Volkswagen will unveil an all-new Phaeton in 2009. It will come in three different body versions: first will be the sedan, and almost a year after it the coupe and the cabriolet versions. It comes as a response against the upcoming Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series; while the cabriolet version has bigger targest: the Mercedes SL.

There are rumors saying that the future Phaeton will share the same platform with the future Porsche Panamera; while other says it will be built on the same platform as the Audi A6 and A8.

Elegant but dynamic


In my opinion, one of the factors why the current Phaeton model hasn't made great succes, is that the design makes the car looks too fat, slow, clumsy. In fact, I often heard people saying the car reminded them of a whale, or an elephant.

One of the things to a more succesful Phaeton is, in my opinion, to add a more sporty feel and dynamics to the luxurious design. The combination would make an elegant but dynamic car.

The sketches show a low, curved roofline, oval headlights that are 'stretched out' backwards and a long wheelbase. These elements contribute to a sporty look.  Clear lines and a bold design are more the elegant and luxurious side.

The combination of these elements make a slick, sporty but still elegant overall shape.

The slick design of the headlights in combination with the air intakes, inspired by the VW Karmann Ghia, also add a more sporty feel. The taillights contain more conventional, present VW design clues, with a little modern twist.

VW Phaeton Coupé


The sketches of the coupé version of the Phaeton show resemblence to the VW Eos, but also with the Phaeton, like the dropping line of the side windows. The sharp cutting edge above the taillights are an interpretation of the spyshots of the Phaeton coupé, disguised with the Audi A8 taillights.

I think the coupé won't have 4 doors, since the normal version of the Phaeton is already pretty sporty here. I see this coupé version as a cheaper sollution to a Bentley Continental GT.