2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Car Review and Specs | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Car Wallpaper Pictures Pics

Featuring a new look and technologies, the updated 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton builds on what is already one of the most advanced and thoroughly engineered cars on the road today.

Built in a state of the art transparent factory in Dresden, the new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton features a new face, comprising a pair of bi-xenon headlight units complete with LED running lights and a new grille featuring two pronounced horizontal bars to lend the car a more imposing stance. Elsewhere, new front wings and a reprofiled bonnet are joined by a revised front bumper, complete with chrome strips and a set of LED foglights. At the rear, a set of light units fitted with intricate lenses sit above a redesigned bumper. Finally, new alloys wheels complete the changes to the outside of the car.

Inside, a new steering wheel and a colour electronic display ahead of the driver are joined by fresh trim finishes and, for the first time on a Volkswagen, the option of Google Maps on the RNS810 satellite navigation system. Feeding power and information between these and other vehicle systems are over 2,000 separate cables measuring 3.2 km connecting to 60 control units. The air conditioning system on the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton remains one of the most advanced in the world. As well as featuring a humidity monitoring function to avoid the vehicle misting up in all conditions, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton W12s 4Zone climate control system is designed to be capable of maintaining a steady interior temperature of 22 degrees Celsius while the vehicle is at a constant speed of 186 mph in an ambient temperature of 50 degrees.

While this situation is unlikely to be encountered by the majority of motorists, the climate control systems, aerodynamics, brakes, suspension, steering system and even wipers have been designed to cope with speeds far exceeding the norm of 0-155 mph. The new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton retains a very high level of standard equipment including 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adjustable air suspension, leather trim, satellite navigation, 18-way adjustable electric seats, a laminated finish to all glass areas and a total of eight airbags.

Two wheelbase options will be offered (120 mm differentiating the two) and a choice of two engines " a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel developing 240 PS and a 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine producing 450 PS.

The new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton goes on sale this August with prices and specifications set to be announced nearer this time.

At the Transparent Factory in Dresden Volkswagen produces one of the finest automobiles in the world: the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. The limousines quality and comfort (four-wheel drive and air suspension as standard) set a unique benchmark. Volkswagen, the most successful carmaker in Europe and China, has now made the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton even more perfect. The companys new flagship is being unveiled for the first time at Auto China 2010 (27th April to 2nd May) in Beijing.

Its contours are defined by the Volkswagen design DNA developed by Walter de Silva, the groups Italian chief designer. Around the completely new front section in particular the design team has further refined the models very own stylistic aplomb. In the process the timelessly elegant 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton has gained a broader and more powerful appearance. The new model is also characterised by modifications to its rear section and silhouette.

At the same time, new technical features have been added. These include Dynamic Light Assist (camera-based dynamic main beam regulation) and a navigation system that, if desired, can integrate online data from Google into the map display. In addition to this, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons optional front camera enables it to see road signs, with speed limit signs visualised on the instrument panel and centre consoles touchscreen. The system will also be able to recognise and depict no overtaking signs " the first in the world to do so!

The 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will be available with a choice of two wheelbase options, two back seat versions (three seats / two individual seats) and four engines (a turbo diesel and three petrol engines). The six, eight and twelve-cylinder engines range in capacity from 176 kW / 240 PS to 331 kW / 450 PS. The standard drive unit used in the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is a V6 petrol engine producing 206 kW / 280 PS. At the capacities above the V6 FSI the choices available are a V8 and a W12 petrol engine, delivering 246 kW / 335 PS and 331 kW / 450 PS respectively. On the diesel front Volkswagen is offering an extremely frugal and smooth-running V6 TDI. In Europe it is the most frequently selected engine for this car. The turbocharged common rail direct injection engine delivers 176 kW / 240 PS and accelerates the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton V6 (top speed in this case 237 km/h) from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds. This is accompanied by average fuel consumption that has now been reduced still further to just 8.5 litres per 100 km (equating to 224 g/km CO2).

