four seats with full centre console). In the five-seat version, the front seats can be adjusted 12 ways. Standard features include all wheel drive, air suspension, and four zone automatic climate control. A multifunction steering wheel can be ordered in leather or wood leather.
The W12 engine option was deleted from the European and international markets except China where it was still offered until the end of Phaeton production in 2016.
Fifth series (2014) (GP4)
editA further, minor facelift was introduced in 2014, including exterior alterations to the front fog lights and darkened rear lights. The interior was also updated including a new gear lever, gloss black accents around the gear lever and steering controls and the introduction of a new removable touch screen remote for rear passengers.
New technologies
edit- Automatic Distance Controladaptive cruise control with new Stop&Go function
- Front Assistcollision avoidance system
- Dynamic Light Assistnon-glare highbeam[31]
- Traffic sign recognitionthat can also detectovertaking restrictions[31]
- GPS-Navigation withGoogle Earth
- 3GMobile internet(UMTS)
Transmissions
edit| Model | Years | Types |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2 V6 | 2003–2004 | five speed automatic (front-wheel-drive) |
| 3.2 V6 | 2003–2007 | six speed automatic (front-wheel-drive) |
| 3.2 V6 | 2004–2009 | six speed automatic (4-motion) |
| 3.6 V6 FSI | 2010–2015 | six speed automatic |
| 4.2 V8 | 2010–2016 | six speed automatic |
| 6.0 W12 | 2010–2011 | five speed automatic |
| Model | Years | Types |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 V6 TDI | 2010–2016 | six speed automatic |
| 5.0 V10 TDI | 2003–2007 | six speed automatic |
Second generation
editBefore the Phaeton was discontinued in 2016, development of the second generation had already begun, with a near-production prototype already completed,[32]which Volkswagen revealed in 2022.[33]
Powertrain
editAs of 2007[update],powertrainoptions for the Phaeton included the followingengines.[34]4motionpermanentfour-wheel drivewas the only driveline system available, except for the 2003 and 2004 model years when front wheel drive was available with the 3.2 litre engine.
| Model | Years | Engine codes | Engine type | Power, torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 VR6 | 2002–2008 | AYT / BKL / BRK | 3,189 cc (194.6 cu in)VR6 | 241 PS (177 kW; 238 bhp) at 6,200, 315 N⋅m (232 lbf⋅ft) at 2,400 | 9.4 seconds | 239 km/h (148.5 mph) |
| 3.6 VR6 | 2008–2016 | ? | 3,597 cc (219.5 cu in) VR6 | 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) at 6,250, 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 | 8.6 seconds | 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (limited) |
| 4.2 V8 | 2002–2016 | BGH / BGJ /? | 4,172 cc (254.6 cu in) V8 | 335 PS (246 kW; 330 bhp) at 6,500, 430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 | 6.9 seconds | 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (limited) |
| 6.0 W12 LWB (420PS) | 2002–2004 | BAN | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in)W12 | 420 PS (309 kW; 414 bhp) at 6,000, 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) at 3,000 | 6.1 seconds | 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (limited) |
| 6.0 W12 LWB (450PS) | 2004–2011 | BRN / BTT | 5,998 cc (366.0 cu in) W12 | 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp) at 6,050, 560 N⋅m (413 lbf⋅ft) at 2,750-5,200 | 6.1 seconds | 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (limited) |
| Model | Years | Engine codes | Engine type | Power, torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) (s) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 V6 TDI (225PS) | 2004–2006 | BMK | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo | 225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp) at 4,000, 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400 | 8.8 seconds | 234 km/h (145.4 mph) |
| 3.0 V6 TDI (233PS) | 2007–2008 | CARA | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo | 233 PS (171 kW; 230 bhp) at 4,000, 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400 | 8.4 seconds | 234 km/h (145.4 mph) |
| 3.0 V6 TDI (240PS) | 2008–2013 | CEXA | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo | 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) at 4,000, 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500-3,500 | 8.3 seconds | 237 km/h (147.3 mph) |
| 3.0 V6 TDI (245PS) | 2014–2016 | CEXB | 2,967 cc (181.1 cu in) V6 turbo | 245 PS (180 kW; 242 bhp) at 4,000, 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) at 1,500-3,500 | 8.3 seconds | 237 km/h (147.3 mph) |
| 5.0 V10 TDI | 2003–2007 | AJS | 4,921 cc (300.3 cu in) V10 turbo | 313 PS (230 kW; 309 bhp) at 3,750, 750 N⋅m (553 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000 | 6.9 seconds | 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (limited) |
Vehicles manufactured for sale in the North American market were only available with the 4.2 litreV8and 6.0 litreW12 engine,both of which were electronically limited to 210 km/h (130.5 mph).
The Phaeton features aBoschESP 5.7Electronic Stability Programme,withAnti-Lock Braking System(ABS),Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)traction control system,Electronic Differential Lock(EDL),Engine Braking Control(EBC), with emergencyBrake Assist(BA).
The electronic differential lock (EDL) employed by Volkswagen is not, as the name suggests, a differential lock at all. Sensors monitor wheel speeds across an individual driven axle, and if one wheel is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e. slipping) the EDL system momentarily brakes it. This effectively transfers power to the other wheel.
Volkswagen was developing an electric version, but replaced it with their MEB2 platform for 2020.[35]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Schmidt, Boris (7 July 2022)."20 years of the Phaeton: For the first time, Volkswagen shows the successor that was never built".VolkswagenNewsroom.Retrieved18 November2023.
