By Bill C.
Really?
S
uper-Car – Headed for production? That is what Volkswagen’s saying about their mid-engine W12 super-car. When? Try 2002. There has been a lot of uncertainty for some time about for the low-slung two-seater. It was displayed as a concept for the first time at the 1997 Tokyo motor show. This Italdesign-styled sweetheart was originally expected to make it to showrooms this year as part of VW’s efforts to broaden its model lineup as well as to take on Mercedes-Benz in the luxury-car arena.
One of Volkswagen’s senior officials recently confirmed the W12 is progressing toward production following approval from VW chairman Ferdinand Piech. Plans call for building both coupe and roadster versions in a new manufacturing facility in Dresden, alongside the German carmaker’s D1 luxury saloon. The aim is for around 200 couples and 100 roadsters the first year. Industry estimates put the sticker at about $130,000. A "People’s Car" it’s NOT!
For Sure!
W8 Passat has a 3.7-liter, 32 valve W8 on the way. Yes I
said "W". Basically, 2 15 degree V4’s with a common crankshaft. The
biggest advantage is space saving. It consumes the same space as a conventional
engine with 4 fewer cylinders. There are plans for a W12, 6-liter for Audi and a
W16, 8-liter for the upcoming Bugatti EB 16/4.
There are challenges getting air/fuel into and out of the cylinders. Intake has to travel further through heated engine parts to get to the outer most cylinders; while exhausting the inner banks of cylinders requires special "plumbing"
In overcoming obstacles, VW will be using variable valve timing and competition style flat plane crankshaft design. The latter requires dual counter-rotating balance shafts to overcome vibrations.
So what does this all mean? 271 HP @ 6000 rpm & 258 ft-lb of torque @ 2500 rpm. Tested in a Passat 4-motion wagon with a 6-speed resulted in 0-to-60 in7.8 seconds and a top end speed of 156 mph. YIKES!