Currently reading: VW reveals plans for 270bhp turbo triple and new W12 engines

WRC-inspired three-cylinder engine and extensively reworked 6.0-litre W12 plans revealed

Volkswagen has revealed plans for a 270bhp three-cylinder petrol engine and an improved 6.0-litre W12 for its luxury models.

Plans for the high-output triple, based on the unit already used in small Volkswagens, were announced by Friedrich Eichler, Head of Powertrain Development at the annual International Vienna Motor Symposium.  

The engine uses technology developed on the Polo World Rally Car to boost the engine outputs.

As well as a conventional turbo, an electric 'e-booster' compressor is employed to generate 270 bhp and 200 lb ft of torque.

Eichler also revealed details of a reworked version of the 6.0-litre W12 engine for top-end Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley models.

The new engine is described by Volkswagen group as 'technically dense' includes developments of existing fuel injection and stop/start technologies, cylinder deactivation and friction reduction coatings to produce 600bhp and 664lb ft of torque with emissions of less than 250g/km.

Volkswagen claims the new W12 TSI will be the most economical twelve cylinder engine in the luxury car segment.

The W12 TSI is likely to debut in the Bentley Bentayga SUV which is due to launch in 2016. 

Group head of Powertrain Development, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser also explained that they are pushing ahead with plans to provide the modular MQB car platform which underpins the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Passat, Audi A3 and many other group vehicles, with a 48 volt electrical system in the future.

The upgrade will facilitate the installation of electric turbochargers on various engines starting with the diesels, including the 2.0 TDI.

Neusser hints these two technologies will allow power outputs of nearly 300bhp and 480 lbft of torque.

Read more:

Volkswagen Polo R WRC first drive review

2016 Bentley Bentayga - everything you need to know

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405line 12 May 2015

High specific output

A couple of things regarding this:
a) I do not have access to motorsport mechanics to rebuild the engine every so often.
b)4 cylinder engines are horrible and the thought of revving one is not where I want to be...
c)I will not want to pay good money for this type of engine unless i'd be the first owner.
d)VW should try to make their cars interesting and good handling instead of trying to reinvent the "engine wheel" every other year, with a lot of unreliability from what i've heard.
eykmak 12 May 2015

twincharger

Haven't Volkswagen been down that route with the twincharger tsi engine? I thought they were unreliable, this is going to be worse. Eric
Peter Cavellini 12 May 2015

now there a thing!!!

A triple with 270bhp!the first Nail in the Coffin of large capacity Engines?,if this Mecca of having your Cake and eat it is for real,who needs V6's and so on?,ok, they may not sound the same,but,ultimately,it's all about performance.