2009 Volkswagen Golf Plus

Volkswagen Golf Plus

Within just three and a half years, the first-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus has made a name for itself as an established product in the Golf lineup. Its brand identity: clever like a van, compact like a VW Golf. Over this time period, more than 500,000 car drivers across Europe chose a plus in interior and seat heights, a plus in variability, and finally a plus in comfort. This is now being followed up by a Volkswagen Golf Plus that has been improved in many aspects. Volkswagen is presenting it as a world premiere at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show. European-wide market launch of the new generation Volkswagen Golf Plus will already take place in March 2009.

Visually, the new "Plus" forges a link to the classic body style of the just introduced sixth Golf generation. This is especially apparent at the front end. Also redesigned are the rear bumper and the roof rails. New steel and alloy wheels in a variety of sizes round out the exterior package of visual modifications. Inside, the further improved Volkswagen Golf Plus sports details like new upholstery materials and details also implemented in the Golf such as its instruments, steering wheel options and user interface for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic).


Technically, the Volkswagen Golf Plus also implements details that the new Golf introduced for the first time in this Volkswagen segment. They include the new, fuel-efficient and very quiet common rail turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). The common rail TDIs reduce average fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter per 100 kilometers.

As on the classic Golf, the conventional automatic transmission was also eliminated on the Volkswagen Golf Plus and replaced by 6-speed and 7-speed dual clutch transmissions (DSG) that are as fuel efficient as they are agile. Also new aboard the Volkswagen Golf Plus are the optional "Adaptive Cruise Control" (ACC), "Park Assist" parking assistant and rearview camera. Last but not least, the equipment lines were restructured too (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as top version).

Visual appearance in style of the new "Volkswagen design DNA"

The Golf has always exhibited an unmistakable and linear design. And this not only applies to the original form of the classic car; it is also true of the "specialists" on the Golf team - successful Volkswagens like the "GTI", "Variant" and certainly the "Plus" as well. With the recent launch of the sixth generation of Golfs, this model series is experiencing a new level of maturity in its timeless and confident styling and design. This is based on the newly developed "Volkswagen design DNA". A key aspect here is the car's extremely high level of value. Key elements of the design language developed by the team led by Walter de Silva are now characteristics of the new Golf Plus too. And indeed in the car's front area:

New front end

Dominant here is the horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille between the new headlight design (with standard daytime running lights); it consists of two high-gloss black cross-bars in which the VW logo is integrated. On the Highline version, each of these bars has a narrow strip of chrome at its upper end. The lines of the new bumper match those of the radiator grille. In the space below the bumper, designed in black, there is another air inlet and the fog lights that are worked into the outer areas as well as a chrome surround around the inlet screen. The fog lights also assume the new function of static turning lights being introduced on this model. This much is certain: the new front end design and distinctive headlights give the Volkswagen Golf Plus a significantly more dynamic and high-end appearance.

Modified rear end

In the rear, designers have restyled the bumper. The results: a plus in dynamics and precision. The bumper is now completely painted in car color. The only exception is the lower area, where there is a high-gloss black segment in the center giving the visual effect of a diffuser. High-visibility reflectors were also integrated in the lower section of the bumper. The taillights with their LED technology were styled in a new dark red ("Cherry red").

Side profile with new roof rails

The side profile of the Volkswagen Golf Plus has remained largely unchanged. However, new roof rails were integrated more harmoniously into the car's overall line. Compared to its predecessor, this car is lower in profile, more refined, and it is painted silver starting with the Highline (Trendline and Comfortline: black). In its side profile, the new wheel designs are also conspicuous. Even the base version gets new full wheel covers. In the upscale direction, the lineup of wheel-tire combinations is rounded out by the new 18-inch "Bilbao" alloy wheel design from Volkswagen Individual.

Interior

The Volkswagen Golf Plus, always offered as a four-door with a large hatch is one of the most variable and practical vehicles of its class. Some ways in which these qualities are realized: the slightly elevated and very upright seating position, rear bench seat (split 40:60 and folding, seatback split 40:20:40) with 160 millimeters of longitudinal adjustment, optional folding front passenger seat, variable cargo floor, a storage concept that has been thought through to the last detail and ample space for passengers and their luggage.

