I was checking out this website, AMAG.ch, they are the Audi importer for Switzerland. They usually have models there that are not available stateside. Nothing new on the Audi side, but why would VW make both of those engines availble for the Phaeton and not the A8. It looks as if VW dosen't have Audi as a high priority. First they let Bentley division win Le Mans, now this.

If I'm a potential A8 buyer in Europe, why wait for the new S8 when you can get a Phaeton with a V10.<ul><li><a href="http://ch.amag.clientsites.carspecs.jato.com/cc/versions.asp?Project=ch_amag&amp;Specs=SSCCH&amp;LanguageI d=3&amp;Options=&amp;UID=&amp;Make=VOLKSWAGEN&amp;text=&amp;Model=PHAE TON&amp;nogoback_4_version=1&amp;Others=Yes">http://ch.am

From what I've seen of preliminary specs, the Phaeton has nearly identical dimensions to the D3 A8 but is about 200 lb lighter. If the V10 Phaeton gets a serious handling upgrade (and I expect it will), then aesthetics and styling preferences will probably make the decision for you.

The Phaeton's body is steel, not aluminum. Figure it's about 500 lbs heavier.

-Uwe-

I read 4200 lb for the V8, when it was actually 5200 lb (and 5400 lb for the W12). I guess in my mind I couldn't imagine that the first digit would be a "5" for anything other than a Humvee.

Sorry 'bout that.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ohiovw.com/files/phaeton/2004_phaeton_tspecs.pdf">Phaeton V8 and W12 spec, pdf</a></li></ul>