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.January 21, 2004
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This Week:

• Volkswagen of America, Inc. Prices Its Top Phaeton Model - Most Accessible 12 Cylinder German Luxury Car Ever

• 2005 Cadillac STS Reveal Slated For New York Auto Show

• New 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Launches Production at Chrysler Group's Toluca Assembly Plant

• The name of the fourth smart model range will be called smart formore

• Jo Cooper Named Group Vice President At Toyota Motor North America In Washington, DC

• More Style, Substance And Value For New Rover 75 Range

• The New BMW R 1200 GS

• Ford Announces New Chief Of Corporate Affairs

• Honda To Introduce V6 Accord Hybrid and Honda-Developed Fuel Cell Stack, Further Advancing Honda Environmental Technology

• DaimlerChrysler's GEM Takes Leadership in Establishing Market for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

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Volkswagen of America, Inc. Prices Its Top Phaeton Model - Most Accessible 12 Cylinder German Luxury Car Ever

 

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced a base price of $94,600 for its 2004 Phaeton W12 ultra luxury sedan that is now available for individual orders in a variety of luxurious configurations at some 225 Volkswagen dealerships across the country. Despite being highly advanced, supremely equipped, and the most expensive Volkswagen ever, the 6.0 liter, 420-horsepower Phaeton W12 represents a unique value in its rarified segment as the most affordable 12-cylinder luxury vehicle on sale in the U.S. market. The German automaker first made the Phaeton model available in the U.S. last November when it launched the 335-hp Phaeton V8 version to the U.S. market at a price of $64,600. This Phaeton V8 is expected to constitute nearly 90 percent of Volkswagen's projected one-year sales volume of about 3,000 units for the model.

As the ultimate flagship of the Volkswagen brand, the Phaeton W12 is quite simply one of the best-equipped cars in the world and defines in a fresh way what German luxury cars can be without the stuffy, traditional pretenses. The Phaeton's distinction begins with the unique top-of-the-line 6.0 liter W12 engine that is remarkably compact, refined, and registers a full 420 hp at 6,000 revolutions per minute. The W12 engine accelerates the Phaeton from 0-to-60 in a scant 5.9 seconds.

All Phaetons offer Volkswagen's exclusive 4MOTION(R) permanent all-wheel- drive system; an automatically adjusting air-suspension with Electronic Damping Control; 18-inch alloy wheels; and a four-zone, draft-free Climatronic(R) system that automatically adjusts temperatures and humidity throughout the car's four cabin areas.

Photos: VW

Exclusive leather, brushed metals, and authentic premium wood trim abound in what is arguably the most eye-catching interiors available in a production automobile today. It can even be ordered in a sporty yet elegant four-seat interior configuration that brings a new, exclusive level of luxury to rear seat occupants.

A few of the many other standard amenities on the W12 include 18-way power leather front seats that are heatable, ventilated, and provide a 10-minute massage at the touch of a button. Rear seats are also adjustable and heated. The Phaeton W12's list goes on with Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; a 12-speaker, 270-watt sound system with digital sound processing; heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls; an oversized glass sunroof with deluxe shade; a remote-key anti-theft alarm system; Volkswagen Telematics by OnStar(R), and an integrated infotainment center with numerous personal profile settings featuring a seven-inch color screen that functions with the glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer, navigation system, and extensive onboard trip computer. All Phaetons even come with a special coating of metalized infrared foil on the windows that are heat-reflective and shatter-resistant, while promoting interior comfort.

As with all Volkswagen vehicles, concern for safety is uppermost in Phaeton. As standard safety equipment, both the V8 and W12 models have eight airbags, including Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection(R); a four-wheel Anti- lock Braking System with emergency brake assist; electronic park assist; an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)(R); and a tire pressure monitoring system.

(Jan 14, 2004)