New instruments and automatic climate control

The instruments now have the same look as those in the new Golf, Passat and Passat CC. Dominant here are the two round instruments in brushed chrome surrounds that are even supplied in the base equipment version. Instrument scaling is backlit in white (regardless of whether the headlights are on or off); pointer gauges are designed in red. Also configured in white are the graphics of the multifunctional display (MFA) located between the tachometer and speedometer - standard in all equipment versions effective immediately. Analogous to the Golf and Passat, a new generation of steering wheel is making its way onto the Volkswagen Golf Plus, perfected in touch and appearance.

If the Volkswagen is ordered with automatic climate control (Climatronic), a new user interface developed for control of temperature and ventilation is included.

New technologies I - innovative engines

The new Volkswagen Golf Plus will be offered with five gasoline engines (59 kW / 80 PS to 118 kW / 160 PS) and four new turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). All engines are four-cylinder, all engines are charged starting at 90 PS, all engines fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard. And with the exception of the base variants, any of the gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with a 6-speed or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) - this signifies the retirement of the classic automatic with torque-converter lockup clutch in the Volkswagen Golf Plus and its replacement by DSG technology.

For a better understanding of just how efficiently the DSGs work, consider the 90 kW / 122 PS strong Volkswagen Golf Plus TSI (1.4 liter displacement) with 7-speed DSG: This 200 km/h fast Volkswagen is satisfied with just 6.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (146 g/km CO2).

New Common Rail TDI

After the Golf, in early 2009 Volkswagen will also fully convert the Volkswagen Golf Plus over to common rail engines with four valves per cylinder. The TDIs output 66 kW / 90 PS, 77 kW / 105 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Right at the car's market launch, TDIs will be available with 110 PS and 140 PS. Always on board with all diesels: a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Besides being fuel efficient and dynamic, the new TDI engines are also characterized by noticeably good low-noise properties.

Also pioneering are the car's low fuel consumption values: the 189 km/h fast Volkswagen Golf Plus TDI with 110 PS consumes just 5.1 liters fuel per 100 kilometers on average. CO2 emissions of the 2.0 liter TDI are just 134 g/km.

Running at an equally excellent level underway is the VW Golf Plus TDI with 140 PS. In this 2.0 liter version, exactly 5.1 liters of diesel flow to the common rail injection per 100 kilometers on average: that is 0.8 liter less than on the TDI with pump-nozzle technology, which was already very efficient. In parallel, Volkswagen has reduced CO2 emissions on the 204 km/h fast VW Golf Plus TDI from 153 to 135 g/km!

New technologies II - Park Assist

For the first time on the Volkswagen Golf Plus, the updated model generation offers the parking assistant "Park Assist". The system enables nearly automatic reverse parking parallel to the roadway. The driver only needs to actuate the gas pedal, brake and clutch. Meanwhile, the Golf Plus steers into the premeasured parking space, controlled by sensors.

New technologies III - Rearview camera

Also new aboard the VW Golf Plus is the optional rearview camera - "Rear Assist". The camera is located in the VW emblem in the hatch. As soon as reverse gear is engaged, the VW logo swivels upward, together with the camera, to scan the space behind the Golf Plus from this position. The system may be ordered in combination with the RCD 510 and RNS 510 touchscreen radio and radio-navigation systems. Camera images are transferred directly to the touchscreen.

New technologies IV - Visual Parking Assistant

If the Volkswagen Golf Plus is ordered with "ParkPilot" or "Park Assist" - together with one of the radio or radio-navigation systems RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510 or RNS 510 - a new visual display may be accessed as an alternative to the rearview camera. The "Visual Parking Assistant" shows a bird's eye view of the vehicle in the display and symbolically represents potential obstacles in the front and rear areas, precisely where they are actually located.

