- Volkswagen Launches A High - Tech Product Offensive
- Volkswagen’s new eight-cylinder engine delivers 202 kW/275 bhp
With the unveiling of the 202 kW/275 bhp Passat W8, Volkswagen has launched itself into a new segment: the premium range of the upper-mid-class. A luxury eight-cylinder car has been created, based on the Passat Generation launched at the end of last year, and now leads the way with a superbly engineered, ground-breaking engine concept.
This wholly new, highly compact four-litre, eight-cylinder design currently represents the most powerful engine in the Volkswagen range. It provides superior comfort and refinement, already developing its maximum torque of 370 newton metres at 2.750 rpm and is capable of propelling the Passat to a maximum speed of 250km/h (155 mph). The Passat W8 will be available as a saloon or estate from the second half of 2001 and all models will be equipped with 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
Positioning of the new PASSAT W8
The Passat W8 is up-to-date, but not a slave to ephemeral fashion. It symbolises the subtle luxury of a high quality saloon. The Passat W8 presents a new opportunity for all those Volkswagen customers seeking a level of power and comfort previously not offered by the brand’s product range.
These are motorists demanding power and comfort, preferably from an eight-cylinder engine, in a car at the transition between the top segment of the upper-mid class and the luxury class. The accomplished safety of high power with four-wheel drive as standard makes it the ideal combination for this high-mileage clientele. This drivetrain concept is an exception among the eight-cylinder cars available until now.
The balanced nature of the technological concept “W8/4MOTION” has a special appeal and with the attractive price positioning of the Passat W8 Volkswagen predicts it will have an above-average potential to conquer new customers.
The technology of the new PASSAT W8
Dr Karl-Heinz Neumann, head of engine development at Volkswagen explained the new drive system philosophy behind the “W8”: “Well before development of the Passat W8 models was underway, Volkswagen had made a clear decision that it would not only tackle this segment with exceptionally powerful and comfortable low-emission engines. A further declared aim was to bring out a new class of vehicle with a maximum level of active safety. It was therefore decided that our saloon end estate customers in the W8 power class would all have the benefit of permanent four-wheel drive. This uncompromising decision, with which the Passat W8 marks the start of a high-tech product offensive, will have a lasting impact on technology standards within the luxury class.”
The W8 engine: The engineering design of the Passat’s new eight-cylinder engine is based on the V/W engine series. V stands for a V-shaped cylinder arrangement and W for a twin-V layout. This series includes engines up to a cubic capacity of 8.0 litres. Thanks to their technical layout, they offer excellent power delivery and refinement. In addition, they allow very compact construction. The Passat’s 202 kW/275 bhp W8 is only 42 centimetres long and its height and width are both roughly 70 centimetres. The cylinder banks of the highly versatile double-V engine have an offset angle of 72 degrees.
In addition to its four valve layout, major technical features include two balancer shafts for smoother running, the use of roller-rocker fingers in the valvetrain, plus variable intake and exhaust valve timing for a more dynamic torque curve. The crankshaft has a high-performance construction with a crank pin offset of 180 degrees, underlining the sporting character of the W8 – this flat crankshaft design is generally used only in sports engines. With its especially tuned exhaust system featuring two twin tailpipes the Passat W8 has a sporting sonorous exhaust note.
The drivetrain comprises a six-speed gearbox combined with 4MOTION. The four-wheel drive system features an automatic locking Torsen central differential and four electronic differential locks (EDL) and is combined with the electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control (TCS). It also comes with the option of a five-speed Tiptronic gearbox with manual shift mode.
The equipment of the new PASSAT W8
A key feature of the Passat W8 saloon and estate is an extensive range of standard equipment. The new top-of-the-line model can be recognised from the outside by two sets of twin chromed tailpipes, bi-xenon headlights as standard, additional chrome exterior trim, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R 17 tyres and an extended programme of paint finishes.
The standard interior of the Passat W8 also differs from the configuration of the four, five and six-cylinder models by additional features such as front and rear curtain airbags, special luxurious trim on the roof pillars and headliner, chrome trim and wood panelling, its own very exclusive leather-material seat upholstery, an on-board computer and electronic climate control (Climatronic). As far as security is concerned, the Passat W8 also features an anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring.
The comprehensive programme of optional equipment for the Passat W8 means it can be tailored to perfectly match individual needs. This included features such as comfort leather seats, new leather or leather-Alcantara sport seats, a dynamic navigation system with audio and TV unit, a digital sound package, and especially heavily tinted rear windows.
| Engine |
|
| Principle |
Eight cylinder W-layout |
| Engine capacity |
3999cm³ |
| Valves |
32 (4 per cylinder) |
| Power output |
202 kW/275 bhp at 6.000rpm |
| Torque |
370 Nm at 2.750 rpm |
| Maximum speed |
250km/h (155 mph) |
|
|
| Drive/Wheels |
|
| Gearbox |
Six-speed manual
(optional five-speed automatic)
|
| Final drive |
Four-wheel drive 4Motion |
| Alloy wheels |
7J x 17 |
| Tyres |
225/45 R 17 |
|
|
| Body |
|
| Length |
4703 mm |
| Width |
1746 mm |
| Height (saloon) |
1461 mm |
| Height (estate) |
1497 mm |
|
