Volkswagen created a concept car that many agree would have made a fine supercar. Sadly, it never hit the sales floor, though it broke many records. Its engine design was rather intriguing in the layout and in its placement within the vehicle. Created as a joint development between Volkswagen and the Italdesign Giugiaro studio, the Nardo had an engine that also put out massive horsepower and was known for its torque output. It was also aesthetically appealing, both in interior and exterior detail. High-tech construction assembly was evident at every step.

Read on to discover more about the Volkswagen W12 Nardò and all the records it broke.

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Volkswagen W12 Nardò: Sporting A Unique Design

The aesthetic appearance of the Volkswagen W12 Nardò is unprecedented. It had a long, flat Coupe body and the rear spoiler was restrained. The front end was able to stay flat thanks to the engine being placed behind the passenger compartment. Many complimented the Nardo on its ability to blend the elegant Volkswagen design with the standard sports car design. It also had newly-designed rear lights and headlights that evoked images of Volkswagen's top-class models.

As a result of a partnership between Volkswagen technical and Italdesign Giugiaro studio staff, the Nardo was developed as a concept car. This particular model had special glass for its two wing doors that open to the front and roof center, and it had a smooth orange pearlescent finish. The glass on the doors extends from the windshield through to the end of the engine compartment.

Many ventilation openings are present, although the front end specifically features air intakes. Gray suede and smooth leather combine to act as a finish for seats, door trims, and fittings. Smooth leather was the substance of choice for items that come in direct contact with the driver, such as the steering wheel.

Interestingly enough, the steering wheel is like Formula One steering wheels in that it is deliberately not entirely round. Interior aluminum elements showcase a red sheen thanks to Volkswagen's new chemical coloration procedure, coming remarkably close to production standards. Further, the instrumentation layout is functional and practical, with two round main displays pointing out speed, fuel tank, engine temperature, and other important information.

W12 Engine Produces Unspeakable Power

This concept car has an engine design that results in putting out massive horsepower. The W12 engine is notable in that it made an early appearance here. Volkswagen aims to incorporate the W engines into all upper and luxury-class models. The W engines, known for putting out high torque, also are known for good acoustic qualities and emitting low levels of vibration. Eight-cylinder and 12-cylinder versions are already available, as seen in the Passat W8. The W12, of course, is the engine used in the Nardo. The cylinder sleeves of the engine resist wear and tear, and the engine itself was placed between the rear axle and passenger compartment.

At the core, two thin 72-degree V6 four-valve modules with seven main bearings comprises the W12 engine's basic layout. It also features a 12:1 compression ratio, and because it was made with a lightweight construction approach, it is far more compact than most V12 engines. High-tech construction assembly is evident throughout the engine, as noted by the central position of the spark plugs within the combustion chamber.

This results in optimal combustion and increased flow. Basically, the Nardo has a 5.6-L W12 engine that was created by combining two compact and lightweight 2.8-L V6 engines. Together, these engines generate 414 HP. Volkswagen also paid a lot of attention to regulating emissions levels and requirements in various countries.

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Volkswagen W12 Nardò: Systems Working In Tandem

A lot of internal workings work together to bring about superior results. A sequential six-speed gearbox located behind the engine helps transfer power from the engine to the rear axle. Classic sports cars are known for this layout, and the magnesium wheels are specially developed for 50:50 weight distribution and contact with the road.

Safety is increased, largely thanks to the extended wheelbase, which does not sacrifice speed for safety. The electronic stability program (ESP) and the traction control system (TCS) both work to promote safety, and both the brakes system and the central engine management system help to implement vehicle response.

The vehicle can achieve 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 217 MPH. Its six-speed manual transmission was also received well, and it has a hand brake that can be activated electrically by pressing a button.

Volkswagen W12 Nardò Broke Records

The Volkswagen W12 Nardò has broken numerous records in its time. When the Nardo was in its last development stages, it set a world speed record for distance covered in 24 hours, traveling an average speed of 200.67 MPH. Even better, an earlier trial run saw the class record for 12 hours being broken. The Federation Internationale de lâ Automobile (FIA) recognized the new records being set within their regulations, noting how this concept car was able to showcase its potential for becoming an actual production vehicle.

By October 2001, this Nardo was able to travel around 183.5 MPH over 4,402 miles with its W12 engine. The Volkswagen team was inspired by this victory, and inspired even more to break more records. In February 2002, that record from four months prior was broken when the Nardo was able to travel around 200.6 MPH over 4,809 miles with its W12 engine. The team of drivers had also, by that point, broken 12 international vehicle class records and seven other world records, all with regard to distance traveled and time required.

Sources: supercars.net, media.vw.com, carbuzz.com,