New technologies V - Adaptive Cruise Control ACC

Another new assistance system on the Golf Plus is "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)". When "ACC" is activated, the VW Golf Plus automatically brakes and accelerates based on laser measurements. The driver preselects a speed between 30 and 210 km/h. Important: "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)" not only maintains the preselected speed, but also the preselected distance to the next vehicle in traffic.

Volkswagen Golf Plus Trendline

Volkswagen will offer this high-roof version of the Golf in the three equipment lines "Trendline", "Comfortline" and "Highline". "Highline" replaces the previous top version "Sportline".

The entry-level "Trendline" is anything but a spartan version. Standard equipment includes safety features such as six airbags, crash-active head restraints, and ESP on board. Comfort is perfected by such details as a climate control system (Climatic), power windows, height-adjustable driver's seat, new and appealing fabric seat covers ("Flow"), longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench seat, multifunctional display (MFA), a rear window antenna, chrome bezels on the air vents, power steering with speed-dependent control, green tinted glass and central locking. The outside mirrors, door handles and bumpers are also painted in car color. The standard roof rails are kept in black.

Volkswagen Golf Plus Comfortline

The Golf Plus Comfortline is equipped with even more features. Standard equipment supplemental to the Trendline version includes 16-inch wheels with size 205 tires, side guard strips also in car color, chrome accents on the radiator grille, a storage compartment in the roofliner, folding tables and pockets on the seatbacks of the front seats, special seat covers ("Porch Studio F"), comfort seats and height adjustable front passenger's seat, bag hooks in the cargo area, center armrest in front, cruise control (GRA), ParkPilot in front and rear, leather steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake lever, dual cargo floor and the new RCD 210 radio-CD system.

Volkswagen Golf Plus Highline

"Highline" - the top version of a model series - is an equipment designation with a great tradition at Volkswagen. Similar to the Golf, it was adopted again for this model series, to retire the previous "Sportline" versions in parallel with a restructuring of equipment lines. The VW Golf Plus Highline furnishes additional details such as sport seats (center panels in Alcantara), fog lights with static turn lighting, center armrest in front, Multifunctional Display Plus, automatic climate control (Climatronic), silver painted roof rails, winter package (including heated seats, headlight cleaning system), RCD 210 radio-CD system, multifunctional steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels ("Porto" type).

Also available as options on all versions are details such as bi-xenon headlights with curve lighting, multifunctional steering wheels, eight different types of alloy wheels (15 to 18 inch), a sport package (including sport chassis, tire pressure monitoring and tinted side windows), nine metallic and pearl effect colors, three radio-CD and two radio-navigation systems, several hands-free systems, a sound system, Mobile Device Interface (MDI) as an interface for audio devices with USB connector and a digital receiver module (DAB) for the radio systems. So this all-around car not only offers a plus in space, but also a plus when it comes to individualization.

Volkswagen Golf Plus Collectors Edition

On a concept car based on the new Volkswagen Golf Plus, Volkswagen Individual is providing a demonstration of just how limitless the hidden possibilities of individualization are: the Collectors Edition.

This concept car is outfitted with the exclusive "White pearl effect" body color. Providing the necessary contact to the road are size 225/40 tires on new 18-inch "Bilbao" alloy wheels. Inside and out, the Volkswagen Golf Plus Collectors Edition exudes a kind of lounge ambiance. And not only because of the espresso machine integrated in the center console. The interior is trimmed in high-end nappa leather in "Titanium black" and "St. Tropez" (cream white) - this creates a very contemporary and urbane ambiance. Perfection right down to the last detail is evident in the decorative "Viaggio" seams between the individual sections of nappa leather trim.

Furthermore, it is the contrasts between low and high gloss surfaces that define the interior. All accents, for example, are in high-gloss black piano paint, which encounters the silky matte of the nappa leather in the instrument panel area.

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2008 Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept

Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept

It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three VW Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show: the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.

Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto "Form follows function"; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.

The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R.

The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a "Bologna 08" badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.

Interior

Italy's national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior color of the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in "Deep black" and "Berry white" is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat. The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.

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2008 Volkswagen Pickup Concept

Volkswagen Pickup Concept

Volkswagen has revealed the fourth model in its commercial vehicle line-up with the debut at the 2008 IAA in Hanover this week of an all-new Volkswagen Pickup Concept.

