Volkswagen's upcoming sportscar model, so-named because of its W12 engine. It has 12 cylinders, arranged in a 'W' -- Take two narrow-angle four-valve V6 engines and configure them at an angle of 72 degrees apart from one another with a shared crankshaft. This layout could be described as a "V-V" arrangement, or a "W." The result has 6.0 liters generating 600 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 458 lb-ft of torque at 5,800 rpm.The engine is incredibly powerful, capable of 217 mph (350 km/h).
Not to be confused with the upcoming Volkswagen Phaeton, which will contain a smaller W12 engine, and very likely be available in the American market long before the VW W12 is.
by Ryan Thompson November 7, 2004