The new W8 essentially combines two narrow-angle V6 engines (VR6 to be precise) to a single common crankshaft, staggering the cylinders to reduce overall size. Its uncommonly small dimensions allow fitment where no other 8-cylinder previously dared to go. Tuners in Germany have already stuffed it into Jetta and Golf models, but there's no word if the company itself is considering this. In reality that hardly matters. What does? The W8 is available here and now in the Passat.
And it completely transforms the midsize sedan from competent performer to confident powerbroker. A purposeful rumble emits from the tailpipe, stimulating the senses while catching pedestrians and fellow motorists off guard. The engine winds up quickly but its 5-speed Tiptronic automatic softens initial takeoff. While not neck-snapping off the line its power is immediate, pulling the 1,716 kg (3,783 lbs) vehicle speedily ahead while its transmission seamlessly shifts from one gear to the next in fluid perfection.
Previously I had struggled to understand ex-chairman Dr. Ferdinand Piech's plan for Volkswagen AG, the parent company for VW, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini in North America, and other brands in Europe. After all, wouldn't the $29,550 to $53,400 VW Passat W8 parasitically compete with the $33,600 to $58,075 Audi A4, a model senior in status yet built off of the same platform? But after driving the softer, more luxuriously biased Passat I think I'm beginning to at least understand the good doctor's successor, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, on the subject. Volkswagen AG has organized its various brands into two categories, with Audi, Seat and Lamborghini situated in the 'sporty' camp while VW, Skoda, Bentley and future Bugatti models comprise the 'classic' marques. It's still a little hazy as all brands in the classic category have sporting histories and the most overachieving car of the lot may just be a 1001-hp Bugatti - if it gets built now that Herr Dr. Piech is out of the picture. Maybe it's safe to say that performance-oriented luxury best describes this 'classic' side, and therefore Volkswagen.