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The Volkswagen Phaeton is a large luxury sedan assembled by
Volkswagen Group and offered to the public under
the Volkswagen brand name. As of
2004, the Phaeton has the longest wheelbase in the Volkswagen model line. In Dresden,
Germany, the car is end-manufactured in a distinctive factory with a glass
exterior which looks rather beautiful,
especially at night.
Powertrain
In the 2004 model year, the Phaeton's powertrains (at least in American- and Canadian-spec models) are comprised of
one of the following petrol-burning engines:
- A 4.2 L V8 petrol unit, generating 335 bhp (250
kW) and a maximum of 317 ft-lbf (430 Nm) of torque at 3,500 rpm
- A 6.0 L W12, producing 420 bhp (313 kW) and generating a maximum of 406 ft-lbf (550 Nm)
of torque at 3,250 to 4,250 rpm
The power passes through a 6-speed automatic
transmission (with the V8), a 5-speed automatic transmission (with the W12), and to a permanent all-wheel drive system
(dubbed "4MOTION").
There is an advanced traction control system featuring Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic
Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Control (EBC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with brake
assist.
Performance
The V8 varient of the Phaeton accelerates from 0-60 mph on 6.7 seconds. The W12 varient takes 5.9 seconds. Both vehicles are
electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h) maximum.
The Phaeton is 203.7 inches (5.17 m) long, 74.9 inches (1.9 m) wide and 57.1 inches (1.45 m) high. It has a curb weight of
5,194 lb (2,356 kg) for the V8 and 5,399 lb (2,449 kg) for the W12.
Ergonomics
The Phaeton was criticised by many reviewers for its poor ergonomics. As is
often the case for cars designed in Germany, auto critics from the United States found the cup holders inadequate. The centralised computer control system for accessories and other
features (e.g. navigation, radio), replacing the multitude of switches and controls in most cars, was found to be highly
deficient in usability (as was the corresponding system in the BMW
7-Series).
The Phaeton's market competitors might at some time include the
References
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