Aiming to set new standards in the one-tonne pickup class, the new model will go into production at the end of 2009. It will be built at Volkswagen's 'Pacheco' plant in Argentina and introduced initially to markets in Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia.

The Volkswagen Pickup Concept is all-new in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles line-up and is the first commercial vehicle to be designed under Volkswagen Group design chief, Walter de Silva's command. As such it exhibits what is referred to as 'historical DNA', in other words design elements which link it to other group models and give it a distinctive yet familiar appearance.

The concept measures 5.18 metres in length and is 1.9 metres wide, and with four doors and four seats it is ideal for recreational or business use. The Volkswagen Pickup Concept also has the ability to take a standard-sized Euro pallet sideways in the flat cargo bed.

Under the bonnet, new common rail turbodiesel engines will be used in the Volkswagen Pickup Concept to ensure it is powerful, yet clean and efficient and meets the necessary emissions requirements.

The Volkswagen Pickup Concept on show at the 2008 IAA has been designed for use as a 'Search and Rescue' (SAR) vehicle by lifeguards and was conceptualised following consultation with emergency services as well as in-house emergency vehicle specialists. As a result it features, among a host of other features, GPS, a multifunction touchscreen infotainment unit, CB radios, a number of chassis and all-wheel drive functions, a compass, flashlights, a defibrillator and binoculars. Life jackets, rescue buoys, fire extinguishers, blankets and a tool kit are also all incorporated. Whether the 'SAR' vehicle will go into production is not yet decided.

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2008 Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept

Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept


The Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept unveiled at the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas brings a sleek exterior treatment highlighted by black chrome exterior accents, grey pearl paint with custom front and rear bumper, side panels and machined aluminum spoiler. The black treatment continues inside with high-gloss piano black accents offset by matte black graphics. Customer black leather Recaro seats and matching floor mats are highlighted with white piping.

While the Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept looks striking, the upgrades will get hearts racing, the 2.0L TSI engine has been upgraded with an APR stage 3 turbocharger system with three performance levels. In Full Power mode the Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept brings 311 hp and 313 lbs. ft. torque; GT mode offers 252 hp and 268 lbs. ft. of torque; and in the Eco mode 222 hp and 236 lbs. ft. of torque. Also included is the APR stainless steel performance exhaust system. Key fact to take note of is that in the Eco performance mode, horsepower went up, as well as fuel economy. A production 2.0T CC automatic gets 28 hwy/19 city and the CC in Eco mode gets 33 hwy, 27 city. Even the full power mode showed a fuel economy increase!

The Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept sits on custom designed 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels and high performance 245/30 R20 Yokahama tires with an H&R street coil over sport suspension kit. With all this power to handle, Volkswagen has upgraded the brakes to provide extra power to stop. The Volkswagen Passat CC Performance Concept features 14-inch Brembo brakes with 4-piston Aluminum Alloy Brake Calipers and 355x32mm 2-Piece Floating Cross Drilled Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats.

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2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept

Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept


In 1976 the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk I was launched as a low volume addition to the Golf range. Thirty two years, five generations and 1.7 million sales after that car established the breed, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been unveiled in concept form ahead of its public debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The core attributes of the original VW Golf GTI - sharp dynamics, style and practicality - remain in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology designed to enhance rather than detract from the purity of the driving experience.

The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the conventional Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time on the GTI, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings ranging from 'comfort' to 'normal' and 'sport' the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response to give a vehicle that can strike a balance between sharp dynamics and body control and comfort while driving in urban areas or on motorways.


For the first time the new Volkswagen Golf GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) system in order to maximise traction and improve responses.

Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is a 2.0-litre four cylinder TSI engine developing 210 PS - a gain of 10 PS over the Mk V GTI. Despite this gain the new engine is both more efficient, returning 37.6 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 178 g/km of CO2 compared to 189 g/km for the outgoing car. Installed in the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept the 2.0-litre TSI engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 148 mph making it the fastest standard production GTI yet produced.

