Volkswagen Phaeton Redux Thanks To Modular Platform

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

What will the faithful say when the find out that the next Volkswagen Phaeton is based on a Golf platform Audi platform? Like it or not, that’s the way it’s going to be.

Edit: I mixed up the VW platforms. Turns out it will be the longitudinal version rather than the transverse MQB.

Since we live in the era of “economies of scale uber alles“, modular platforms will be one of the best ways to capture the benefits of this phenomenon. Volkswagen’s MQB platform (and MLB, for good measure) should be able to underpin damn near everything in the lineup with its Lego-like architecture.

If Automotive News is correct, the next Phaeton will no longer be a Bentley in drag, but a…well, a Golf Audi in drag. Sort of. British car rags used to mock the Audi TT as a “golf in lingere”, but the MQB/MLB platform will allow for different engine compartments and wheelbases, while one fixed measurement remaining throughout the platform. This is much more sophisticated than badge engineering. And we better get used to it.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

More by Derek Kreindler

Comments
Join the conversation
8 of 42 comments
  • Andreroy55 Andreroy55 on Sep 11, 2012

    Lamborghini did a transverse V12 in the Miura. Hmmmm, and Lamborghini is now a VW ... well, Audi, well ... part of the whole group.

    • See 2 previous
    • The Doctor The Doctor on Sep 12, 2012

      @The Doctor They used racing carburettors which tended to pool fuel when the car was idling. Since Lamborghinis are not known for moving off gently, the fuel would then slosh around and occasionally ignite.

  • Racer-esq. Racer-esq. on Sep 11, 2012

    To prove how flexible the MQB platform is I would like to see VW build a version with the front subframe and engine in the back, and the rear subframe in the front.

    • Th009 Th009 on Sep 11, 2012

      That's more or less the concept for the MMB (mid-engine) architecture, as envisioned for the VW BlueSport.

  • NYCER NYCER on Sep 11, 2012

    If I know VW it's going to be expensive, like the last (failed) made-for-America Phaeton. And with the short wheelbase of the Golf it will have a choppy ride no matter how they tweak it. Not a detriment in a Golf, but it will be in a car weighing a third more. All that said, I don't see VW taking that route for the new Phaeton.

  • Mpresley Mpresley on Sep 12, 2012

    I bought a 2013 CC. A colleague at work a nice new hotrod S5 convertible. You can buy two of mine for one of his. But a close eye can spot the shared parts (interior knobs, seat switches, etc.). Now, no one ever confuses a CC with an A5, but the VW group does a great job at mixing and matching, and hiding. BTW, my CC gets more design compliments, but isn't nearly as fun to drive.

Next