Flash.(Briefs)(Volkswagen officials deny online report that VW is pulling plug on plans to introduce its high- end Phaeton sedan in US)

Phaeton fib?

Volkswagen officials both here and abroad are strongly denying an online report that VW is pulling the plug on plans to introduce its high- end Phaeton sedan (Cover Story, July 22, 2002) in the United States.

Steve Keyes, VW of America spokesman, and his Euro counterpart Jens Bobsien say pre-launch activities are ongoing. These activities include prepping dealers to sell and service the car, and presenting U.S.-spec Phaetons to U.S. automotive journalists on a trip immediately following the Frankfurt motor show in September. Dealers can expect initial deliveries in late November, Keyes says.

Better late than never

Good news for those Porsche GT3 buyers whose cars have been held up since early July due to an emissions problem (AW, July 14). We now hear Porsche's electronics supplier, Bosch, has solved the problem to the satisfaction of federal regulators and that delivery of America's first Porsche GT3s since the end of 2000 is back on track, with cars expected to arrive at dealers as we speak. GT3, starting at $99,900, packs a 381-hp, nor- mally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six.

Opel envy