Phaeton set to stun

Despite scrapping plans for its manic 440kW W12 supercar, Volkswagen isn't doing too badly, considering. With the new Polo just around the corner and the next generation Golf to showcase at Geneva in 2003, which is sure to cause quite a stir, you'd be forgiven for thinking Volkwagen is all sunshine and rainbows.

Even closer at hand, however, is the new Volkswagen Phaeton. Funny name, serious car - the word Phaeton originates from Greek mythology - he was the child of Helios, the sun god. Roughly translated, the word means The Shining One, and from this, it would fair to say that VW has big ambitions for its top-of-the-line, full-size luxury car.

Let's cut to the chase - Volkswagen wants a piece of the lucrative luxury car pie, whose main constituents include BMW, and Mercedes Benz. More specifically, the Phaeton will go head to head with the Mercedes S-Class and 7-series BMW.

On the outset, a cheaper price tag and better performance are the VeeDubs main advantages, but consider that neither the Beemer or the Merc have four-wheel drive (4Motion) and you are throwing a proverbial cat among the pigeons.

The performance of the new Phaeton is set to outpace both its Germanic rivals, yet it weighs an astonishing 2300kg. Perhaps you could say luxury doesn't come lightly...

Despite its massive bulk, the Phaeton can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just under six-seconds - 5.9 to be exact. Assuming you're on the Autobahn, the car can then head towards a top speed of 290km/h, yet topping 300km/h is a distinct possibility given perfect conditions.

There will be three engines available for buyers living in Europe, with the 6.0-litre W12 (two V6s sharing a crank) allowing the phenomenal figures above.

The W12 mill found in the Phaeton is capable of 309kW @ 6000rpm and a whopping 550Nm @ 3500rpm, which breates through a lovely-looking quad-exhaust system. The toque curve of the W12 is said to be ultra flat, thus able to sustain a peak of 550Nm from 3500rpm to 4750rpm. This engine will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, because luxury car buyers don't like manuals. Apparently.

The other engines offered with the luxo Volkswagen are a 3.2-litre V6 worth a very credible 177kW. Coupled with the six speed manual transmission (an auto is available), the front-wheel drive variant has peak torque of 315Nm available at a low 2400rpm, enabling it to reach a top speed of 245 km/h.

The third engine type is the same diesel mill that will find its way into the upcoming Touareg and will be linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox. This truck-like 5.0-litre V10 (complete with twin-turbochargers) makes a healthy 230kW of power. More interesting, however, is its peak torque of 750Nm @ 2000rpm - this makes it the most powerful diesel engine available in a passenger vehicle.

The propulsion department seems to be well sorted, but Volkswagen was keen to ensure the Phaeton was endowed with accomplished on-road manners and, as a result, the automaker chose to include variable pneumatic suspension. Becoming more popular in high-end vehicles, such systems can adapt to suit most situations and work by changing ride hide and damping compression.

There are four choices available to the driver - base, sport, sport2 and comfort settings. The ride height is increased on uneven or unsealed roads by 2.5cm, while the car automatically lowers the ride height when travelling at 160km/h or faster.

The new super-luxo also includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, ESP, EBD, traction control and brake assist. There are eight airbags to provide complete protection in the case of a serious collision.

It's inside the Phaeton, however, where drivers are most likely to be impressed - who could say no to the massage function for the driver and front passenger? The front seats are also electrically adjustable through a 12-way system and offer heating and air-cooling, just for good measure. Three rear-seating options are also available, from two ultra comfy adjustable versions to the usual three-person bench seat.

Another nifty feature is the four-zone "Climatronic" climate control, which can be individually suited to four different areas - front driver and passenger and rear left and right passengers. A nice touch is the humidity control, which automatically prevents the windows from steaming up.

You also get what VW is calling an "infotainment" centre, which is a little bit like your average home cinema setup. Located centrally in the front console, it comes with a 17cm colour display, including TV and Sat Nav functions, an on board computer and telephone. The button-operated system also gives drivers useful information on their car, even tyre pressure.

We hate to say it, but wait - there's more... Optional extras include telephone fixtures, automatic distance regulation systems (ADR), various leather seat configurations, steering wheel heating, a control lock and start system, keyless access and what is perhaps the largest solar sliding roof available on the market. Depending on how you see it, this sort of pampering is either wonderful or overkill.

The Phaeton hasn't been confirmed for a local release and we're loathe to comment on a possible release. There surely wouldn't be a lack of potential customers, and an asking price of about $100,000 for the base model would be reasonable to some, yet it's ambitious new delivery and servicing system could work against it.

Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Volkswagen CEO, said: "We are adopting a three-pronged product offensive in the large luxury class. In the product, manufacturing and service areas, Volkswagen will pursue previously unexplored paths. Our customers will first of all acquire a high-quality saloon model; secondly, it will be built in one of the most innovative, high-standard production plants anywhere in the world - the Glass Factory - and as the third element in our new approach, Volkswagen is to offer Phaeton owners a most exceptional service concept that will remain valid for the car's entire lifetime."

What does this mean? Essentially, buyers can watch the construction of their Phaeton at the Glass Factory in Dresden, Germany, where the marque promises courtesy Phaeton cars while owners cars are serviced at a Technical Service Centre. This TSC will take care of any and all issues and is available for the entire life of the car (or as long as its registered).

VW boss Pischetsrieder continued: "For the first time we are pursuing a full-coverage manufacturer's maintenance and repair support principle, with direct know-how transfer between us as the manufacturer and the local workshops by way of TSC International. This will ensure one hundred percent high-quality technical support at all times."

The new Phaeton is more than just a chubby Passat, but can it scare its upmarket competitors? Who knows. We'll wait for the sales figures when the car launches in Europe in early 2003, but it would be unfair to rule it out completely.

Interestingly, Volkswagen isn't too concerned about shipping maximum units. Rather, it wants to improve its overall image and a full-sized luxury saloon with performance to match is a good way to go about this. As Pischetsrieder put it: "...the key thing is not how many Phaetons we sell, but how many people buy V6 Golfs from now on." Blunt, but honest.