VW Shows Off its New W-12 TSI Engine

VW Group 6.0-Liter W-12 TSI Engine (Credit: © Volkswagen Group)

While other automakers are quickly shrinking their large-displacement engine in the attempt to meet tightening worldwide emissions regulations, Volkswagen has decided to take a different route and tweak its W-12 offering. It showed off its new, cleaners W-12 TSI at the International Vienna Motor Symposium.

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This new group-topping 6.-liter W-12 powerhouse will likely see use in a range of the auto group’s high-end models, like the Bentley Continental, the upcoming Bentley Bentayga, the Audi A8, and maybe even a new VW Phaeton.

This new engine makes use of newer technology, like the combination of Bentley’s TMPI multipoint fuel injection and Audi’s FSI direct injection to create a new TSI injection system, which includes both high-pressured direct injection and low-pressure manifold injection. Other technical advances include APS-coated cylinders, an off-road-prepped oil circuit, a switchable oil pump, a high-tech cooling system within integrated temperature management, a twin-scroll biturbo setup, individual cylinder bank deactivation, start/stop system, and an adaptive engine suspension to limit engine vibrations.

These tech features all combine to make the new 6.0-liter W-12 TSI the most economical 12-pot engine in the luxury car segment, but VW doesn’t get into actual fuel economy numbers. However, it does dive into emissions ratings, and this new 12-cylinder emits just 250 grams of CO2 per km. Fir reference, the W-12 engine under the hood of the Bentley Continental GT emits 327 grams of CO2 each km, making this a significant drop.

Power is also up, as VW claims this engine will deliver a healthy 608 PS at 6,000 rpm and 900 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. That is a bump of 18 PS and 180 Nm when compared to the current Continental GT. This would result in 0-to-100 km/h times of under four seconds and top speeds in excess of 300 km/h, depending upon the model.

More details should arrive on this engine as VW begins tweaking it for each model it produces, so check back often for updates.