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Volkswagen's prestige limousine, the Phaeton, now has a new long-wheelbase
version that has just been launched in Europe and North America.
The extra 120mm has been added purely for the extra comfort of rear seat
passengers and introduction of the stretched version now means Phaeton is
offered in a total of eight different engine, gearbox and body shapes.
In North America, the Phaeton is making its debut and will only be sold in
the new long-wheelbase configuration - powered by either the 4.5-litre V8 engine
or the range-topping 6.0-litre W12 powerplant that delivers a silky-smooth 309kW
of power. German models can also be ordered with Volkswagen's world-acclaimed
V10 twin-turbo TDI diesel engine.
Volkswagen's four-wheel continuous pneumatic suspension is standard in the
long-wheelbase model Phaeton. This unique system is integrated into a luxury
chassis comprising a trapeze rear suspension and four-link front layout.
Long wheelbase Phaetons also feature an even more luxurious range of standard
equipment including a rear seat control for the 4-zone Climatronic
air-conditioning, an electric glass sliding/tilting sunroof, an electric
sunblind for the rear window and manual blinds for the rear side windows.
Optional extras are staggering:
For example the 'Rear Seat Entertainment System' - a multi-media package
comprising a 6-disc DVD changer, two 6.5 inch LCD screens fitted in the front
head restraints and two headsets.
Another example is the rear refrigerator that can be integrated into the rear
seat. Not merely a box cooled by the in-car air conditioning system, it is a
separate 17.5-litre refrigerator with its own compressor.
Then there is the seat material itself. 'Sensitive' - a smooth Napa leather
recognized as the most luxurious leather used in automobiles - can be ordered.
Only Californian plantation trees are used for the wooden trim that is made
by craftsmen.
And for the exterior paintwork, heliochrome paints can be selected as well as
high gloss finishes with maximum shine and scratch-resistant qualities.
Volkswagen Group Australia will launch the Phaeton locally in 2005.
"We knew the long wheelbase version was in the pipeline and this is the
version we will launch in Australia," explained Volkswagen Group Australia's
Managing Director, Mr Peter Nochar. "The Phaeton is the pinnacle of Volkswagen's
global lineup and - as we're a Group company - we feel it is essential that this
vehicle is available to Australian customers."
Combined with the award-winning Touareg SUV (now on-sale), the Phaeton will
provide Volkswagen with two significant vehicles in Australia's prestige
automotive market.
"With the Touareg, Volkswagen has brought to the market a vehicle now
recognized as being the world's best luxury SUV; the Phaeton has received
similar accolades and we're looking forward to its arrival in Australia," Mr
Nochar added.
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