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The VW Phaeton W12 is inverted snobbery at its best. Image by VW.

The VW Phaeton W12 is inverted snobbery at its best
An interesting configuration for an engine, the 'W' designation is a little misleading, suggesting a pair of V6 engines mounted side by side. In fact for this engine, VW has effectively joined two of its narrow angle VR6 engines onto a single crankshaft. Aside from being cheaper to make (existing tooling can be used), the main advantage of this configuration is size - or more to the point, the lack of it.

   


Reviews homepage -> Volkswagen reviews -> 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton -> W12 5-seater technical specifications

 
Performance, emissions & economy

Top speed (mph): 155
0-62 mph (seconds): 6.1

Urban mpg: 11.8
Extra urban mpg: 25.9
Combined mpg: 18.1
CO2 (g/km): 374


Dimensions & weights

Length (mm): 5055
Height (mm): 1450
Width (mm): 1903
Wheelbase (mm): 2881
Front track (mm): 1628
Rear track (mm): 1612
Cargo volume (litres): 500
Gross weight (kg): 2910
Kerb weight (kg): 2479
Max. braked trailer weight (kg): 2400
Max. unbraked trailer weight (kg): 750
Fuel tank capacity (litres): 90


 
Engine & transmission

Engine: 12 cylinder aluminium ‘W’ petrol engine with dual-duct magnesium intake manifold, aluminium cylinder crankcase, two V6 engines each with a cylinder bank angle of 15° are combined at 72° on a common crankshaft to form a W12 engine.

Cubic capacity (cc): 5998
Compression ratio: 10.80:1
Bore x stroke (mm): 84.00 x 90.20
Valve gear: Two overhead camshafts per cylinder head, four valves per cylinder.
Max. power (bhp): 414 at 6000 rpm
Max. torque (lb.ft): 406 at 3000 rpm

Transmission: Five speed automatic with Tiptronic function. Linked to 4MOTION permanent four-wheel drive system, using Torsen differential.


 
Chassis & running gear

Front: Independent suspension with anti-roll bar. CDC air suspension with automatic self-levelling system and height adjustment as well as continuous, speed-related electronic damper control.

Rear: As front.

Steering: Rack and pinion steering with power assistance. Speed-dependent Servotronic steering.

Turning circle diameter (m): 12.00

Brakes: Front: eight-piston fixed caliper brakes, four brake pads. Rear: one-piston floating caliper brakes with integral parking brake. Ventilated disc brakes, front and rear. Hydraulic dual circuit brakes with brake servo. ABS with EBD.

Wheels: 8.5J x 18" 'Challenge' alloys as standard.

Tyres: 255/45 R18







 

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