German Car Zone

Where some folks prefer aluminium for dynamics, some prefer steel for sheer stability and safety. Steel has its benefits, still, for being a heavy, strong material and some people just like that. Paldi might add a thing or two here.

There have been stories of aluminium chassis warping in aluminium body cars; does this happen in the A8? Just curious.

Osna, you're right, VW can build the next Phaeton for not much money, but for what purpose? They will continue to lose even more money. Unless of course, consumers take to the car better and sales increase. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.

The Transparent Factory in Dresden might be utilised more effectively if there's a next-gen Phaeton, though. If they discontinue the Phaeton, what will happen to it? It'll build Bentleys?

We all love the Phaeton for what it is but it's bleeding money from VW.

I don't think VW loses money on the Phaeton, perhaps when it was sold in US but elsewhere it profits.

I don't think they have recovered the costs from building the Dresden plant, have they? Some figures on their profit from the Phaeton's worldwide sales would be good. Well you have a point about making money, after all VW also benefits with the CGT and FS sharing the same platform, and they are selling like hotcakes.

No. Only Jaguars have quality problems with their aluminium structure due to poor engineering.

Aluminium is stronger than steel only it weights less. No wonder Ferrari, Lamborghini among others are using it extensively.

Only VW CFOs know if they have profited, info like that isn't released unfortunately

Bentley definitely has helped VW in its profits from Continental range

I think VW should keep going with the Phaeton idea -- it is unique in that it is not weighed down with pretence. The social climbers and label whores will never understand the Phaeton ...but that is their loss.

I agree.

Nicely put, Rob, completely agree!

I would think the Phaeton has a more solid strong feel like old Mercs had in the past (a car to be chauffered in).

Whereas the A8 (drivers limo) as you say is more dynamic focusing more on Sport Luxury while Phaeton is plain Luxury.

That is very true as well...