just stopped by my local vw dealership today.  they had a Passat W8 on the
lot.  its a $40k car.  Check out the first impressions and photos of a
preproduction '03 VW Phaeton W12 in Automobile magazine... 414 hp, 6.0
liters.  almost $50 grand.  theyre also coming out with a SUV next year.

vw top brass wants to compete w/ mercedes/Bmw and get away from the economy
car market.    i think the days of the average person being able to afford a
new VW are over..   so much for "the people's car'...
chris