Any reason why the Phaeton never caught on? Is it that people can't
> connotate the term "Volkswagen" with luxury vehicles?
Pretty much that's it. And VW's recent reputation for questionable reliability for electric and electronic items in a car that is stuffed with them also doesn't help.
Also -- the W8 and above engines never caught on...
When you have to partially remove the engine from the vehicle to change a spark plug, is it any wonder why not?