Originally, as industry analysts had suggested, the heads at Volkswagen wanted to equip their first sport utility vehicle, the Touareg, as well as their first full-size luxury sedan, the Phaeton, with the unique W8 motor. But instead of seeing the W8 badge on the trunklid of either of these vehicles a V8 is shown, specifically the 4.2 liter, 90-degree V8 used in Audi's top-tier products. What happened? Aside from the high production cost of the complex W8 motor, the simpler Audi powerplant trumped Volkswagen's W configuration, delivering more power and greater torque.
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| With a simpler, more efficient engine taking its place, the W8's purpose has all but vanished, leading to an untimely death. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
After just three years and a scant 11,000 vehicles produced, well below the company's expectations, Volkswagen decided to put and end to the W8 project. Chances are the W8 will never rise again, and should VW need an 8-cylinder motor for its next-generation Passat or the upcoming C1, if it ever sees the light of day now that ex-DaimlerChrysler cost-cutter Bernhard is on the board, it can call upon Audi's shortened 4.2-liter featured in the current S4. With a simpler, more efficient engine taking its place, the W8's purpose has all but vanished, leading to an untimely death. Could a return to overhead valves be next? Not likely.