AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The 2005 Phaeton features a re-styled, slightly more aggressive grille and new options of Myrtle and Chestnut wood interior trim. Phaeton V8 models this year now come standard with a "Soft Close" feature to automatically pull shut any passenger door not completely closed. A new Cell Phone Preparation package is standard with the five-passenger W12 model and an option with the V8 five-passenger Phaeton.

Phaeton V8

The Phaeton is the biggest vehicle ever offered by Volkswagen, at almost 204 inches in total length, standing 57 inches tall with a wheelbase of 118 inches.

The Phaeton W12 features a top-of-the-line, 6.0-liter engine that is a marvel of Volkswagen engine technology. The W12 is essentially two compact V6 engines mated together to form one twelve-cylinder engine that produces a substantial 420 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 406 lbs. ft. of torque from 3,250-4,250 rpm. The W12 can deliver the Phaeton from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds and is capable of up to 19 miles per gallon on the highway and 12 mpg in the city.

6.0-liter W12 + 48 valves = 420bhp

The Phaeton V8 features a high-torque, 4.2-liter eight-cylinder engine delivering 335 hp at 6,500 rpm and 317 lbs. ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. The 2005 Phaeton V8 4.2L can go from 0-60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and can get up to 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.

4.2 liter V-8 produces 335hp@6500rpm

The 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic ^{manual-shift mode, Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) and a sport mode for increased automatic-shift performance. The Phaeton V8 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, DSP and sport mode. Both models come standard with Servotronic® power steering for precise, responsive control, and with Volkswagen’s exclusive 4MOTION® permanent all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen® (TORque SENsing) center differential for significant advantages in traction and handling over rear-wheel drive models in the class.}

The Phaeton is designed with a four-corner, adjustable air suspension system for superior handling and ride. An Electronic Damping Control (EDC) program uses wheel acceleration sensors to constantly monitor road surfaces, road condition and vehicle speeds and adapts the suspension automatically without driver input. For individualized ride preferences, two manual height adjustment settings are available along with four shock absorber-settings—comfort, basic, sport 1 and sport 2.

Details and controls show high level craftsmanship

Power-assisted four-wheel discs brakes and the latest-generation Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) are standard and provide controlled stops. An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®) with brake assist, Electronic Brake pressure Distribution

(EBD), Engine Braking Control (EBC), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) full-time traction control is also standard. ESP is constantly engaged and uses sophisticated sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle reactions to automatically assist whenever help with vehicle control is needed.

A direct tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all Phaetons, and can be engaged or disabled using the vehicle onboard computer. When engaged, the system monitors the pressure in the Phaeton’s standard tires—18-inch all-season radials on both the V8 and W12 models, or the 17-inch tires available as a "no-cost" option on the V8 model.

Both the Phaeton W12 and V8 provide a unique and dynamic driving experience and continue the Volkswagen tradition of offering strong value for the money. Volkswagen designers have taken care to assure Phaeton’s world-class interior and exterior elements combine a sense of safety and tranquility with technical innovation and understated elegance.

Superb interior!

Highlighted by full-cabin ambient lighting, meticulous attention to detail is evidenced in ample use of premium-quality interior materials. Natural Eucalyptus and Walnut wood trim is standard on V8 and W12 models, respectively, with Walnut available as an option on the V8 in addition to the Chestnut and Myrtle woods that are now available as options on both models. Authentic chrome and brushed metal trim and supple Italian leather seating surfaces add to the inviting tone of the passenger cabin.

Owner's "cabin" gets high marks for design and execution

Owners can further personalize their Phaeton with a choice of a five-seat or four-seat interior arrangement. In four-seat configuration, a wood-trimmed rear-center console is standard. A front-center console is standard on all models.

W12 rear cabin is pure luxury for two.

As one would expect, all Phaetons come fully loaded with an abundance of comfort and convenience features. Volkswagen’s Climatronic™ provides draft-free, electronic four-zone climate control with humidity sensors and separate temperature controls for front and rear passengers. The driver’s seat is 18-way power adjustable, the passenger seat 16-way power adjustable, and both are ventilated for air conditioning and heating and have power massage, memory, lumbar support and shoulder belt height adjustment.

A premium stereo system that L.A. Car magazine called "the best-sounding factory audio system on the planet" is standard on the 2005 Phaeton W12 and available as an option on the Phaeton V8. The 270-wattt sound system includes 12 speakers, a 12-channel amplifier and sub woofer, Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with seven adjustable simulated modes, dynamic sound compression and a glove box-mounted, six-disc CD changer. L.A. Car says "the sounds from top to bottom are immaculately free from distortion and presented with staggering three-dimensionality."

Additional standard features on all 2005 Phaetons include a leather-wrapped, hand-stitched steering wheel with multifunction controls for operation of onboard computers, the cruise control and the audio system. A front-center, seven-inch color screen displays information from onboard computers and the CD-based navigation system that is also standard. A five-inch color display in the instrument cluster provides vital vehicle information to assist the driver.

Like a fine yacht inside

Volkswagen Telematics provided by OnStar is standard on the 2005 Phaeton. The subscription communications and assistance service offers added safety, security and convenience.

An oversized glass sunroof with a deluxe power sunshade, a power rear-window sunshade and manual side-window sunshades are standard. Self-dimming, power heated and folding exterior mirrors and self-dimming interior mirrors, all with memory-set function, are also standard, as are heated washer nozzles for the front windshield, courtesy entry and exit lights at all doors, stainless steel pedals, and a rear armrest pass-through with ski bag.

Several feature packages specific to each model are available as options. A Phaeton V8 Technology Package adds Electronic Parking Assist and power opening and closing trunk. A V8 Comfort and Cold Weather package includes upgraded interior leather, a heated steering wheel, 18-way driver and 16-way front passenger power adjustable seats with massage and ventilation, and outboard rear seat massage, ventilation and adjustable lumbar support. This package also includes separate climate controls and display for the rear seat passengers.

The Phaeton W12 offers a Comfort Package that includes everything included in the V8 Comfort and Cold Weather package, plus power height adjustable head restraints for outboard rear seating positions, and individual driver, front passenger and rear passenger center armrests with storage compartments and dual rear cup holders integrated into the rear center armrest.

Both the W12 and V8 models offer a 4-seater Package. The cabin is configured with two, individual front and rear seats with center armrests between each. The rear seats in the 4-seater Package are 10-way power adjustable with memory-set function.

Like all 2005 Volkswagens, the Phaeton comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, with wear-and-tear items and adjustments covered during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles. Additional coverage includes a no-charge scheduled maintenance program, 24-hour roadside assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, a Powertrain Limited Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a Limited Warranty against Corrosion Perforation for 12 years with unlimited mileage.

W12 front end lightly restyled for 2005

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"Side Curtain Protection" and "Climatronic" are trademarks and ""4MOTION" is a registered trademark of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.