Volkswagen shows us the Phaeton that never was
The Phaeton is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing Volkswagens and could also be a greater story than any of the model’s most iconic fashions. The massively costly luxurious sedan lasted just some mannequin years in North America, however VW had plans to replace the automotive for a brand new era. The automaker simply pulled again the curtain on the Phaeton D2, a luxurious automotive that by no means made it previous the prototype stage.
Volkswagen solely offered a number of thousand of the unique automobiles, seemingly because of their excessive complexity and value tags. Right here in america, the “base” V8-powered automotive got here with a $65,600 price ticket, and the W12 variant began at almost $96,000. Adjusted for inflation, these totals come to $103,534 and $150,882, respectively. Ouch. Six-figure value tags harm, even after they’re sitting on an unique window sticker, nevertheless it’s exceptional on a Volkswagen.
The automotive was so costly and sophisticated that it was discontinued within the U.S. after 2006. Internationally, nevertheless, VW up to date the Phaeton for a number of years afterward with options equivalent to a touchscreen infotainment system and superior driver aids.
The drivable prototype you see right here (above proper, subsequent to the older manufacturing mannequin) was initially a part of a bunch of 4 idea automobiles. The D2 automotive acquired the nod however by no means reached manufacturing, due to VW’s determination to totally electrify its lineup.
This Phaeton is across the identical dimension as a brand new Audi A8, although Volkswagen didn’t elaborate on powertrain or efficiency particulars. Given the automaker’s shifting environmental priorities on the time of its conception, it’s unlikely the automotive could be fitted with a W12. Nonetheless, the V8 or the Europe-only V10 TDI from the first-generation Phaeton would have made a splash.
Concerning styling, the automotive follows the evolution of VW’s different fashions from the interval. The rounded shapes and generally goofy-looking traces from early-2000s VWs have been changed by sharper, extra upscale styling and design. Inside, the Phaeton D2 has a big curved show that ended up being launched within the 2018 Touareg.
It’s simple to see how this automotive attracts a line to new Volkswagens with its tech and design. Past the curved show, the touch-sensitive controls on the Phaeton D2’s steering wheel can now be discovered within the new GTI and Golf R, in addition to different fashions. It’s unimaginable to understand how the Phaeton would look right now if it had continued in manufacturing, however VW might at all times pull out a equally luxurious automotive to trip on its electrified platform.
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