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The 1997 Volkswagen W12 Syncro, designed by ItalDesign and unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, was Volkswagen’s bold attempt to showcase its innovative W-pattern engine technology. At the request of CEO Ferdinand Piëch, ItalDesign created a striking mid-engine supercar to house VW’s newly developed 5.6-liter W12 engine, producing 420 hp and paired with the company’s Syncro all-wheel-drive system. Designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, the W12 Syncro featured a sleek, elongated body with an aggressive stance, emphasizing both aerodynamics and high-speed stability.
Although initially dismissed as a concept, the W12 project gained momentum when a roadster variant was introduced at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show. Volkswagen even entertained the idea of producing 200 units at an estimated $175,000 each, but this plan never materialized. However, the W12 concept continued evolving. By the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, VW unveiled a more powerful version with an enlarged 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 600 hp, along with promises of a limited production run of 50 units at $200,000 apiece.
While the production plans were ultimately scrapped, the W12 supercar cemented its place in automotive history by setting a 24-hour speed record at the Nardò Ring in 2001. Covering 4,800 miles at an average speed of 200.6 mph, the W12 demonstrated the performance potential of Volkswagen’s unique engine architecture, which later found its way into luxury models like the Audi A8, Bentley Continental GT, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
