In 1997, when Volkswagen presented the 5th generation of the Passat, we were far from imagining that we would have a version as special as the one that assembled the W8 block.
And if some people point to the Volkswagen Passat B5 generation as one of the best ever — a fact that may be questioned by some — what about the version equipped with the eight-cylinder engine?
A model that as soon as it was released received unanimous criticism for its design and build quality, only tweaked by the choice of some plastics that used a surface called rubber touch, and which over time tended to peel — I think we've all seen it. some examples.
But it wasn't to talk about its interior that we highlighted this version for our “Glories of the Past” section, but to describe the potential of one of the most exclusive engines that this model has ever received, the W8.
Eight cylinders in… W
The eight-cylinder block with a “W” architecture was mounted longitudinally — the Passat's B5 generation shared its base with that of the first Audi A4 (also identified as the B5), justifying the positioning of the mechanics.
It was a block of 4.0 l capacity with 275 hp at 6000 rpm, with 370 Nm of torque , values more than modest, even for that height.
The Passat 4.0 W8.
Even so, the Volkswagen Passat W8 reached the 250 km/h top speed , and when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox it only took 6.8s to reach 100 km/h.
It stood out for its surprising sound, and used a 4Motion all-wheel drive system — the dynamics were characterized more by efficiency than entertainment.
Exclusive and complex
The exoticism of mechanics also extended to the difficulty that mechanics faced for any type of maintenance to the huge block.
But let's not let these problems pinch our perception of one of the most intriguing versions of the Volkswagen Passat ever, a model that saw the light of day in its first generation in 1973, and which was the only model in Portugal to win four times the Car of the Year trophy (1990, 1997, 2006 and 2015).
The end
In addition to the headaches, the maintenance costs were high, but still these were not the reasons that ended the W8's career.
In 2005, with the launch of the B6 generation, came a new base (PQ46) that placed the engine transversely rather than longitudinally, a positioning that made the W8 physically impossible to mount. In its place came the Passat R36, which equipped a 3.6 l VR6 with 300 hp.
Yes, also available in Variant version.
If it were today, a car like the Passat W8 would be completely “banned”, as it advertised CO2 emissions of 314 g/km.
About "Glories of the Past." . It is the section of Razão Automóvel dedicated to models and versions that somehow stood out. We like to remember the machines that once made us dream. Join us on this journey through time here at Razão Automóvel.