The Luxury Volkswagen D1

Volkswagen has finally taken the wraps off their forthcoming D-platform flagship sedan a little earlier than expected. Not scheduled for public introduction till the Geneva Motor Show next March 2002, VW insiders say Piech was ready to push it forward a bit. Looking similar in many ways to the Concept D introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show two years ago, the Project D1 has matured and developed into a handsome sedan.

Bigger and better - the VW D1 (now the Phaeton)

Front and front 3/4 views (above) are the best angles to view the D1 with typical taught fender lines, aggressive stance and jewel-like attention to details - arguably a better looking sedan than the current Audi A8 which is due for replacement very soon. The conservative and not particularly graceful taillamps spoil an otherwise nice finish to the rear of the car. Overall though a very nice look that fits well with the Volkswagen brand image.

Exterior dimensions place the D1 4 inches shorter and two inches wider than the current Mercedes S-class. Compared to the Passat, the D1 is over 16" longer and just over 6.5" wider - a sizable car. While VW has not announced the final weight of the vehicle, its size and steel structure conspire to make it a heavy vehicle. Also absent from the driveline stats in the press release below is the W8 engine, potentially giving credo to the rumours that VW has decided not to use that engine for this application and instead will pursue a potential 10-cylinder powerplant.

pure luxury - inside the D1

From the first look at this saloon, internally named Project D1, it is clear that it continues the clear and precise Volkswagen design line. The arrow-shaped contours of the bonnet with a low-swept chrome grille and striking headlights combine to yield a confident front design. The rear design achieves an equally powerful effect. Even at night the luxury saloon is instantly recognisable thanks to the structured LED units in its tail light clusters.

The engines: outstanding torque curves are a common feature of the high-performance petrol and diesel engines.

The following engine levels will be available at the launch: 3.2-litre V6, power output 177 kW / 241 bhp and max. torque 315 Newton meters (232 lb/ft of torque) and 6.0-litre W12, power output 309 kW / 420 bhp and max. torque 550 Newton meters (406 lb/ft of torque)

These will be followed by the most powerful passenger car diesel engine in the world as the third of a total of five engines: an extremely refined 5.0-litre V10 TDI, power output 230 kW / 313 bhp and a tremendous maximum torque of 750 Newton meters (553 lb/ft torque). Volkswagen is also introducing a completely new six-speed automatic gearbox in the V10 TDI.

All versions of the new saloon feature a state-of-the-art 4-system pneumatic suspension with stepless mapped electronic damper regulation. This suspension will be combined with 4MOTION four-wheel drive, either as standard (W12, V10 TDI) or later on as an option with certain engines.

Steel body parts are fully galvanised The doors, boot lid, and bonnet are aluminum. The doors are a technical work of art in themselves: using a system of laser-welded diecast aluminum, they have been manufactured to a rigidity which far exceeds any structures implemented before.

The interior design itself is characterised by its unique handcrafted feel. Hartmut Warkuss, Head Designer at Volkswagen AG: "Through the selection of materials and the way they are worked, the textures, and the accentuated design, we have a achieved a new balance between progressive and luxurious flair." The interior also features a completely new air-con system - the 4-Corner Climatronic

However, Volkswagen has avoided cluttering the interior with controls. The functions of the new standard infotainment centre with a seven inch 16:9 colour display in the centre console are completely clear for the user. Depending on equipment specification, these include audio system with six-disk CD changer and concert hall sound, navigation system, TV, onboard computer, telephone, and air conditioning.

one for the boss

The highest level of passive safety is built in as standard. This includes, for instance, xenon headlights with a completely new headlight washer system, a "coming home function" to illuminate the surrounding area using the headlights, rear lights, and two additional lights in the exterior mirrors, front airbags, side airbags in the front and rear, and window airbags.

The name of the Volkswagen's new luxury class car will be announced at the opening ceremony of the Transparent Factory in Dresden towards the end of this year. Volkswagen is investing some 365 million marks at this location. When production has started just over 800 people will be employed in Dresden to produce up to 100 cars per day.

all Volkswagen Group communications and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK