VW Phaeton is America Bound
The “luxury” Volkswagen model, which has been available (and very popular) in both the UK and China for years, is coming to the United States. Phaeton is headed to America! Actually, it is more appropriate to say Phaeton is coming BACK to America. The car sold only 2,253 units here during 2004-2006. This was far below Volkswagen’s annual sales target of 20,000 units.
Selling $85,000 cars to Americans may encounter strong resistance as the original US offering substantially depreciated. Used models typically range in price from $25,000 to $35,000.
However, VW has set a goal to triple their share in the United States by 2018. “We have our eyes firmly set on the U.S. market,” said VW Dresden factory director Juergen Borrman in an interview with Bloomberg. Borrman, who oversees assembly of the Phaeton, said the U.S.-spec Phaeton will get a complete overhaul.
Our version of the car will be seen with the same facelift as that for sale in parts of Europe. Changes include a higher quality interior and a renewed front and rear. The US-Spec Phaeton would also get new engine choices, as it will coincide with the launch of the second generation of the car.
The current Phaeton is sold with four gas engine choices, including two versions of the 6.0-liter W12, and two diesel models. The car’s horsepower ranges from 221 to 444 HP. Keep an eye out at your local Volkswagen dealer for the 2011 Phaeton luxury sedan.
Source: Worldcarfans
I’ve driven them before, they are beautiful cars that I feel are worth their sticker price… the problem is they are Volkswagens, and people just feel weird paying that much money for a VW.