2006 NAV S/ROOF AIR SUSPENSION HTD SEATS REAR SHADES Used 4.2L V8 40V Automatic

Initially, the project was known as the VW611, an internal VW code for the development. Engineers and designers were given specific parameters this model needed to meet to satisfy the need in the lineup. These parameters included a 186 mph capability with ease (limited at 155 mph), an internal cooling capacity of 72 degrees Fahrenheit with an outside temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and an extreme torsional rigidity. Beyond this, the developers and engineers remained tight lipped about the standards that went into the build. However, judging by these, the rest of the items must have been bar raising as well. Once the parameters were satisfied, production began in an eco-friendly glass factory in Dresden, Germany. The car is hand assembled while the body is fabricated and painted in Zwickau, Germany.

So, what’s the big deal about this car? It’s a fairly impressive machine, made with over 100 patented features specific only to the Phaeton. Of these, a draftless four-zone climate system with 25 computer-controlled servo motors to control the temperature without direct air (unless you want it) and a Torsen based 4motion all wheel drive system are worth noting. It’s also equipped with the exclusive Adaptive Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control suspension, and it’s the first Volkswagen with radar adaptive cruise control, also called Automatic Distance Regulator.

The Phaeton also shares a platform with the Bentley models Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur. This platform was exclusively designed for the Phaeton and the Bentley Continental. In addition, some of the engine options and the automatic are shared with the Audi A8.

When the Phaeton was released in the U.S. for the 2004 year model, it was available with a V8, W12, or premium edition W12. The MSRP for each model ranged from $64,600 to $94,600. Optional add-ons could easily push the model into the $100,000 price range.

As of its last model year in the U.S., 2006, it was available as a V8 with 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The combo offered a somewhat underwhelming 14/21 city/highway mpg fuel economy. This five seater was run by 335 horsepower and 317 ft-lbs of torque, and was designed with many creature comforts in mind.

The car was not received well by the American market, despite the unique features of the Phaeton. Initial sales failed to meet expectations and the model continued to fall short. The capacity was projected at 20,000 units a year, but only 25,000 were built from 2006-2010. In the United States, just over 1,400 were sold in 2004, while only a few hundred were purchased in 2005 — causing VW to pull the model from the U.S. market after the 2006 year model.

It came to the market with everything you’d expect — the luxury, the technology, the comfort, a smooth ride. So what was it missing?Many pointto the fact that VW isn’t associated with the luxury market. Could that be it? Just the missing high end nameplate gave the Phaeton its walking papers?

NOW YOU SEE WUY THE 2006 MODEL TO THE US IS SO RARE AND NO ONE IS GETTING REED OF THEIR'S.