Revamped 2011 VW Phaeton Prices Announced in the UK

Volkswagen UK has dropped pricing details and specification for its facelifted 2011 Phaeton, which is available to order this week. British buyers have two engine options, a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel unit with 240-horsepower and a range-topping 6.0-liter W12 petrol unit churning out 450-horsepower.

The diesel model is available with both a standard wheelbase and a long wheelbase (LWB) which gives an additional 120 mm of legroom to rear passengers, while the W12 variant is offered exclusively with the LWB body style. On-the-road prices range from £46,195 to £78,685.

Revealed to the public for the first time at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in China this past April, the 2011 Phaeton features a refreshed exterior with a new front end design and interior updates that include new trim finishes, a different multifunction steering wheel design and changes to the instrument cluster.

For a more in depth view of VW's flagship model, check out our previous post (click here).

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VW's Phaeton Coming to America, Again...

Volkswagen will reportedly be bringing its extra-large people's car, the recently facelifted Phaeton, back to the US. Initially introduced to help VW compete with BMW, Mercedes and Lexus (isn't that what Audi is for?), it was pulled from shelves in 2006 due to dismal sales resulting from its very un-VW price point. The comeback is to assist in tripling VW AG's sales in the American market.

A redesign is in the works, but the thought of an $80,000+ V-dub (Touaregs aside) still sounds a tad hokey. Now, were they to crank it down a level, Volkswagen could have a serious player in the affordable big-lux segment forming around Hyundai's Equus. To do so, VW would have to likely dip into the parts bin and carry over more from Audi's A6 and maybe its own Passat.

The bottom line is this: VW doesn't need an Audi A8 in its lineup, it just needs model above the Passat. Something on the A6's platform would be acceptable; how about using China's LWB A6L platform as a starting point? It could even offer V6s and V8s.

Currently, however, the Phaeton's sales are slowly growing (mostly because of its presence in China). Since the Chinese market will play such a major role in the Phaeton's future, and with the Chinese all about some LWB models, there's no reason the Phaeton couldn't move onto the A6L's platform.

Considering that the size/price gap between the Passat and Phaeton was nothing short of huge, an A6-based Phaeton would give VW a superb upper-end model that 1) doesn't distance itself too far from its roots, 2) doesn't step on the A8's toes, 3) provides a large-ish German car for consumers who don't need a badge to feel better about themselves, and 4) won't upset the big red elephant in the room.

By Phil Alex

Via: Bloomberg

Hofele-Design Converts VW Phaeton to Mythos Royal

Some say that the reason why the Volkswagen Phaeton -one of the most underrated vehicles of our time- has by all accounts been a sales flop, is because of its nondescript styling and the non-premium badge. German tuning firm, Hofele-Design, believes it might address both problems with the introduction of the Mythos Royale. At the end of the day of course, it's just another tuning proposal with both cosmetic and performance modifications.

Hofele-Design starts by removing all "VW" and "Phaeton" badges and logos and replacing them with its own sets. Next, the luxury sedan gets a new fascia with a redesigned front bumper and reshaped bonnet that houses a different grille.

At the back, the German firm added a discreet boot lid spoiler and a new apron with integrated trapezoidal tailpipes.

A new two-tone paint job that is said to be sourced / inspired from Maybach and huge 20-inch alloy wheels are part of the treatment as well.

Inside, Hofele-Design has opted for a two-tone colour scheme with Bentley-style diamond-shape stitching for the door panels and seats. The Phaeton's steering wheel has also been covered in leather while there's also new wood trim.

The Mythos Royal is offered with the same engine line-up as the Phaeton, including the 280HP V6, 335HP V8 and 450HP W12 petrols as well as the 240HP V6 TDI turbo diesel.

For those that want more power, Hofele-Design says it can tweak all engine variants. For example, with the firm's power kit, the 3.0-liter V6 TDI delivers an output of 275HP and 560Nm or 413 lb-ft of peak torque.

There's also a suspension module that lowers the sedan's ride height by around 40mm.

Hofele-Design did not release pricing for the Mythos Royale.