Later this May 2007, Volkswagen AG will commence the production of the much-awaited revamped model of VW Phaeton full size luxury sedan. The car will roll out in dealer showrooms carrying numerous new technical features and modified equipments inside and out.

Unveiled at the recent 77e Salon International de l'Auto Geneve (77th annual Geneva International Motor Show), the VW Phaeton now comes with a new V6 TDI turbo-diesel engine, the first Volkswagen model to comply with the most stringent European emissions standard, the EURO 5 standard that goes into effect in 2009. The EURO 5 emissions standard requires an 80 percent lower amount of dirt particulates compared to the previous EURO 4 standard. The VW Phaeton's V6 new TDI turbo-diesel engine complies with this requirement, thanks to its common rail direct-injection system allowing the vehicle to have improved fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions as well as low fuel consumption, about 9.6 liters per 62 miles of driving range. The TDI turbo-diesel engine pumps out 299 horses (171 kW) under its hood, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 146 mph.

For customers who prioritize power and performance than fuel efficiency, Volkswagen is offering optional three petrol gasoline engines to suit their driving personality. The German automaker will include a V6 gasoline engine pumping out 237 hp (177 kW), a monstrous V8 engine with 443 hp (331 kW), and the powerful W12 petrol engine that also pumps out 443 hp. Volkswagen also improved the Phaeton's handling and driving performance, powering the luxury car's standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain configuration.

Outside, the VW Phaeton received additional exterior features like chrome accent strips in the lower area of the front apron, newly designed bi-xenon headlamps, dynamic and static cornering headlamps, newly designed automatically activated LED daytime running lamps, and a new 19-inch alloy wheel designs for the vehicle to ride on. Customers should get a VW car cover from the company's OEM division to protect these exclusive and new features of the VW Phaeton.

In addition to the new exterior features, the utilization of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is one of the new technical changes and features for the VW Phaeton. The Adaptive Cruise Control system is equipped with innovative functions including: Follow-to-Stop function, Front Assist stopping distance reduction and Side Assist lane change assistant.

Here is how the two systems work according to Volkswagen engineers:

Front Assist:
"The system utilizes a radar sensor to monitor the distance to vehicles in traffic in front of the Phaeton. When they approach too closely the driver is informed in two stages. At the same time the vehicle is prepared for possible hard braking by the driver. In certain situations the system preventatively puts the brakes in a preconditioned status ahead of time; otherwise they would only become active when the driver actuates the brakes. This is how the new system achieves Stopping Distance Reduction (AWV)."

Side Assist:
"This system monitors the area in back of and next to the Phaeton via radar sensors in the rear bumper (one sensor each for areas to the left and right of the vehicle), and it signals a potential collision risk via an indicator light in the outside mirror housing. The sensor monitoring range is about 50 meters to the rear and 3.60 meters to the sides of the sedan."

Meanwhile, to provide additional driving safety, the VW Phaeton now comes with a tire pressure control system, low-beam lamp that automatically activates during full throttle acceleration and in rainy driving conditions. The car has is also equipped with enhanced information and entertainment systems including voice-controlled Bluetooth telephone system with auxiliary Bluetooth receiver, and navigation system with DVD capability that can support different types of functions.