What does 'Fear the Volkswagen with letters' mean?
2 Answers
'Fear the Volkswagen with letters' is a somewhat joking phrase, specifically referring to a Volkswagen model called the Phaeton, which has the word 'PHAETON' in English below the Volkswagen logo on the rear of the car. Because the Phaeton's appearance is quite similar to models like the Passat, this line of English letters serves as a quick identifier to distinguish the model and avoid confusion. Introduction to the Volkswagen Phaeton: The Volkswagen Phaeton is a rather unique model in Volkswagen's lineup, as the top configuration of the Phaeton is priced comparably to other sports cars, making it relatively expensive. Introduction to Volkswagen Group: Volkswagen Group is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, founded by Ferdinand Porsche on March 28, 1937.
When I first started learning to drive, experienced drivers often warned me, 'Beware of the Volkswagen with letters,' meaning you have to be extra cautious when spotting a Volkswagen with 'PHAETON' lettering on the rear. It's Volkswagen's top-tier luxury sedan—deceptively understated in appearance but packing a monstrous engine, like the V12 or W12 variants, delivering insane power and acceleration so brutal that inexperienced drivers might easily rear-end it or cause accidents if not paying attention. This phrase serves as a reminder: these cars combine stealth with high performance, so never underestimate them on the road—keep a safe distance to avoid regrets. Plus, Phaetons come with sky-high maintenance costs and are rare in the used market; even a minor scratch could bankrupt you. Safe driving always comes first.