Now that, my friends, is a bad [censored] little motor. If the W8 was more reliable and I knew the history of this car, I would be driving it home today. Considering the blacked out VW badge it probably has seen better days.
I drove a then brand new Phaeton from Las Vegas to San Diego and then to Katy, Texas. I have no idea what happened to those cars but I'd have to say it was the nicest luxury car I've even driven. One thing I really liked was that it was an anonymous car. No one knew what it was and it did not attract any undue attention. For me that is priceless.
Because it disappeared from the market it would be a no-go for me but other wise I'd really like to own and drive one. I've owned several luxury cars of the past years and none of them compare to the Phaeton. It appears that there's a lot more to success in the market place than just a good car.
I recall that there was a W8 Passat.
I saw one offered for sale in Cincinnati for really low bucks.
I asked for some advice here and based upon what I learned passed on the Passat.
This was a rare and costly VW.
IIRC, this car was intended as a test bed for components of the Phaeton to come, another rare and costly VW that can be bought today for really low bucks.
These cars were a little like what it would be if GM allowed Chevy to bypass Cadillac and build its own new V-12.
VW had and has its own upmarket division which would have been a more logical venue for these platforms.
you are partially correct and I am partially wrong
the cylinder arrangements are totally different in the w8 and audi v8
however the rear engine, ridiculously expensive to repair timing chain systems ($5000) are virtually identical and even share part numbers (the plastic tensioners and guides)
see for your self, thanks for helping me clarify this point
Son! I didn't know there was such a thing. I have an '03 1.8T Passat (auto, FWD) in the shop right now and I take note of it being different (in a good way) and something I'd own - let alone that beast. What's fuel mileage like, at best? 1/4 mile?
Quote:
The W8 motor itself has a 85%+ failure rate due to metal from the camshaft adjuster(s) finding its way into the oil pump, which then grenades, sending shrapnel throughout the engine.
Originally Posted By: 2004tdigls
you are partially correct and I am partially wrong
the cylinder arrangements are totally different in the w8 and audi v8
however the rear engine, ridiculously expensive to repair timing chain systems ($5000) are virtually identical and even share part numbers (the plastic tensioners and guides)
see for your self, thanks for helping me clarify this point