Sunday, July 28, 2013
2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
The 2006 Volkswagen Phaetons W12 engine gets a slight bump in output; its now rated at 444 horsepower. Other minor changes this year include Bluetooth cell phone connectivity and power height adjustment for outboard headrests.
One of the distinguishing features about the Phaeton is that it has two abnormally large VW logos, one on the front and one on the back. From looking at this machine, this masterwork, you get a feeling that these chrome-plated logos are tokens of pride, a two-part trophy for the lab-coats that designed the car. But as proud as they may be, its not the most convincing factor for those who have to purchase it; while the VW brand name is no shrinking violet, perhaps it may have been wiser to make the logos smaller.
With such big badges, the Phaeton comes across as a car that almost tries too hard to be discreet, as if it were trying to say to people, "Dont look at me, Im just a Volkswagen." Maybe this truly is the kind of car for those who wish to be deliberately inconspicuous, the type of plainly invisible vehicle that tax avoiders with offshore bank accounts in the Cayman Islands would buy.
But for all of that inflated last-generation Passat look about its classy exterior, youd never know what was inside the Phaeton; mostly no one would even bother to look inside. Its an oasis of perforated leather, accented by ribbons of glossy wood and glistening bits of chrome, the kind of high quality look, feel and execution that characterized Mercedes-Benz when it wasnt chasing profit margins. I believe the term is "over-engineered".
And you can feel that its a quality item too; the doors shut with a heavy, air-displacing whumph, gravitating towards the body with the kind of force that can snap stray limbs like twigs. It comes as no surprise either - even though the doors skins were made of aluminum like the fenders and decklid it doesnt quite balance out the sound-proofing, the carpeting, the electrics, a forests worth of wood and the two panes of glass that make up each window. And then theres my favorite bit, the draft-free ventilation system. The Phaeton does have a proper set of exposed vents on its dash, but rather theyre covered up by a retractable plinth of wood, and are only open for viewing when max ventilation is required.
Theres no doubt that the Phaeton is a full-size luxury sedan of the highest caliber. Like every other premium luxo-cruiser on the market, it delivers heaping amounts of power, faultless construction and enough luxury amenities to keep four passengers content even on the longest of trips. Theres a reason it costs as much as it does, and those with the means to buy it arent likely to be disappointed.
As for the back seat, the Phaeton isnt so much a lounge as it is spacious; theres a difference you know. Plunk down on the seats and voila, the head rests rise to the occasion; your feet are looked after too with deep carpeting and a pop-up ottoman that rises out of the floor. My test car featured a full rear bench, which means that the gazillion-way adjustable rear buckets werent fitted, but they were heated, and the two main seating positions had a massage function and adjustable lumbar support. Attention to detail is excellent; its even got tiny little roller blinds to cover up the little rear quarter windows. Mind you, even without the blinds in place, the Phaetons cabin is dark, like a traditional sitting room, and unlike its brother, the Audi A8, it does without any sort of mood lighting.
Another thing that caught my eye on this particular car was the license plate frame, which read Drivers Wanted, but in what context? Mechanically, the Phaeton is a brilliant example of engineering. It features a great big 4.2-liter V8 thats also offered in half the Audi range, along with a silky six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, which makes it infallible to any climate. Additionally it has one of the worlds most rigid chassis, and it comes with six-piston Brembo calipers up front to haul you down from the high end of the speedometer, where it feels right at home.
The Phaeton also has an adjustable Airhook air suspension that makes driver and passengers feel like theyre riding on a magic carpet, no matter how bad the road gets, and does its part to eliminate body roll when the road starts to snake. But does this mean anything at all to you, the person behind the wheel? Im confident in saying that the Phaeton could hang with an S-Class or an A8 down a winding road, but why would you want to do that? For one, it would be a disorienting task as the car is remarkably detached and isolated from the road, with little communicated through that big, heated steering wheel.
Its suspension is adjustable for a sportier ride by firming the billows up, but for what reason, Im unsure; why would you want to make your ultra-luxury sedan ride as if rigor mortis had set in on the dampers? It is best to leave it in the softest mode and just waft along, letting the Phaeton put its best foot forward in cosseting you and your passengers. Besides, all the electronics and mechanical mastery in the world cant veil the fact that the Phaeton is as big and as heavy as a small moon, so theres no sense in pretending its a sports car. Treat it as an executive sedan, and youll be very pleased with the result.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the Phaetons luxurious cabin is trimmed in wood ranging from chestnut to eucalyptus, Italian leather, and chrome and brushed metal. Buyers can choose between a four-seat or five-seat configuration, with a wood-trimmed console resting between the rear seats on the four-passenger setup. An integrated vehicle management system uses a 7-inch color screen that incorporates the navigation system, onboard trip computer, stereo system and climate control system. It sounds complicated, but the Phaetons controls are actually much more straightforward than those of other high-dollar luxury sedans.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Phaeton is available with two engine options: a 4.2-liter V8 that delivers 335 horsepower or a 6.0-liter W12 that makes an impressive 444 hp. The V8 engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, while the W12 receives a five-speed automatic that also offers manual shifting. Both cars are electronically limited to a top speed of 135 mph. All-wheel drive is standard on all Phaetons.
Driving Impressions:
Fine-tuning the ride for the Phaeton is an air suspension that includes continuous damping control, which allows the vehicle to automatically adapt to the road surfaces and driving conditions without the drivers input. The competent suspension, along with the standard all-wheel-drive system and eager engine, makes for an entertaining ride, but the cars excessive weight keeps it from delivering the athletic feel of its competitors.
Pros: Awesome, sturdy, safe, comfortable, quiet and smooth feel driving down higway and great in bad weath
Powerful engine lineup, superb interior craftsmanship, standard all-wheel drive, more passenger room and simpler interior controls than competitors.
Cons: Seats dont fold down, no roof rack for bike, skis etc... Nav doesnt display side roads. No satalit
Excessive weight impedes handling, poor fuel economy, premium price for a non-premium brand.
Best Car i have ever driven...Awesome Feel!Awesome in snow...Get lots of attention...Chics dig it!120 feels like 60 on interstateService people treat you like gold...
Blows away A8Dont let sales people fool you... you can lease base v8 with little down for $875. Cant beat it.. do your homework!
