2002 Volkswagen Passat W8 Sedan

Volkswagen makes its preliminary move toward providing more luxurious and powerful automobiles with the introduction of the Passat W8. The Passat has become a successful midsize model for Volkswagen, both in its sedan and wagon configuration. With the new W8 engine, VW takes both the 4- and 5-door Passats to new heights.

W8 Passats are distinguished by unique 16-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, W8 badging, and two exclusive colors: Blue Spirit and Pacific Blue.

The W8 is unlike any eight-cylinder engine ever built. In conceptual terms, the W engine is basically two narrow four-cylinder engines joined together at their center line, forming a W that has displacement typical of a large standard American V-8 engine, yet it is not much larger than a compact car's four-cylinder. VW engineers were able to do this and fit the package into the Passat's compact engine compartment. (This also opens up a whole new arena for engine possibilities: A W12 and even a W16 cylinder engine are either being tested or are under development.)


Although the Passat's eight-cylinder engine is compact, it produces the power of the typical V-8 engine. By producing 270 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, this small package has the power of an American musclecar. This combination makes the Passat a darn capable automobile that goes far beyond the engine.

Big power in a compact package: The W8 is basically two compact V-4s joined together. At 270 horsepower, this is the most powerful VW production engine ever offered in North America.

The Passat has grown in popularity over the last few years in part because of its VW heritage of reliability but also because these cars offer so many more features than ever. The Passat is a midsize vehicle that features room for five and storage for all the stuff they might carry, especially in the wagon configuration. This VW also offers the comfort and driving capabilities you might expect of a much more expensive automobile. And now with the addition of this wonderfully smooth engine, it offers the power of eight cylinders.


We had the opportunity to test this new Passat on a variety of roads in Northern California. In addition to high-speed freeways and city traffic, we also had great driving fun on some twisting backcountry mountain roads. Throughout the testing we found the Passat to provide the typically fun VW driving experience.