Phaeton Volkswagen shrinking next-gen Phaeton

[Zafiro]

Contrary to the trend for automakers to increase a car’s size with each new model change, Volkswagen is planning to shrink its flagship Phaeton sedan for the all-new 2010 model. The announcement comes straight from VW boss Martin Winterkorn who told reporters at Germany’s Der Spiegel the next Phaeton will be based on the next-gen Audi A6 with the two vehicles sharing many components.

VW is expected to make substantial savings because there’s no need to develop expensive components such as transmissions or powertrains. The current model Phaeton never managed to meet its projected sales expectations, with only a quarter of the 20,000 planned units rolling off the showroom floor.

The Phaeton had several pitfalls going against it. Unlike its aluminum constructed Audi A8 sibling, the Phaeton weighs too much, lacks performance and is very thirsty. The VW label also lacks the brand cachet needed in this premium segment. The German giant won’t be making the same mistake with its next version. According to the source, the new Audi A8 will be larger than the Phaeton and will showcase technologies earmarked for the next-generation Bentley Continental.

 

[siko]

Makes perfect sense to me... shrink it, drop some weight, improve the weak points, build on lower-end platform which should mean lower sticker price. Hopefully lodged between the A6 and the A8, not directly competing with wither... hell, VW is learning from its mistakes. This might actually work this time!

 

[wltsm]

If the car is A6 sized, why would someone buy it over a passat, I think the two cars would be too similar in size!

Lets see what happens!

 

[phaeton]

So where does the Passat Coupe fit into ?

 

[Deleted member 1071]

VW R&D chief, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, confirmed the introduction of the second-generation Phaeton at the Sao Paulo Auto Show. Apparently, there is some confusion as to whether the car will be based on the VW-Groups MLB"Evo" platform (an evolution of the current MLB as seen on Audi "A" and "Q" cars from the A4/Q5 upwards) or the upcoming MSB platform. Reports quote the MLB "Evo" as being the platform used for the Bentley Conti GT and Panamera successors. But in fact, those cars will be based on the new MSB, as will PERHAPS the successor to the Audi A8 and upcoming A9.

In any event, rumor has it that the new Phaeton (intro MY 2015) will be a rakishly penned 3 box 4 door sedan. Allegedly a bit "more dynamic" than the current car.

 

[mini_cooper4]

YES! A CC based on the A6... I might be driving VWs very soon

 

[phaeton]

I think 70% MLB Evo as its been penned in the press for ages that the new Phaeton will be on the same platform as the A6.
Current MLB correct me if I'm wrong does everything from A4 to A8, so expect a massive diet for the Phaeton as aluminium/light materials will feature heavily and Audi engines again.

 

[mini_cooper4]

^ Yes indeed. And of course it will loose a lot of weight as it goes a whole class down

 

[IanDriver]

It can use MLB evo but it can be made by steel and and there will not a lot lighter already. The same situation as current version.

 

[IanDriver]

Phaeton RWD vision by Theophilus Chin

 

[Hofmeister]

I can barely distinquish it from the Passat CC its so obviously based on, is this a serious render?

 

[IanDriver]

This is just Chin's vision.

 

[Deckhook]

Weight lost is number one priority I reckon and if its based on the MLB evo then that will be no bad thing because the A/S8 is an exceptionally good car that's been very well received.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Germanys' www.autobild.de has alluded to the possibility of the second generation Phaeton being introduced at the NAIAS in just over 3 months time. Perhaps initially as a production similar concept. As speculated on numerous occasions, it will reportedly be based on the VW-Groups' MLBEvo, preceding the D5 Audi A8 which is scheduled for introduction as early as fall 2015.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

A Concept Phaeton at Beijing in late April perhaps ?

http://www.worldcarfans.com/114012269102/larger-next-gen-volkswagen-phaeton-to-feature-an-all-aluminum

 

[SCOTT27]

A Concept Phaeton at Beijing in late April perhaps ?

I have seen more Phaetons in China than I have in Germany. It would make sense to show a concept @ Beijing.

 

[Star&Car]

I have seen more Phaetons in China than I have in Germany. It would make sense to show a concept @ Beijing.

Especially Chengdu,a southwest city where I live...and to be more specifically Chengdu is the biggest destination for Phaetons in the whole world.

 

[F01_2008/09]

I´ll try to reanimate the thread:

http://www.worldcarfans.com/115010786910/2017-volkswagen-phaeton-will-try-to-be-more-comfortable

good news so far...

 

[SCOTT27]

My Coca Cola just shot through my nose..

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Judging on the basis of the new Passat-and its' apparent success-, the Phaeton II may surprise its' competitors. It may be a bit premature to gloat.