Volkswagen W12 Coupe

This is further underlined by the height of the two-seater vehicle, which is just 1.1 metres and contributes significantly to the top speed of the car by virtue of its extremely low frontal area. The restrained styling of the rear spoiler at rest is another innovation - once speed passes 120km/h it automatically extends to improve downforce.

The car has two wing doors that open to the front and roof centre part made of special glass which extends from the windscreen through to the end of the engine compartment. The W12 engine with its visually-compelling double V construction can be seen through the transparent rear bonnet.

Red aluminium shines in the interior Leather, aluminium and carbon dominate the design of the interior of the W12 Coup'. Seats, fittings and door trims have been finished, for example, with a black/grey suede and a colour coded smooth leather. Smooth leather has been used for the element where the driver has direct access to the function elements - namely the steering wheel.

The steering wheel itself is not perfectly round, but is rather extremely similar in form and function to the concepts used in Formula One racing. Alongside the use of leather, the aluminium elements in the interior are particularly noticeable as they have a red sheen and thus correspond to the exterior colour. Volkswagen is using a new chemical procedure to achieve the colouring and surface coating of the unpainted alloy.

The layout of the instruments is classic. Two round main displays show the most important information such as speed, revs, fuel tank (100 litres) and engine temperature. A colour display in the centre of the dash panel is used to control the functions of the air conditioning, the navigation system, the on-board computer and telephone. VW has gone to great lengths to ensure the W12 is extremely comfortable and has plenty of interior space, despite the vehicle's exceptionally low height.

Content Links

www.canadiandriver.com/previews/vw_w12.htm Canadian auto magazine Canadian Driver's take on the W12

www.speedycars.net/wallpaper/vw_w12.html Wallpaper sized pics of the W12

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