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    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc.
 today announced a base price of $94,600 for its 2004 Phaeton W12 ultra luxury
 sedan that is now available for individual orders in a variety of luxurious
 configurations at some 225 Volkswagen dealerships across the country.
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     Despite being highly advanced, supremely equipped, and the most expensive
 Volkswagen ever, the 6.0 liter, 420-horsepower Phaeton W12 represents a unique
 value in its rarified segment as the most affordable 12-cylinder luxury
 vehicle on sale in the U.S. market.
     The German automaker first made the Phaeton model available in the U.S.
 last November when it launched the 335-hp Phaeton V8 version to the U.S.
 market at a price of $64,600.  This Phaeton V8 is expected to constitute
 nearly 90 percent of Volkswagen's projected one-year sales volume of about
 3,000 units for the model.
     As the ultimate flagship of the Volkswagen brand, the Phaeton W12 is quite
 simply one of the best-equipped cars in the world and defines in a fresh way
 what German luxury cars can be without the stuffy, traditional pretenses.  The
 Phaeton's distinction begins with the unique top-of-the-line 6.0 liter W12
 engine that is remarkably compact, refined, and registers a full 420 hp at
 6,000 revolutions per minute.  The W12 engine accelerates the Phaeton from
 0-to-60 in a scant 5.9 seconds.
     All Phaetons offer Volkswagen's exclusive 4MOTION(R) permanent all-wheel-
 drive system; an automatically adjusting air-suspension with Electronic
 Damping Control; 18-inch alloy wheels; and a four-zone, draft-free
 Climatronic(R) system that automatically adjusts temperatures and humidity
 throughout the car's four cabin areas.
     Exclusive leather, brushed metals, and authentic premium wood trim abound
 in what is arguably the most eye-catching interiors available in a production
 automobile today.  It can even be ordered in a sporty yet elegant four-seat
 interior configuration that brings a new, exclusive level of luxury to rear
 seat occupants.
     A few of the many other standard amenities on the W12 include 18-way power
 leather front seats that are heatable, ventilated, and provide a 10-minute
 massage at the touch of a button.  Rear seats are also adjustable and heated.
 The Phaeton W12's list goes on with Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps;
 a 12-speaker, 270-watt sound system with digital sound processing; heated,
 leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls; an oversized
 glass sunroof with deluxe shade; a remote-key anti-theft alarm system;
 Volkswagen Telematics by OnStar(R), and an integrated infotainment center with
 numerous personal profile settings featuring a seven-inch color screen that
 functions with the glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer, navigation system,
 and extensive onboard trip computer.  All Phaetons even come with a special
 coating of metalized infrared foil on the windows that are heat-reflective and
 shatter-resistant, while promoting interior comfort.
     As with all Volkswagen vehicles, concern for safety is uppermost in
 Phaeton.  As standard safety equipment, both the V8 and W12 models have eight
 airbags, including Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection(R); a four-wheel Anti-
 lock Braking System with emergency brake assist; electronic park assist; an
 advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)(R); and a tire pressure
 monitoring system.
 
     For more information on the Phaeton, please visit www.media.vw.com .
 Registration is required.
 
     "Volkswagen" and "4MOTION" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG.
 "Climatronic," "Phaeton" and "Side Curtain Protection" are trademarks of
 Volkswagen AG.  All other trademarks used in this document are the property of
 their respective owners.
 
 

SOURCE  Volkswagen of America, Inc.