Volkswagen 2011 Phaeton can read street signs using windshield mounted camera
By Laura June 
posted June 9th 2010 9:29PM
posted June 9th 2010 9:29PM
Volkswagen's showing off its 2011 Phaeton all over the place, and it's boasting some pretty interesting features if you're the nerdy type. In addition to regular navigational systems, the Phaeton will be the first to integrate a new system which can download Google maps satellite images and points of interest info over a mobile phone, and then laid over existing maps within the GPS, providing a far superior, up to date database of information to the driver. And then there's the camera installed behind the windshield, which can read street sign information such as posted speed limits, no passing zones and the like. It also boasts Dynamic Light Assist, which makes use of the camera to scan the surrounding area for other cars that might suffer from the glare of the headlights, and responds by masking a portion of the lamp to cut said glare. Ah, fahrvergnügen.
the pessimist in me says that as soon as they have reduced the cost of monitoring road signs to provide the driver warnings, they will start messing with the signs so people still "accidentally" break traffic rules, or they'll expect the car to spy on you.
I wonder if I can install it on my VW GLI, I love my GLI :-)
The new SAAB 9-5 also has this feature, for about half the price.
Just what we need the car becoming the backseat driver !
Does the car stop it self when it sees a stop sign or snitch on you when you dont follow the signs ?
What's up with the trend of German manufacturers lining their headlamps with LEDs these days? It looks like an odd looking eyeliner.
Still, it's ugly as hell (compared to the competitors in this class, the class itself is ugly by definition). It's obvious that VW's designers were previously working for either Lada, ZAZ Zaporozhets or, at best, Trabant... It's a shame, really, because they do know how to make reliable cars, but with that conservative '80s design, and their notoriously overpriced models, I'd hardly be putting anything with a VW badge in my garage...
@incognito VW is like Audi for the masses, minus the minimalistic yet refined styling. The Phateon is no exception, it is built on the same chasis as the Audi A8 and even incorporates some of Audi's signature styling (LED headlights, new interior). However, it's still a VW, thus the boring grille and huge tail lights.
@incognito
I think that's an overly harsh view. However, I agree with the above comment- the grille and tail need refinement to match the cars build.
I would love this car. Understated elegance. You people do realise that this car (chassis, engine, drivetrain) is used for the Bentley Continental don't you? I believe Jeremy Clarkson from the British Top Gear show, stated that the Phaeton was a much better overall package (car) than the Bentley.
VWs like all other German cars are great cars until your warranty is up, then it'll just be a black hole. You just keep pumping money in for repairs. I'll stick to my 10' Acura TL, a high end luxo vehicle with Hondaesque reliability!
In the end, after you're done using all the gadgets, its still a VW. And for the price, who wouldn't rather have an Audi for a little more. Buyers in this class are buying the badge as much as the car. Its why Astons sell.
This is not a Hyundai which used to have a stigma attached to it, but now is as well regarded its Japanese competition.But if Hyundai starts selling a 50k luxury car to compete with BMW, they have no chance! That's what VW are trying to do, and its not gonna work.
If it comes W12 then I definitly wouldn't want to waste my time reading road signs.
if you do some research, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia introduced that feature back in 2008! but people usually hate GM so they dont see the good work! but why you engadget? why you?
@mjenabi just my thougts mate, just my thoughts
you know, the funny thing is that Opel has already released car with cameras behind their windshields which can read the street signs Oo
Opel Insignia (and probably others too) also does this, it's called "Opel Eye".
You can get a secondhand Pheaton W12 with 30000km for only 30000euro or less...(in Germany). That s the way we need to think about this car :) And if you ride normaly (not easy) it drinks 18l /100km, for a W12 :) that s amazing!!
The new one is much nicer but the old W12 is soooo fast :D
"... And then there's the camera installed behind the windshield, which can read street sign information such as posted speed limits, no passing zones and the like. It also boasts Dynamic Light Assist, which makes use of the camera to scan the surrounding area for other cars that might suffer from the glare of the headlights, and responds by masking a portion of the lamp to cut said glare...."
Mercedes S class had this for a long time :D works great :D i like it! :D
Does it automatically detect gas stations?
A car that "can read street signs using windshield mounted camera"? Gosh... that's so 2008...
http://www.leftlanenews.com/opelvauxhall-insignia-to-feature-traffic-sign-recognition-saturn-aura-next.html