Porsche will develop platforms for sporting the VW group
Economically, a car company can only operate under a policy of strict cost-sharing and efficient use of energy and people. VW is probably the one that has best managed to implement this strategy, but the arrival of Porsche in the constellation will shake up the division of labor.
Different platforms.
It is inconceivable that in a group of 10 brands, each in turn develops its technology platforms. Thus, a Bentley Continental GT used the foundations of a VW Phaeton , the modularity of the chassis base to characterize each different car. With the arrival of Porsche in the galaxy VW, it was decided that the next platform to serve all the big sporting front engine of the VW group will be designed in Stuttgart.
According to Automobilwoche, the platform for front engine called MSB will be a modular ever seen so far since the engines will accept in a longitudinal and transverse. No fear, this platform is primarily intended for future Porsche Cayenne, Panamera but the Bentley Continental GT and others. According to Martin Winterkorn, head of the group, this new modular platform will be a decisive advantage against rivals such as Mercedes or BMW and give the group several years ahead in terms of competitiveness.
Admit it is still more prestigious Bentley customers to know that their car is based on a Porsche rather than VW, right? By cons, are expected to know if Audi will also use this architecture MSB and how and who will produce the platform that hosts the Berlinettes group. Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, same fight?
For many manufacturers, the premium represents an important segment in terms of image and know-how. Even if this is in sharp decline since 1999 (-25%) in France, many brands have tried the general adventure by developing specific models. This was the case of Peugeot, Renault and Volkswagen, which launched respectively 607 , Vel Satis and Phaeton, but all suffered the same result namely market failure and sales figures below target, however modest.
This is mainly due to the fact that people who wish to acquire such a vehicle prefer to buy brands with a most reputable and largest in this field will be such as Mercedes, BMW or Audi to a lesser extent.
In the case of Volkswagen, the German firm had chosen to bring its high-end drives noble namely V8, W12 or V10 TDI camionesque. Lacking economic driver and certainly more “accessible”, sales have failed to take off. It was finally passed only 320 copies since launch and 112 since early 2004.
To boost sales, VW Phaeton Expands the 3.0 V6 TDI already seen some models from Audi with the secret hopes of some shade references to the segment.
Noting that the rate of dieselisation segment continues to grow and now reaches 70%, Volkswagen is expanding its diesel range that was previously only composed the fabulous V10 TDI. This decision is also explained by the fact that this type of engines is the request of a majority in this category. As proof, 50% of sales of the S-Class are produced by the 320 CDI and it is the same with the BMW 730 d. No wonder that Volkswagen expects to sell 80% of the Phaeton with this engine.
To achieve this challenge, VW has used the 3.0 TDI found including the A6 . This engine is distinguished by a lightweight (220 kg), high compactness is also one of the first in its class be equipped with a particulate filter as standard.
If this engine had convinced us on the A6 by its smoothness, its discretion, its tone and character, it has not been the same on the Phaeton, which lags far greater weight. Following models, this difference varies between 400 and 600 kg. This has inevitably overweight impact on energy since the Phaeton in dire need of recovery include automatic mode. It is therefore important not to prejudge his power. In Sport mode, sequential, this problem is much less conclusive because in sport mode, we tend to fall a report in some situations increasing the times while in the driver manual for this flaw by revving higher.
Performance pure feel it too. While the A6 from 0 to 100 kills in just over 7 seconds and spins to 243 km / h maximum speed, the demand Phaeton 8.8 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 234 km / h. Consumption is also more important announcement on the A6 with an average of 8.8 litres/100km combined. In practice, we have instead reached almost 11 liters.
Behavior no surprise
Despite more than two tons on the scale, the behavior of the Phaeton reserves no surprise to the driver in particular because the transmission 4Motion 4-wheel drive.Whether on dry and wet roads as was the case during our test, the Phaeton is fun to drive but lacks the fiber of his sporting cousin A8 (much lighter because aluminum construction), but asserts more like a limousine
Contrary to what one might think, the template of the Phaeton is not his main handicap because she wants more agile on small roads through its precise steering.The Phaeton is his favorite terrain on highway where it will make you appreciate his imperial directional stability.
One of the strengths of the Phaeton is its plethora of equipment. Series, we thus find 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control front and rear, automatic bi-xenon headlights, cruise control, radar parking front and rear seats and heated leather front.
In this allocation, we must add the equipment safety and comfort. This is particularly true of air suspension systems that incorporate a leveling and an automatic regulator.The driver has two heights plate: normal or high while the low position is automatically activated from 140 km / h. It can also choose between 4 damper settings (comfort, base, Sport and Sport 2)
With this multitude of parameters, the Phaeton fits almost all situations. The driver will appreciate and the ease with which he will find a good driving position thanks to the many possibilities of power adjustable front seat and steering wheel. Rear passengers will also be at ease but not exceptional given the size of the car
Question budget, even if the Phaeton V6 TDI diesel engine is the most accessible, the fact remains that it is still relatively expensive. Count € 65,380 for the 5-seater. Not enough to seek a phenomenal craze even if the Phaeton is cheaper than a Mercedes S320 CDI, 71000 € or a BMW 730d: € 67,600.
