News.

Phaeton delayed

The U.S. debut of Volkswagen's Phaeton luxury car has been delayed as production at the Dresden, Germany, factory is taking longer than expected. In fact, the long-wheelbase versions-the only model to come Stateside-have yet to go into production.

At the Phaeton's European introduction in June (AW, July 22), VW officials planned to unveil the car at the Detroit show in January, with production versions reaching dealerships by June. That Detroit intro has been scrubbed and VW instead will put emphasis on introducing its Touareg sport/ute (AW, Oct. 28).

While no official decision has been made yet, look for Phaeton's U.S. unveiling at the New York auto show in April, with production cars arriving in dealerships by late August or early September.

Viper, too

Dodge officials confirm that buyers expecting to take delivery of 2003 Vipers late this year must wait until January for their cars. A spokesman said federal emission certification is still pending, thus the delay. The upside: Buyers will save $3,000 in federal luxury tax on the $81,000 car because the tax expires Dec. 31.

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