A team of three designers are responsible for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design). The new car bears clear visual links with the original. 'We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,' commented Walter de Silva.

This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant yet purposeful new headlights featuring individual lamp pods behind a translucent cover. In profile the side skirts of the VW Golf Mk V that extended the length of the sill are replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear a set of GTI smoked rear light lenses are joined by a rear diffuser channelling air from beneath the vehicle that's in turn framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.

The distinctive 18-inch 'telephone dial' wheels from the VW Golf GTI Mk V make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept.

Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI over the conventional Golf is a new interior. Drawing on the all-new interior of the Mk VI Golf the GTI features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching. A set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models are joined by unique instruments and gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.

As with all Golf models the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept is intended as a first step towards the VW Golf GTI which will start production in spring 2009.

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2009 Volkswagen Touareg North Sails

Volkswagen Touareg North Sails


At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting a special model of the Touareg whose design was customized for yachting enthusiasts: the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails. The special edition designed in cooperation with renowned sailing outfitter North Sails impresses with numerous exterior and interior elements that reflect the style of high-end yachts. The new special model is already being launched this fall of 2008 and will be available with all six, eight and ten cylinder engines (176 kW / 240 PS to 257 kW / 350 PS).

Interior design: high-end and nautical in style

The most remarkable features of the new Volkswagen Touareg North Sails are to be found in the passenger compartment. Stylistically, the interior is a rather perfect match to the standard exterior car color "Campanella white" or the optional "Shadow blue metallic". In addition, the following car colors also provide a harmonious match: "Arctic blue silver metallic", "Atacama gray metallic", Galapagos anthracite metallic", "Reflex silver metallic" and "Black magic pearl effect". Basic interior features include "Cricket" leather upholstery in "Anthracite" or "Latte Macchiato" color. When the customer chooses the optional comfort seats (standard starting with the V8 FSI), they may also be ordered in Nappa leather with the special "St. Tropez" pattern and its white hue.

In conjunction with the "Latte Macchiato" and "St. Tropez" color schemes, the seats and interior door trim also sport seams in Aquamarine blue. Providing an exciting contrast are the "Aluminium engine spin, dark" decorative inserts of the instrument panel, door trim panels and center console. As an alternative, the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails may also be ordered with "Piano paint, white" treatments in these areas, which also evokes the elegance of luxury yachts. Standard features on board include stainless steel door tread plates (with "North Sails" signature in front) and the "North Sails" logo embossed on the center panels of the front seats.

Body design: luxurious chrome accents dominate

The design of the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails fits in ideally at any marina. For one, this is attributable to the already mentioned car paint in nautical "Campanella white" and the 19-inch "Zaragoza" alloy wheels with their chrome accents (with size 275/45 tires). For another, the special model is also pleasing with the factory-installed "Chrome & Style" design package. Two oval tailpipes of the exhaust system, a roof railing in silver, bi-xenon headlights including dynamic curve lighting, a vent glass sunroof and 65 percent light absorbing tinted windows in the rear (from the B-pillars) round out the equipment package. "North Sails" decals on the B-pillars complete the modifications.

Perfect at the pier and on the way there

The Volkswagen Touareg is the first choice for every skipper, not only at marinas, but as a towing vehicle for a boat trailer. The reason: all versions of the successful luxury SUV can tow braked trailers weighting up to 3.5 metric tonnes. The allowable hitch load is up to 140 kilograms. A removable trailer hitch is therefore part of the standard equipment package.

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2009 Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen Phaeton


A new infotainment system (RCS 810 and RNS 810) as well as an efficient V6 gasoline direct injection engine, now with 206 kW / 280 PS, characterize the Volkswagen Phaeton of model year 2009 that has been perfected in numerous details. For example, all engines satisfy the Euro-5 emissions standard in the new model year. Other modifications include: three new types of alloy wheels (17, 18 and 19 inch), a slightly modified radiator grille, three new car colors ("Silver leaf metallic", "Beryllium grey metallic" and "Mocca-anthracite pearl effect"), the new leather color "Corn Silk", the new wood accents "Poplar grain latte macchiato" and "Vavona", switch illumination that is now white throughout instead of red, accent and switch trim in new "Warm grey" color, an upgraded car key, makeup mirror in the rear of the long version, dampers optimized for low-friction, ceramic brakes (front) for the Volkswagen Phaeton W12 as well as a rearview camera (Rear Assist). The new version of the high-tech sedan is being shown for the first time in the world at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. First deliveries of models are already slated for 2008.

