New Phaeton to be presented at Auto China

Starting next week, Volkswagen will be showing at this year’s Auto China 2010, in Beijing, its new Phaeton. With the quality and comfort that can be compared to the ones found limousine, according to Volkswagen the new Phaeton will set a new benchmark. The new model will become one of the company’s flagships to continue its success in Europe and China.

Developed by Walter de Silva, the group’s Italian chief designer, the new Phaeton follows Volkswagen’s design DNA. The Phaeton has received several changes, with the front section as the centre piece. The form of the new model is dominated by the horizontal lines that can be spotted in the front grille. The horizontal connection of grille and headlights, part of Volkswagen’s design criteria, accentuates the vehicle’s width.

Also keeping together with the actual design DNA of the German brand is the front bumper that also features the same horizontal lines fond in the grille and the headlamps. The fog lamps have been designed as narrow, horizontal LED strips and finally the bottom final section of the bumper is now also colour-coordinated with the car body.

The back of the car has also received some changes although the brand opted here to maintain the classic back style of the model. Changes have been made with the development of new LED rear light clusters, featuring dotted lights and an M-shaped LED strip.

As it happened at the front of the car, the rear bumper has undergone a redesign receiving a three-piece chrome bar. The section of the bumper trim near the road is now also colour-coordinated with the car body.

As for its interior the Phaeton is known as one of the most elegant, high quality and comfortable vehicle in the entire premium class. The limousine can be extensively personalized with a wide range of leather, alcantara and wood trim. The personalization continues thanks to the optional equipment such as a fridge or multimedia systems from Volkswagen Exclusive.

Available in a choice between two different wheelbases, two back seat versions (three seats / two individual seats), the Phaeton will have a range of four engines: a turbo diesel and three petrol engines. The Phaeton V6 petrol engine is the standard drive unit with an output of 280 PS. The petrol engine range is completed with a V8 and a W12 petrol engine, which deliver 246 kW / 335 PS and 331 kW / 450 PS respectively. As for the diesel engine it is a V6 TDI, frequently used in Europe, a turbocharged common rail direct injection engine that produces a maximum power of 240 PS and enables the Phaeton to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and to reach a top speed of 237 km/h. As for its fuel consumption, in this case the Phaeton spends 8.5 litres per 100 km, which corresponds to 224 g/km of CO2 emissions.