The 2001 Volkswagen W12 Nardo Concept, developed in collaboration with Italdesign, represents the culmination of the W12 concept's evolution. This journey began with the W12 Syncro prototype in 1997, followed by the W12 Syncro "roadster" in 1998, and finally, the W12 Nardo Concept presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. The project's long-term development involved a close partnership between Volkswagen's technical team and Italdesign Giugiaro.
This supercar, conceived by Ferdinand Piech, the visionary head of the Volkswagen Group until April 2002, sought to break new ground and establish itself as the most powerful and fastest car globally. The aluminum concept car, Audi AVUS Quattro, featuring a revolutionary W-engine, played a crucial role in advancing the W12 project.
Externally, the W12 Nardo Concept exhibits a timeless elegance, transporting Volkswagen design into the realm of ultimate sports cars. The long and flat body, measuring 4.55 meters in length and over 1.92 meters in width, boasts a striking appearance. The monocoque construction and rear longitudinal engine placement contribute to an exceptionally flat front end. The design incorporates newly styled headlights and rear lights, echoing the characteristics of future top-class Volkswagen models.
Italdesign, renowned for its design expertise, played a crucial role in shaping the vehicle. The W12 Nardo Concept features distinctive elements, such as two wing doors that open to the front, a roof center part made of special glass, and a transparent bonnet that provides a view of the double V construction of the six-liter engine.
The interior of the W12 Nardo Concept reflects a blend of luxury and functionality. Leather, aluminum, and carbon dominate the design, with seats, fittings, and door trims finished in black/gray suede and color-coded smooth leather. The steering wheel, reminiscent of Formula One racing concepts, features smooth leather and aluminum elements with a red sheen.
Under the hood, the W12 Nardo Concept boasts a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, a direct descendant of the Audi concept engine. This engine, with a unique configuration of two "flat" blocks and a V-shaped arrangement, is a technological marvel. It produces 420 hp, making it the most powerful production engine at the time. The car's technical features include a load-bearing structure, double-wishbone suspension, 6-speed sequential gearbox, and advanced electronics controlling various driving parameters.
In a spectacular demonstration of its capabilities, a prototype of the W12 Nardo Concept set three world speed records at the Nardo circuit, covering a distance of 7,740 km in 24 hours with an average speed of 322.891 km/h. This feat solidified the W12 Nardo's status as a formidable and record-breaking supercar.
Source & Images: VW