Control of climate control system and infotainment redesigned 

The most in-depth revision on the Volkswagen Phaeton is a completely new center console design. A key component here: the new, standard RCD 810 infotainment system (radio variant) or the also new RNS 810 (optional navigation system variant).


To integrate the Volkswagen Phaeton's new infotainment systems in a style that is as balanced as the prior model's solution, the center console was fully redesigned. This also involved changing controls for the four-zone automatic climate control (Climatronic): the temperature is now set by rotary dial and is continuously displayed digitally above the control panel. The keys controlling individual ventilation functions were also redesigned. The intuitive control panel for climate control continues to be located beneath the infotainment system.

Newly developed: RCD 810 and RNS 810 

The RCD 810 and RNS 810 infotainment systems with high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen in 16:9 format were redeveloped for the Volkswagen Phaeton. Take the example of the RNS 810: it unites numerous multimedia functions such as an auxiliary TV hybrid tuner (option) and the "Premium" prep for Bluetooth mobile telephone with a very quickly responding navigation system, which accesses an integrated 30-Gigabyte hard drive. Furthermore, it is simple and easy to modify general vehicle settings via the touchscreen monitor. The higher-level menus are selected by eight additional keys to the left and right of the touchscreen. The signal of the optional rearview camera is also transmitted to the screen.

The integrated DVD drive can read out all commonly used audio formats and - when the vehicle is stationary - video films can also be played back over the monitor in brilliant image quality. There is also a slot for SD memory cards on the front of the unit. External MP3 players and similar data media can be interfaced via the MEDIA-IN (MDI) media socket. A Dynaudio system with an acoustic power of 1,000 Watt provides for exceptionally good sound.

As mentioned, the new RNS 810 unit's range of use has been extended with a TV hybrid tuner. It enables reception of both analog and digital broadcasting stations (DVB-T). Its digital reception has an especially high image quality. In addition, the latest news can be called up via the integrated video text feature. TV reception is available as a special option on the RNS 810.

In combination with the optional "Premium" prep for a Bluetooth mobile telephone, the RNS 810 also makes telephoning easier. It is operated conveniently by pressing the "Phone" key on the left side of the 8-inch display. Further control, such as scrolling through the phone number memory or speed dialing can be performed via the 10-key numeric keypad shown on the screen. As an alternative, the telephone may be operated with ease from the multifunctional steering wheel, by voice control or an auxiliary mobile unit.

New V6 FSI, full conformance to Euro-5 standard

A new V6 gasoline engine being used in the Volkswagen Phaeton is an FSI engine (direct gasoline injection); it has 3.6 liter displacement and 206 kW / 280 PS. This engine is replacing the 3.2 liter V6 with 177 kW / 241 PS. The comfortable FSI develops a maximum torque of 360 Newton-meter, which is constantly available between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm and guarantees impressive high-torque performance. The maximum power of the twenty-four valve six cylinder is output at 6,250 rpm.

Powered in this way, the luxury sedan - with its standard 6-speed automatic, 4Motion all-wheel drive and electronically controlled air suspension - exhibits agile driving performance. The Volkswagen Phaeton V6 FSI reaches the 100 km/h mark from a stop in 8.6 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is 11.7 liter Super. CO2 emissions were reduced from 288 g/km to 273 g/km.

Besides the new 3.6 liter FSI, the two other more powerful V8 and W12 gasoline engines with 246 kW / 335 PS and 331 kW / 450 PS, respectively, already satisfy the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in September 2009. It was one of the first engines in the world to conform to this standard at the beginning of 2007, due to its extremely fuel-efficient V6 TDI with 3.0 liters displacement and common rail direct injection (171 kW / 233 PS).

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