- ^"Das gescheiterte Luxusprojekt von VW"[VW's failed luxury project].Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.20 March 2016.Retrieved18 November2023.
- ^"Tested: 2004 Big-Money Luxury Sedan Comparison".Car and Driver.March 31, 2021.
- ^https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/20-years-of-the-phaeton-for-the-first-time-volkswagen-shows-the-successor-that-was-never-built-8056"5.06 metres long, 1.90 metres wide, 1.45 metres high – these dimensions alone meant a place for the Phaeton among its competitors in the luxury segment. However, in spite of its size, its visual appearance was understated. Its flowing design with slightly domed roof lines created a timeless and unostentatious appearance. The only stand-out features were the round tail light clusters at the rear installed under rectangular cover glass elements."
- ^"Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH".Volkswagen-sachsen.de.Retrieved2010-10-04.
- ^Glaesernemanufaktur Dresden."GlaeserneManufaktur.de".GlaeserneManufaktur.de. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-04-05.Retrieved2010-10-04.
- ^Behrmann, Elisabeth (16 December 2015)."Volkswagen to Stop Making Top-End Phaeton Sedan in March".Bloomberg.com.Retrieved16 December2015.
- ^"VW suspends Phaeton".17 December 2015.RetrievedDecember 19,2015.
- ^"Scharfer Start für den e-Golf aus Dresden".Archived fromthe originalon 2017-03-17.Retrieved2017-03-16.
- ^abTop GearSeries 2 Episode 10, July 20, 2003
- ^"Volkswagen Phaeton 4MOTION W-12".First Drive Review - Auto Reviews.Car and Driver.September 2002.Retrieved2010-10-04.
- ^"Page 6 - Living Large - Comparison Test - RoadandTrack.com".Archived fromthe originalon 2011-02-17.Retrieved2012-05-09.
- ^"Volkswagen 2009 Phaeton - Beijing show: VW facelifts Phaeton – again".GoAuto.GoAutoMedia. 2010-04-23. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-04-01.Retrieved2010-10-04.
- ^"2004 Audi A8L vs. BMW 745i, Jaguar XJ8, M-B S430, VW Phaeton Comparison Tests - Page 3".Car and Driver.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^"2004 Audi A8L vs 2004 BMW 745i vs 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas vs 2004 Lexus LS 430 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 vs 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 Comparison".Motor Trend Magazine.3 September 2004.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^Nunez, Alex (9 August 2006)."The world's first 4WD limo is a Volkswagen".Autoblog.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^Waterman, Stuart (23 December 2005)."Volkswagen supersizes the Phaeton".Autoblog.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^ab"VW Phaeton: A few facts on a failed experiment".Autonews.Apr 4, 2016.Retrieved25 April2016.
- ^Choi, Joseph (30 July 2013)."The Volkswagen Phaeton to Attempt Successful Rebirth in U.S. Market".National Automobile Dealers Association.Archived fromthe originalon 26 January 2019.Retrieved10 December2014.
- ^skript manufaktura– Magazin der Gläsernen Manufaktur Dresden, Nr. 7, Herbst/Winter 2006, Seite 63
- ^http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/content/de/homepage.bin.html/marginalparsys/textandimage_3/downloadFile/GB%2B2013_d.pdfArchived2014-07-03 at theWayback MachineGeschäftsbericht 2013
- ^"Gebrauchtschnäppchen Phaeton"(in German).
- ^"2004 Audi A8L vs 2004 BMW 745i vs 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas vs 2004 Lexus LS 430 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 vs 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 Comparison - Motor Trend".Archived fromthe originalon 2012-03-16.
- ^"Volkswagen May Bring Back Scirocco, Phaeton to U.S."bloomberg.com. 2011-01-28. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-07-15.
- ^"Daily Chart. Europe's biggest loss making cars".The Economist.2013-09-25.
- ^"The Worst Cars You Can Buy Right Now".Top Gearmagazine. 2014-10-09. Archived fromthe originalon 2019-08-05.Retrieved2014-10-12.
- ^Pander, Jürgen (February 1, 2002)."VW Phaeton: Schröder vor den Karren gespannt".Der Spiegel– via www.spiegel.de.
- ^Dan Roth (7 March 2007)."Geneva Motor Show: The new VW Phaeton".Autoblog.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^"Volkswagen Group Debuts Six Brands in China at Auto Beijing 2010".vwmedia.com.cn.Archived fromthe originalon 16 January 2013.Retrieved6 April2018.
- ^Korzeniewski, Jeremy (23 April 2010)."Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe".Autoblog.Retrieved14 July2015.
- ^ab"Phaeton debuts with new design and new technologies".Archived fromthe originalon 20 July 2011.Retrieved22 April2010.
- ^"VW Shows Near-Production Prototype Of The Axed Second-Gen Phaeton".Carscoops.July 7, 2022.
- ^"Cancelled Second-Gen VW Phaeton D2 Was Designed To Get A W12 Engine".Carscoops.July 11, 2022.
- ^All data:Automobile Revue 2007.Bern: Espace Media Groupe. 2007. pp. 519–520.ISBN978-3-905386-07-3.
- ^"Tesla Model S forces radical rethink for next Volkswagen Phaeton - Autocar".www.autocar.co.uk.Retrieved6 April2018.
External links
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