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  • Volkswagen W8 engine (2001-2004)
Category
Engines
2000s
Germany

Volkswagen W8 engine

 Volkswagen W8 engine
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also called4.0 W8
Production2001-2004
Combustion chamber
ConfigurationWR8
Displacement3,999 cc (244.0 cu in)
Cylinder bore84.0mm
Piston stroke90.2mm
ValvetrainDOHC/4 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio10.8:1
Combustion
Fuel systemmultipoint indirect injection
Fuel typepetrol
Output
Power output275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp)
Torque output370 N·m (270 lb·ft)

The Volkswagen Group W8 engine was installed longitudinally in the Volkswagen Passat (B5.5) from September 2001 to September 2004 but sales were minimal at only 10,000 units worldwide per year. The Passat W8 was positioned as Volkswagen Passenger Cars' "premium" car, before the Volkswagen Phaeton was introduced.

The 4.0 litre - 3,999 cubic centimetres (244.0 cu in) W8 engine produced 202 kilowatts (275 PS; 271 bhp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 370 newton metres (273 lbf·ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm, yet was considered a fuel-efficient eight-cylinder engine due to the design. It also had a two stage resonance induction system to boost cylinder filling across the engine speed range. It had two simplex roller chain-driven (relay method, using three chains) double overhead camshaft (two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, hence "quad cam"), and twin balance shafts to smooth out residual vibrations inherent in the layout. One additional advantage was that the W8 shared some components and machining with narrow-angle VR5 and VR6 engines, leading to cost reduction in one of the most expensive engines Volkswagen Passenger Cars has ever produced.

The 2005 redesign of the Passat (B6) changed the engine's mounting configuration to transverse. The W8 is too large physically to be mounted in such a way, so the 'large' 3.6-litre VR6 engine has replaced its position at the top of the range.

The Volkswagen W8 engine block

Volkswagen W8 engine block

Related items
VW Petrol engines | VW Related | Petrol Engines | VW Passat

Technical

Technical
  • Volkswagen Model: Passat 4.0 W8 Technical details and specifications  (2001-2005)

     

    No. of cylinders 8/DOHC
    Size 3999 cc
    Firing order 1-5-2-6-4-8-3-7
    Compression ratio 10.75:1
    Suitable for unleaded petrol Yes
    Ignition Fuel system Make Bosch Type Motronic ME7.1.1
    Fuel system pressure 4.0 bar
    Oil pressure 3.0-4.5 bar @ 2000 rpm
    Radiator cap 1.4-1.6 bar
    Thermostat opens 86°C

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