Volkswagen is giving it's slow-selling Phaeton flagship another chance at life with a mid-life facelift. Set to be revealed at this week's 2010 Beijing Motor Show, the updated Phaeton features a new look and technologies.
The cosmetic changes up front include a more chiseled design with new bi-xenon headlight units complete with LED running lights and a new grille with two pronounced horizontal bars.
Elsewhere, new front wings and a reprofiled bonnet are joined by a revised front bumper, complete with chrome strips and a set of LED foglights. At the rear end, changes are limited to the new light units and the restyled bumper. The new alloy wheel designs round off the exterior updates.
Moving on to the interior, a new steering wheel and a color electronic display in front of the driver are joined by fresh trim finishes and, for the first time on a Volkswagen, the option of Google Maps on the RNS810 satellite navigation system.
The updated Phaeton will be available with a choice of two wheelbase options, two back seat versions (three seats / two individual seats) and four engines including a V6 FSI petrol with 280HP, a V8 petrol with 335HP, a range-topping W12 petrol with 450HP and a V6 TDI diesel producing 240HP.
In Europe, VW expects that the diesel engine will continue to be the most popular unit. It accelerates the Phaeton from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.6 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of 237 km/h (147mph). This is accompanied by average fuel consumption that has now been further reduced to 8.5 lt per 100 km or 27.7mpg US (equating to 224 g/km CO2).
The 2011 Phaeton will go on sale this August with prices and specifications to be announced nearer this time.
