Volkswagen W12 Concept Car 1997 by Ital Design

At the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show Volkswagen unveiled for the first time its "more than six cylinder" engine, the Volkswagen W12. This new type engine was presented in an extravagant sports car study created in collaboration with Ital Design.

The unusually compact twelve cylinder unit is in the form of a space saving W construction in which two Volkswagen VR6 are joined at an angle of 72 degrees. The four valves per cylinder are controlled by a total of four overhead chain driven camshafts. With a capacity of 5,6 litres it produces a maximum power of 420 hp at 5.800 rpm. An elaborate engine control system with stepless hydraulic camshaft adjustment achieves a powerful and even torque band. The engine reaches maximum torque of 530 Nm at 3.000 rpm. With an overall length of 510 mm and a width of roughly 700 mm it is extremely compact. The crankcase is aluminum with plasma coated cylinder liners. Magnesium components are also used for instance for the valve covers and the timing chain guard.

The seven bearing crankshaft with offset crankpins transmits power to a six speed gearbox. The W12, positioned longitudinally in the direction of travel in front of the rear axle, drives all four wheels. A viscous coupling provides the power distribution between the front and rear axles.

The bodyshell study presented at the Tokyo Motor show is a monocoque construction from Ital Design with front hinged, upward swinging doors. The 4.40 metres long and 1.92 metres wide but only 1.04 metres high two seats sports car study, with a weight of only 1.200 kg, rolls on 19 inch alloy rims. The tyre dimensions are: front 255/40 ZR 19, rear 285/35 ZR 19. It is equipped with ventilated disk brakes all round.

On February 23rd and 24th 2002, a specially prepared version sets six FIA World Records on the Nardo speedway. Respectively 500 m standing start at 203,431 mph, 1.000m standing start at 202,482 mph, 5.000 km standing start at 324,850 kph, 5.000 m standing start at 200,727 mph, 6 hours standing start at 325,584 kph, 12 hours standing start at 323,876 kph and 24 hours standing start at 322,891 kph. (source http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/9E31C36E4CAC2FAEC12572FB005593D1/$FILE/ListeWorldRecords.pdf?Openelement )