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton exterior

Depending on wheelbase, the 2011 model 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is between 5.06 and 5.18 metres long. As mentioned above, a completely new front section has been developed for this flagship of the Volkswagen brand. In keeping with the current Volkswagen design DNA, its form is dominated by horizontal lines. Unlike all other Volkswagens created to date on the basis of this new DNA, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton does not have a shiny black radiator grille cover, but instead a completely new chrome element. Along with the likewise restyled headlights, this radiator trim is a major influence in the new 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons design and underlines its uncompromisingly independent character. In detail the new grille is more upright, while its stricter lines and impressive alternation of materials between polished and matt chrome make it even more striking. The horizontal linking of grille and headlights follows the Volkswagen design criteria and impressively emphasises the vehicles width. As a sign of its class specific to this model the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton also features three-dimensional moulding of the grille and bonnet, with precise edges that carry the grilles heightened expression of quality on into the sculptured contours of the vehicle body. Once again in the centre of the grille is the classic VW badge, which now - despite integrating the ACC (automatic distance control) systems radar sensors - has a new-look surface design.

To the left and right of the grille are new Bi-Xenon headlamps, which are standard across the range. Integrated within them are cornering and adaptive lights. Not just in visual terms, but from a technical perspective too, this is a whole new generation of headlamps. Firstly, the indicator and adaptive cornering lights are highly visible and stylistically striking LEDs. Secondly, as with the new Touareg, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will also be available with optional Dynamic Light Assist. Using a camera integrated into the rear-view mirror, this complex technology detects other road users and regulates illumination of the carriageway accordingly (see separate section on Dynamic Light Assist).

The bumper has also been redesigned in keeping with the radiator grille and headlamps. Here too horizontal lines form the guiding principles of the new design. Even the fog lamps have been designed as narrow, horizontal LED strips. Last but not least, the bottom final section of the bumper is now also colour-coordinated with the car body. Compared to the previous model the new generation 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton thus looks even sportier and more imposing on the road.

Also modified, the back of the car underlines this impression. The design team decided here not to change the classic, clear and powerful basic style that this area has always had, but instead to develop new LED rear light clusters. Each cluster features dotted lights and an M-shaped LED strip. The result is an unmistakable, elegant look both in daylight and at night. Also new is the VW badge - now likewise in 3D format - on the boot lid.

As at the front, the rear bumper has also been redesigned. It now has a new, three-piece chrome bar and the section of the bumper trim near the road is now also colour-coordinated with the car body. The same goes for the bottom section of the side skirts. Also noticeable in silhouette view are modified side trim strips, narrower LED indicators in the wing mirrors and new 18-inch (Experience) alloy wheels.

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton interior

The 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons interior ranks as one of the most elegant, high quality and comfortable in the entire premium class. The 4-zone air-conditioning system, for example, that works totally free of any draughts, and the award-winning ergonomic 18-way seats are unsurpassed. All of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton interiors functions are also intuitive to use. In addition to the version with three rear seats (5-seater), the limousine can be optionally ordered with two electrically adjustable individual seats (4-seater). Furthermore a version of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is also available that is twelve centimetres longer. Meanwhile, the limousine can be almost infinitely personalised with a wide range of leather, alcantara and wood trim, plus optional equipment such as a fridge or multimedia systems from Volkswagen Exclusive. This also applies to the completely redesigned multifunction steering wheel. It can be ordered either in leather or in a wood/leather combination matching the relevant wood trim features.

Information and entertainment systems

The intuitive nature of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons controls has been fully transferred to the new generation of radio and navigation systems (RCD 810 and RNS 810). Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, the systems form a functional unit with the air-conditioning and multimedia controls.

Use of online services: Volkswagen is for the first time offering an Internet-based Google function in the new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton as a map display add-on for the RNS 810 radio navigation system with 30-gigabyte hard drive. The relevant data gets loaded onto the system over the Internet via mobile telephone and a proxy server specially set up for the purpose. The visualisation on the touchscreens display is the same as the Google Maps Satellite view familiar from the conventional Internet and equivalent to the iPhones Hybrid view. In the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton the satellite images naturally get supplemented by the navigation systems appropriately highlighted route recommendation.

Particularly interesting in this feature are the POIs (points of interest) that can be accessed. Addresses, tourist sights, businesses, sports venues, doctors surgeries and restaurants integrated within Google can be selected in seconds and transferred directly into the route navigation. In perfect conditions the system loads the data via UMTS connection. The telephone itself gets completely integrated into the system via remote SIM access profiles (rSAP). Alternatively, anyone who wants to use a mobile phone with hands-free profiles (HFPs) can also do this linked up with the new 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (in this case Google is disabled). In HFP mode phones that are 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton compatible include, for example, Apples iPhone.

