By Bill C.

For Real Sure!

GTI – More Power, Lower Price for 2002 – First we hear that VW is increasing its bumper-to-bumper warranty for 2002; now this. Wow! They are boosting the GTI 1.8L Turbo’s power from 150 (2001) to 180 for 2002. It gets another 19lb-ft of torque too. So… howdaadodat? Increased turbocharger boost and timing, along with a redesigned intake. Suppose to be good for 0-60 in 7.5 seconds with the 5 speed manual; slightly slower with the optional Triptronic automatic.

W8 – Passat – April 2002; that is when the W8 Passat 4-Motion goes on sale. The W8 designator is more than just an engine. It is a separate model, with all-wheel-drive and a full list of luxury items. The 4.0 liter, 275 horsepower, 32 valve, 8-cylinder started life as 2 VR6s mated together, with the back two cylinders of each cut off. The unique design of the VR6 helps make this possible. The VR6 cylinder banks are offset by only 15 degrees and the cylinders are staggered. Unlike "V-6" design, the VR6 has only ONE cylinder head, shared by both cylinder banks. So, with staggered cylinders, one of the W8’s best features is compact size (about 25% shorter than a V8 of the same displacement), allowing it to fit in the Passat’s engine bay. This basic design can be adapted to 12, 16 or even 18 cylinder configurations.