VW Phaeton

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.

Table of contents

1 Specifications 1.1 Powertrain 1.2 Performance 1.3 Dimensions 2 Ergonomics 3 Competitors 4 References

Specifications

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\n*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

\nThe V8 variant of the Phaeton accelerates from 0-60 mph on 6.7 seconds. The W12 variant takes 5.9 seconds. Both vehicles are electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h) maximum.

Dimensions

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).

Competitors

The Phaeton's market competitors might at some time include the

• Acura RL.\n*Audi A8.\n*BMW 7-Series.\n*Jaguar XJ.\n*Lexus LS 430.\n*Maserati Quattroporte.\n*Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

References

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class. (2003). In Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 10, 2004 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class\n*Volkwagen of America, Inc. (n.d.a). Standard features & options. (Canada). In 2004 Phaeton. Retrieved January 10, 2004 from http://www.vw.com/phaeton/features_can.htm\n*Volkwagen of America, Inc. (n.d.b). Technical specifications (Canada). In 2004 Phaeton. Retrieved January 10, 2004 from http://www.vw.com/phaeton/specifications_can.htm\n*Volkwagen of America, Inc. (n.d.c). Technical specifications (U.S.). In 2004 Phaeton\. Retrieved January 10, 2004 from http://www.vw.com/phaeton/specifications_us.htm

\nPhaeton