At the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen Group showcased a prototype Volkswagen Nardo W12 Coupé, a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive supercar powered by a 6.0 litre W12 engine, producing 600 horsepower (447 kW; 608 PS). A week before, the W12 Coupe broke the 24 hour world endurance record. A total distance of 7,085.7 kilometres (4,402.8 mi) was covered at an average speed of 295.24 kilometres per hour (183.45 mph), breaking the old record by 12 kilometres per hour (7.5 mph). Production of the W12 Coupé was considered, but was subsequently cancelled.
Volkswagen Group currently produces W12 engines by forming two imaginary narrow-angle 15° VR6 engines at an angle of 72°. The narrow angle of each set of cylinders allows just two overhead camshafts to drive each pair of banks, so just four are needed in total. Note that this design differs from the W18 engine that Volkswagen Group produced for its Bugatti concept cars of 1998 and 1999. Due to this distinction, the Volkswagen Group's W12 engine is sometimes described as a "WR12".
The 2011 Audi A8 debuted a revised 6.3 litre version of the W12 (WR12) engine with 500 PS.
The advantage of the W12 engine is its compact packaging, allowing Audi to build a 12-cylinder sedan with all-wheel drive, whereas a conventional V12 engine could only have a rear-wheel drive configuration as it would have no space in the engine bay for a differential and other components required to power the front wheels.
The engine is similar to the design in the Volkswagen W12 "Nardo", although is significantly heavier and bulkier, to reduce costs but not strength or material construction. It is 6.6 liters and can produce 600 horsepower, or 750 with two twin turbo chargers.
The vehicle has incredible endurance, being capable of producing extremely high RPM's for extended time periods, and at relatively low speeds or RPM's the vehicle is aptly situated.
