W12 engine



The 6.0-liter W12 is a compact engine arrangement used in the Volkswagen / Audi AG vehicles, A8, Phaeton, and Continental GT and GTC. The "double-vee" arrangement allows for a small overall size in comparison with a tradition V- or Flat 12 engine. This engine made its debut in 1997 Volkswagen W12 Nardo concept supercar at the Tokyo Motor Show. The arrangement is also used in the 4.0-liter W8 used in the 2004-2006 Volkswagen Passat and the 8.0-liter W16 of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

Technical
The Nardo version of the W12 was 5.6-liters in displacement with a length of only 20.1 inches, and a width of 27.6 inches. It produced a claimed 420 hp @ 5800 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 RPM. The Volkswagen Phaeton W12 uses a detuned version of the A8 engine producing 444 hp @ 6000 RPM and 406 lb-ft of torque at 3250 RPM. The compression ratio is also lower at 10.5 : 1. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT and Continental GTC all use a twin-turbocharged version producing 552 hp (560PS/411kW) @ 6100 RPM and 479 lb ft (650Nm) of torque @ 1600 RPM. The compression ratio of this version is 9.0 : 1.

The full specifications for the Audi A8L W12 are courtesy of the Audi Technical Specifications