Next Volkswagen Phaeton will be targeted towards U.S., hybrid variant in the works

Posted: Jun 18, 2010

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2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

Many of you may be wondering why Volkswagen recently gave the Phaeton a minor facelift instead of redesigning the full-size sedan completely. Well, according to latest reports from Europe, Volkswagen is planning to change its ambitions for the Phaeton.

Instead of aiming for the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen will tailor the next-generation Phaeton for the United States and China. The next-generation model will get a new platform with styling and mechanicals that will be targeted towards the U.S. market.

“There”s no doubt that the Phaeton absolutely has to go back to the US,” an insider told AutoCar. “This is being reflected in the next version. It will look much more like a car for America.” That”s likely to mean a slight increase in size and far more ostentatious styling than the current, ultra-conservative look.

Besides a V6, V8 and V12 version, Volkswagen is also considering a hybrid Phaeton that will use the same setup as the new Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid.