Rumorpile: Return Of The Phaeton?

I hope VW will have success this time around. Perhaps wealthier types that are bootstrapping during this economy will see the car for its actual merits, instead of just caring about the badge.

I think the Phaeton will be a good option to say, an A8. And considering how cheap ass the new Passat has gotten, it will be a way for VW to still have a luxurious feeling vehicle in their line.

While I bemoan the depature of the posh Golfs, Jettas and Passats of 2000-ish VW-AG. The move to position the brand at a lower price point to compete more directly with the domestics and Toyota is the right thing to do. Leave the posh compacts and the luxury cars to Audi.

The Phaeton cannot succeed as a $80K Volkswagen. It can however replace the CC as a big VW one step above the Passat in the $35~40K price point. Above that, leave it to Audi. Afterall, isn't that why you have the two brands in th US? Overlap didn't make sense for GM and it won't make sense for VW.

This time, the Phaeton has competition from the Genesis sedan and the Equus. If VW prices the Phaeton at less than $50K fully equipped, they have a winner. $68K to start was the biggest mistake VW ever had made for the last one.

leave it to Audi. Afterall, isn't that why you have the two brands in th US? Overlap didn't make sense for GM and it won't make sense for VW.

Because Audi is the unofficial domain of douchebags, save for A5 owners. Guys with tribals and faux-hawks at age 35 would complain that 'Audi's XTS' is cramping their A4 or TT's style.

A sumptuous cruiser like the Phaeton appeals to someone who is wealthy but modest. I'd say that fits with the 'people's car' brand.

why are A5's any different as far as douchemobiles?

Actually, what Dwight said makes a lot of sense.

Audi is pitched as a taut, sporting brand. The Phaeton would not mesh with the message that Audi has spent years honing.

It will still be a cheaper version of an A8, so how much cheaper and how well equipped is the question. Also with the A8 going with a V6 as the base engine, you know the Phaeton has to, and the Phaeton probably will not get a V8. Then you have to ask do people want to pay $60k for a V6 Volkswagen that looks like a Passat with LEDs, when they could otherwise buy an A6, spend more and get an A8, or get a V8 Equus etc.