Road sign recognition: However the latest generation 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons information and entertainment system can do even more! By virtue of the camera integrated in the rear-view mirror the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton now detects road signs and shows the relevant information on the systems touchscreen and/or the multifunction display (between speedometer and rev counter). It displays not only the maximum permitted speed but also any important additional information (e.g. 10pm - 6am or When wet). The system will also be able to alert drivers to overtaking restrictions " the first vehicle in the world to do so!

For the RNS 810 radio/navigation system further add-on options are also available. These include a rear-seat multimedia entertainment system (the High End) and a 1,000-watt sound system with digital 12-channel amplifier from hi-fi specialists Dynaudio.

Electronic assistance systems

The 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons electronic assistance systems include Dynamic Light Assist (dynamic main beam control), ACC (automatic distance regulation), Front Assist (surroundings monitoring) and Side Assist (lane change assistance). A tyre pressure control system also provides standards of safety.

Dynamic Light Assist in detail: Volkswagen is introducing for the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton a new optional camera-based main beam control system called Dynamic Light Assist, which represents a major technical innovation in passive safety. Linked in with a camera integrated behind the windscreen the system keeps the main beam modules of the standard Bi-Xenon headlamps permanently on. It merely masks the areas of each beam that it calculates could potentially disturb other road users. For the driver this means appreciably more light, clearly enhanced safety and a more relaxing drive. The function is achieved by an additional aperture between the reflector holding the Xenon bulb and the lens. Combined with an intelligent, lateral tilting of the complete module (via the cornering light function) and individual control of the left and right headlights, this additional aperture arrangement enables the light source to be masked only in those areas that could otherwise cause other motorists to be dazzled.

Thanks to the front camera the cornering light control system detects the exact position of the vehicle in front and at speeds of 60 km/h or more pushes the cone of light up to the rear of the vehicle or even to its side and on past it " without dazzling the driver. The increase in safety and driver convenience provided by Dynamic Light Assist is considerable and can be ranked on a par with that achieved at the time by the introduction of Xenon technology.

ACC and Front Assist in detail: Automatic distance regulation (ACC) relieves the driver of the burden of active braking and acceleration. ACC significantly improves driving comfort and passive safety, especially on longer motorway journeys. At the same time the system (when activated) ensures adherence to the legally prescribed minimum distance from the vehicle in front.

An integral component of ACC is Front Assist. This ACC extension is designed to help prevent rear-end collisions. Using a radar sensor, the system monitors the distance to the vehicles in front of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. If this is becoming too short, the system alerts the driver in two stages. At the same time the vehicle is prepared for possible emergency braking by the driver. Even before certain situations arise, Front Assist takes preventative action by putting the brakes into a preconditioned status that otherwise only gets activated when the brake pedal is pushed. The system thus acts as a means of reducing the cars stopping distance.

Automatic distance regulation is operated via relevant buttons on the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. It is operated in many aspects in the same way as the cruise control system. With ACC enabled the car automatically slows down (if necessary to a stop) and speeds up within a speed range set in advance by the driver. ACC can be switched on at speeds of between 30 and 200 km/h. The system then uses radar to detect any traffic within an angle of 12 degrees travelling up to 200 metres in front of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. ACC is enabled and disabled via an ON/OFF button on the left of the multifunction steering wheel. All of the driver assistance systems, including ACC, can also be switched on or off simultaneously by pressing a button in the centre of the indicator stalk for more than a second. The ACC also gets disabled as soon as the driver pushes the brake pedal. The system can be switched back on via the Resume button on the steering wheel. It then continues to use the desired speed set prior to it being disabled.

The key information about the automatic distance regulation system can be seen quickly and clearly laid out on the multifunction display.

Side Assist in detail: Another assistance system in the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is the lane change assistant (Side Assist). At speeds of 60 km/h or more this system monitors the area behind and to the side of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton via radar sensors in the rear bumper (one sensor each for the area to left and right) and indicates via a warning light in the wing mirror frame any risk of potential collision. The area monitored by the sensors covers a distance of around 50 metres to the rear and 3.6 metres to the side of the car.

If Side Assist detects a critical situation to the left or right of the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton and the driver has not switched on the blinker to indicate a change of lane, the warning light in the wing mirror frame comes on to draw attention to the special traffic situation. If, however, the driver turns on the indicator while there is traffic in the adjacent lane, the light flashes four times to warn of the potential danger. The brightness of the warning lights can be adjusted to one of five levels via the multifunction display. In an interesting interlinking of the cars systems the ambient brightness detected at any given time by the rain and light detection sensor gets automatically taken into account in determining the brightness level.

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