UPDATE!!! History of the W12

[VW_Redliner]

Introducing the Volkswagen W12 supercar concept. This sleek exotic GT made its debut at the 1997 32nd biennial Tokyo Motor Show held in Tokyo, Japan during October 25 through November 5. The W12 is a carbon-fiber concept that was conceived to house VW's newest innovation: a 5.6-liter "W12" engine. The 12-cylinder engine is basically two narrow-angle VR6 engines sharing a common crankshaft and splayed at an angle of 72 degrees, making it one of the most compact 12-cylinder engines ever created. The car itself was penned at Italdesign by Fabrizio Giugiaro, son of the legendary Giorgio Giugiaro. The W12's aggressive stance is complemented by its slick, low profile, massive 19-inch wheels, and buttress-mounted side-mirrors. Another exotic feature of the W12 is its vertically-hinged doors, which open in the grand style of the Lamborghini Diablo.

The W12 Roadster, a topless version of the W12 coupe, debuted at the 1998 Geneva Auto Show, sporting a frameless windshield, transparent engine bay cover, front 'shark gills' brake ducts, chrome wheels, unique VW-etched seats, and, unlike its coupe twin, utilized rear-wheel-drive (the coupe was full-time four-wheel-drive.) Naturally, this gorgeous drop-top is painted in 'Arrest Me Red.' VW has plans to build 200 W12 coupes and 100 W12 roadsters with production likely to begin by the year 2000. Estimated price? A cool $140,000. Yet still worth every penny!!