RE: Audi A8 gets W12 Power

[dubbs]

Fantastic, that'll put the wind up a few sportier cars on the odd A road!! It'll be interesting to see what the next RS/S model will be like if it gets a turbocharged W12.... now THERE's a thought...

[adrianr]

Anyone had a close look at that cutaway picture? Looks like a V12 to me...for a proper W12, have a look at the Napier Railton special in Brooklands museum - one exhaust out each side of the bonnet, and then one out of the top as well. AdrianR Edited by adrianr on Monday 23 April 12:49

[nmilton]

I agree - it's a bit cheeky, in my opinion, to call it a W12 when really it's just two off-set straight sixes bolted together. I can't remember what the angle is on the VR6 engine but seeing as the pistons all use the same block, i.e. they're not in two distinct banks, then it must be pretty close.

[Duncan]

This engine was mooted some time back in a concet mid-engined snorter called the Avus. A wicked lacquered aluminium beast with 19" rims! Now that *would" be interesting. I think some hand build merchant in Germany (Karman?) recokoned they could bosh it out at only £300K!

[neilv]

38 seconds to 155mph? Are those figures correct? I'd expect closer to 20 seconds. Also I 'think' the VR6 (VR translates and expands to Narrow Angle) is about 28 degrees.

[PetrolTed]

More info: "Audi is the only manufacturer to use a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a double ‘V’ or ‘W’ formation in volume production. The block from each V6 unit, containing six cylinders mounted at an angle of 15 degrees, is linked together at an angle of 72 degrees to form the ‘W’. " "The fusion of two ultra-compact aluminium block V6 engines has created the awesome 6.0-litre W12, delivering 420bhp and a colossal 550Nm (405lb ft) of torque. It is capable of powering the new A8 L 6.0 quattro from rest to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds, from rest to 124mph (where conditions allow) in a mere 20 seconds and to an electronically limited 155mph top speed in only 38 seconds. Despite this incredible performance it also complies with EU 4 emissions limits, due to come into force in 2005, thanks in part to its six three-way catalytic converters "

[pabs]

twin turbo W 6 litre 600bhp in audi S3 anyone?