Phaeton

The Volkswagen Phaeton coming back stateside...

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a car fan, I love cars. I am not a specialist in building cars or anything, I just admire cars. And I am also a Volkswagen fan. I own a Jetta, I would love to have a GTI, CC, and Touareg one day. Not all at the same time of course.

But there is one thing I am going to be critical with Volkswagen about, okay maybe two things. Why no Scirocco for the United States??? Okay so I know the answer to that. Volkswagen is afraid that it would cut into both GTI and Audi A3 sales. But still I would love to have a Scirocco. But anyways on to my big critical opinion with Volkswagen. It has been rumored and announced the Volkswagen is planning on bringing the Phaeton back to the United States.

This is the 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton

For those of you who do not know the Phaeton was last in the United States from 2002-2006. The Phaeton was created in 2002. It lasted those five years in the US with disappointing numbers for Volkswagen. In 2004, Volkswagen sold 1,433 units and by 2005 that number dropped to 820. As a whole Volkswagen's sales for the Phaeton did very poorly in the US. Why? Well to start off the car costed $85,000. Yes, $85,000. I price that I find way too expensive for a Volkswagen or any full size car not branded as a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. Point is it is not a luxury brand car, but it is marketed as a luxury car. It is made to compete against the BMW 5 and 7 series, and worst for Volkswagen the Audi A6. So I would imagine that it would cut into A6 sales. And could cut into A7 sales. But in my eyes it should be a closer competitor based on looks with the Toyota Avalon. I just think Volkswagen needs to market it as a cheaper car, I dont mean cheaper as in a car no one wants, but a car around $40,000. Not $85,000.

But how I mentioned that based on appearance it looks like it would compete with the Avalon. Based on the engine it leaves the Avalon in the dust. The Avalon produces 268 HP and 248 ft lbs of torque. The Phaeton on the other hand, has four gas engines producing: 237 HP and 232 ft lbs of torque, 276 HP and 273 ft lbs of torque, 330 HP and 317 ft lbs of torque, and finally a W12 engine producing 444 HP and 413 ft lbs of torque. Not to mention that VW also has 2 TDI versions of the Phaeton.

Other cars that I see as competitors to the Phaeton are the modern American muscle car, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Especially when you consider that there is the base Charger, RT Charger, and SRT8 Charger and 300.

I am not saying that VW should not bring back the Phaeton. Honestly I wouldnt plan on bringing it back after having those poor numbers. Nor as a buyer am I that interested in purchasing it, but if VW lowers the price and makes it a special car worth having then it can be interesting. Just do not sell it at $85,000. Which I think is a reason why it failed. Sell it for $40,000-$50,000 and I think they could have a winner. Rumors are that the Phaeton could come stateside as early as 2013, but other rumors state 2015. Volkswagen has said that they want to bring it stateside when the new Phaeton is made. I just hope it is not as plain as this one. I really hope they make it good looking.