Volkswagen Phaeton replacement coming in 2015?

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Facelift design sketch

Lighter, cheaper and more attractive

The Volkswagen Phaeton didn't set the world ablaze, but the company isn't ready to give up yet.

Reportedly being developed under the VW631 codename, the next-generation model is expected to ride on the MLM Evo platform which should be lighter and offer improved handling.

Under the hood, CAR says the flagship will offer a four-cylinder, two six-cylinders and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. There's no word on specifications, but the engines should obviously be more efficient than the current V8 and W12.

Styling remains a mystery, but Volkswagen has reportedly built a new Concept D which will preview the production model. It will likely be a four-door coupe, but speculation suggests VW could also launch a five-door hatchback or estate.

Lastly, the 2015 Phaeton will be significantly cheaper than the current model. Instead of being positioned as an A8 rival, the car will likely slot between the A6 and A7.

Note: Sketches picture the 2011 Phaeton facelift

Source: CAR

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DogFalcon

One of the most underrated cars ever!

September 22, 2011 3:14 pm

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benz_man

They're boring to drive and EXPENSIVE to own, but great cars. Great enough to build a Bentley with...

September 22, 2011 5:06 pm

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dayday

They are smart to make it cheaper... The current model is too expensive to be a VW, even as the flagship model.

September 22, 2011 10:45 pm

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buruchaga

The interior did not match its luxury competitors esp. the gear stick. But the car looked masculine though.

September 23, 2011 12:51 am

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SkadV8

I never understand people which bought Pheaton reader than Audi A8 or 7 series or some other premium brand. It just does not have that premium feeling and name.

September 23, 2011 1:48 am

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bmw2002m

They really need to do what Nissan did with the GT-R and Audi with the R8: On it's first year on the market they should sell it at a price which is realistic and much cheaper than the premium brands...maybe priced at BMW 535d M-Sport/CLS money.....then, if demand takes up they can increase the price for year 2 and 3 etc. By doing this they are dropping the bait so that people will at least test drive it...then they have the chance to snag the would be BMW customer. With the VW badge they cannot expect to ask for high money - it just won't happen.

September 23, 2011 3:11 am

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bmw2002m

By the way - if the car looked like the one in the picture above then I would definitely be interested in buying this! Unfortunately it won't and for that reason it will just look like another big Passat and won't sell.

September 23, 2011 3:15 am

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GTurbo

VW is persevering with the Phaeton because it's engineering standards are sound even though they are yet to be economically profitable. This is the VW flagship and it must be successful in four year's time; the Passat CC is a great design and the Phaeton must be better designed than that to be a success!

September 23, 2011 4:51 am

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slim

Im glad to see VW bring back the Phaeton. Hopefully this time it will come with a sub $100k price tag. VW should offer a twin turbo V8 and a V12 as the only engine options. I hope it looks as good as the rendering because currently the Passat CC is VW's sexiest car ever built (even sexier than the Corrado VR6), so they need to follow the CC's styling cues and build off of that.

September 23, 2011 7:06 am

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Edison

VW needs to put the Blueconcept roadster into production, not this. VW competes in every other segment, most of the times with other vehicles in its group of subsidiary companies, yet they don't make something to compete with the MX-5. Seems like a wide open category that they can sell alot of cars in. Currently Mazda is the only one mining it. Instead, VW wants to continue down the same Phaeton road that was already proven to lead to failure. Don't get me wrong, great car, but why try to force the idea down people's throats, especially when there is the A8? Seems like if you're gunning for No.1 you try to repeat your successes, not your failures.

September 23, 2011 7:54 am

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