The Volkswagen Phaeton's was VW's most luxurious offering. Debuted in '02 at the Geneva Motor Show, the large sedan was sold worldwide but didn't fare well in North America. The car was only offered two years and sold only 1,433 Phaetons in '04 and only 820 in '05. This lead the company to stop sales of the Phaeton in '06. Having originally priced between $66-101K, the car has greatly depreciated in value over the years.
However this year, VW plans to bring the Phaeton back with new revisions. Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show, VW will be offering a revised model with a 3.0 liter V6 TDI engine starting at 44,235 ($70,059 USD).
Inside, new features include a touch-screen navigation and climate control system. This will be standard as part of a redesigned center console. A new instrument cluster is also in place with a multifunction display.
A new option for '09 is a side scan blind-spot monitor which helps you change lanes. This technology is available on some Touaregs but it gives you an audible alert and a small warning lamp if there is a car hidden in your blind spot when changing lanes.
Other options new to the Phaeton are a rear-view camera and the powerful 1,000-watt Dynaudio stereo, which includes a 12-channel digital amplifier and 12 speakers.
Subtle design tweaks have also been made to the exterior including a revised front grille. A range of new metallic paint finishes and three new alloy wheels in 17", 18" and 19" designs have also been added.
The new Phaeton is available with a 237hp 3.0-litre V6 TDI or 444hp 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine. It's uncertain if both models will make it to the US but we'll keep your fingers crossed. All models have standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive and are available with a long wheelbase.