Volkswagen Has Scaled Back Phaeton Sales Projections
It's going to cost Canadians $126,790 for the best version of a VW model that is already a sales disappointment for the German firm in Europe.
If luxury car buyers aren't interested in a Premier Edition of the Phaeton with the W12 engine and a "special equipment package," then they can get the entry-level model with a V8 for $96,500.
 |
| VW had planned to sell some 10,000 Phaetons in 2003, but recently scaled that projection back to about half of that due to less than expected sales in Europe. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
According to John White of Detroit-based Volkswagen America, these prices "deliver the best qualities of German engineered performance and luxury at superior value."
VW likes to think that Phaeton is in the same general luxury category as the Jaguar XJ, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and even its own Audi A8, but buyers in Europe don't seem to share the firm's enthusiasm.
VW had planned to sell some 10,000 Phaetons in 2003, but recently scaled that projection back to about half of that in the face of sales significantly below its expectations. VW America expects to move about 150 units in Canada in 2004, with the car arriving in dealerships this December.
 |
| While the Phaeton is intended to compete against the BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, consumers are having trouble accepting the VW logo in the same class. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
To propel the 2,356-kg sedan, the 4.2-litre V8 delivers 335 hp at 6,500 rpm and only 317 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm, which accounts for its leisurely 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds.
With the 6-litre W12 engine delivering 420 hp at 6,000 rpm and 406 lb.-ft. of torque from 3,250 to 4,250 rpm, the 0-100 km/h time drops to a slightly more respectable 6.1 seconds.