Phaeton Phaeton (facelift) spyshots (updated)

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I would like to agree with you but i can't. What's seperating those two cars in the road is the main construction material, Aluminium against steel. As a consequence A8 is much lighter and it feels and handles like a smaller car. The difference in weight is one of the factors that make the A8 a class leader in dynamics.

Where some folks prefer aluminium for dynamics, some prefer steel for sheer stability and safety. Steel has its benefits, still, for being a heavy, strong material and some people just like that. Paldi might add a thing or two here.

There have been stories of aluminium chassis warping in aluminium body cars; does this happen in the A8? Just curious.

Osna, you're right, VW can build the next Phaeton for not much money, but for what purpose? They will continue to lose even more money. Unless of course, consumers take to the car better and sales increase. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.

The Transparent Factory in Dresden might be utilised more effectively if there's a next-gen Phaeton, though. If they discontinue the Phaeton, what will happen to it? It'll build Bentleys?

We all love the Phaeton for what it is but it's bleeding money from VW.

 

[phaeton]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I don't think VW loses money on the Phaeton, perhaps when it was sold in US but elsewhere it profits.

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I don't think VW loses money on the Phaeton, perhaps when it was sold in US but elsewhere it profits.

I don't think they have recovered the costs from building the Dresden plant, have they? Some figures on their profit from the Phaeton's worldwide sales would be good. Well you have a point about making money, after all VW also benefits with the CGT and FS sharing the same platform, and they are selling like hotcakes.

 

[Yperion]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

There have been stories of aluminium chassis warping in aluminium body cars; does this happen in the A8? Just curious.

No. Only Jaguars have quality problems with their aluminium structure due to poor engineering.

Aluminium is stronger than steel only it weights less. No wonder Ferrari, Lamborghini among others are using it extensively.

 

[phaeton]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I don't think they have recovered the costs from building the Dresden plant, have they? Some figures on their profit from the Phaeton's worldwide sales would be good. Well you have a point about making money, after all VW also benefits with the CGT and FS sharing the same platform, and they are selling like hotcakes.

Only VW CFOs know if they have profited, info like that isn't released unfortunately

Bentley definitely has helped VW in its profits from Continental range

 

[SDNR]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I think VW should keep going with the Phaeton idea -- it is unique in that it is not weighed down with pretence. The social climbers and label whores will never understand the Phaeton ...but that is their loss.

 

[Yperion]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

The social climbers and label whores will never understand the Phaeton ...but that is their loss.

I agree.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

The social climbers and label whores will never understand the Phaeton ...but that is their loss.

Nicely put, Rob, completely agree!

 

[phaeton]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I would like to agree with you but i can't. What's seperating those two cars in the road is the main construction material, Aluminium against steel. As a consequence A8 is much lighter and it feels and handles like a smaller car. The difference in weight is one of the factors that make the A8 a class leader in dynamics.

I would think the Phaeton has a more solid strong feel like old Mercs had in the past (a car to be chauffered in).

Whereas the A8 (drivers limo) as you say is more dynamic focusing more on Sport Luxury while Phaeton is plain Luxury.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

Whereas the A8 (drivers limo) as you say is more dynamic focusing more on Sport Luxury while Phaeton is plain Luxury.

That is very true as well...

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I would think the Phaeton has a more solid strong feel like old Mercs had in the past (a car to be chauffered in).

Whereas the A8 (drivers limo) as you say is more dynamic focusing more on Sport Luxury while Phaeton is plain Luxury.

That was what I meant to say. Thanks phaeton.

Well Rob... I can only hope VW continues the Phaeton range. And properly, too... I've heard unfavourable rumours that the next-gen Phaeton will be a Coupe-like 4 door with a more aggressive appearance, and priced cheaper than the current Phaeton. If that happens, I think the magic of being unique is quite lost, isn't it?

Even current spy pictures of the facelift having the big chrome front is defeating the purpose of a subtle design in the car.

 

[klier]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

Slightly OT, but I still think the facelifted version of the last gen Passat is a pretty car.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I've heard unfavourable rumours that the next-gen Phaeton will be a Coupe-like 4 door with a more aggressive appearance, and priced cheaper than the current Phaeton. If that happens...

Improved 4Motion drive, lighter body, more luxury and newest TDI and FSI engines and Bingo!

Yeah, i'd like to see that...

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

Slightly OT, but I still think the facelifted version of the last gen Passat is a pretty car.

I think so too, but the new Passat appeals to me more.

Improved 4Motion drive, lighter body, more luxury and newest TDI and FSI engines and Bingo!

Yeah, i'd like to see that...

It won't be more luxurious I think... They're aiming for a lower price bracket. But if they build this, where would it place the rumoured Passat Coupe?

 

[Zonda]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

A facelift could surely get some new costumers but I hope they keep the design classy and beautiful. That goes for the successor as well.

 

[Paldi]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

For two weeks I'm driving a FWD 2005 Altima with worn tires. It's noisy, takes bumps like a rolling pin on gravel, no class. I miss the bambino Bentley. The Phaeton takes a whole new perspective when you compare it to a Flying Spur instead of an A8L.

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I've had time in both and the ride and comfort are very similar. The Bentley takes bumps slightly better due to its heavier weight - I guess it works like a flattener. The interior of the Bentley is more luxurious though.

The Phaeton still looks better IMO.

 

[PanterroR]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

The Phaeton still looks better IMO.

And IMO too...

 

[Paldi]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

People think I'm nuts using 'Paint' to redesign my car. However, it helps while away the time...

Below is a photo of a Phaeton like mine with my 19" Bentley wheels photoshopped on.

The following photoshop shows the same car with a few changes to freshen it up!

I have extended the wheelbase about 3 inches by moving the front wheels forward. By reducing front overhang, one could safely lower the car to Euro-spec ride height without worry about steep driveway entrances, etc. This would be accomplished by using the Audi A8 or Bentley Continental trans axle with it's front drive shaft before the torque converter.

The next change is to extend the trunk 3 inches to allow for room for golf clubs and so forth. So the car is 3 inches longer overall.

Other minor changes include lowering the belt-line spear to the bottom of the doors - in line with more modern VW styling. The trim on the edge of the rear door window is made more bold and the OnStar antenna is gone. Finally, I chromed the fog light surround and the lower grill bar too.

FACELIFT Revisions:

Another...

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Facelifted Phaeton coming soon.

I like the chrome moved to the bottom for the sides, but now the front and back looks a little empty IMO.

I like the extra chrome on the rear doors...