First off (not to sound like a know-it-all or an @$$h*le), two banks of 6 is a "V"-12 (which I doubt they'd ever squeeze into a dub, and certainly not a FWD). A W-12 would be three banks of 4 cylinders (I'm sure you just made a typo), but to say that it would make 300-450 hp is probably a reasonable assumption. On that same topic, I haven't heard anything about VW dropping a 12 into anything... but it would be awesome. I hope your source wasn't smokin' something that day. I'd love to see a VW with any kind of 12 in it.
I first heard about the W-8 Passat about 2+ years ago, but I haven't heard anything about a Jetta getting an 8 at all. After thinking about it, wouldn't you agree that the handling of either would be greatly compromised? I'm sure the Hp/Weight ratio is going to be great, but I doubt that (without MAJOR suspension mods) it would be what everyone expects. These cars sound (to me) like their going to be screamers in a straight-line, but lack everywhere else.
As far as it being an AWD, I haven't heard anything about that either, but that would put the handling on a whole new playing field anyways, so I guess it has its ups and downs.
Overall, I'd have to say nay to the W-8 cars. Just doesn't seem like something I'd want to drive. I like a car that's well-rounded - plenty of punch when you need it, light enough that you don't have to fight it in a curve, and last but certainly not least, $omething good on ga$! (which I'm sure would turn into a problem with 8's or 12's). Though, if the price is only around $27,000, I think it'll be plenty of bang-for-the-buck. Like I said... plenty of ups and downs.
As far as Jetta lemons go (And I dunno about the new ones, but I've seen a LOT of Passat lemons new and old), my Jetta just turned over 200,000 miles (two days ago), and it's still going strong, and I know it's had a rough life, but has never been rebuilt, or had any other kind of major work done on it. I may give it a rebuild for Christmas, or I may just wait til next summer so I have an excuse to ride the crotch-rocket everywhere for a while.
BTW, Chris... I like the signature... 'You can live in a car, but you can't drive a house'! Words to live by; especially when the g/f kicks you out b/c you've spent more time with the car than you have with her!
Drag-on
PS: sorry this post was so long! Just got up on my little soap-box and went to town here!
:monkeypis Mustangs
