Mercedes-AMG recently surprised many by installing a four-cylinder engine into the AMG GT. This engine, which is also found in the SL43 AMG, has been tweaked to produce a bit more power. Previously, the AMG GT was exclusively powered by powerful, aggressive V8 engines that complemented its muscular design. However, now there is an entry-level version equipped with a rough, gritty 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine – an unexpected sight in a high-end sports car, albeit benefiting from some of AMG’s turbo expertise derived from Formula 1. This sparked our curiosity about other unusual pairings of engines and cars that have emerged over the years, for better or for worse.
Given the automobile’s century-long history, it’s inevitable that there have been instances of such combinations. The Ford F-150 powered by a 6.8-liter V10, the Volkswagen Touareg V10, and the new V12-equipped Ferrari Purosangue all stand out. However, the vehicle that stands out the most to me is the W8-powered B5-generation (1997-2004) Volkswagen Passat.
Volkswagen
What makes the Passat W8 so unique? Firstly, it features a W8 engine, not the conventional V8, which baffled many casual car enthusiasts during its time. The 4.0-liter W8 essentially consisted of two narrow-angle 15-degree VR4s combined to share the same crankshaft, akin to the functioning of Bugatti Veyron’s W16 and Bentley’s W12 engines (both also products of the VW Group). Owners of the Passat W8 humorously claimed they had half of a Bugatti engine in their vehicle. However, they probably wished for more power, as the Veyron produced over 1,000 horsepower while the Passat W8 only packed 275 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Aside from its power figures, the sight of an eight-cylinder engine in a Passat was peculiar, considering the vehicle was intended to be a straightforward, budget-friendly midsize sedan. Even more unusual was the sound it produced. Typically, a Passat, irrespective of generation or engine type, isn’t particularly remarkable when it drives by – it sounds just like any other ordinary car. However, the Passat W8 emitted an exotic rumble. Its W8 engine produced an enticing, performance-car growl straight from the factory. Being able to rival the sound of a ’90s Corvette V8 with a modest sedan was undoubtedly an aspect that never lost its appeal to owners.
Paired with this exotic W8 engine was either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, both transferring power to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Despite not being particularly fast, even by the standards of its time, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately seven seconds, the Passat W8 was more about the driving experience than sheer power. It delivered a smooth, free-revving performance with that captivating engine note, transforming a mundane sedan into something exhilarating.
Furthermore, the B5-generation Passat remains the sole vehicle to have ever utilized Volkswagen’s W8 engine. In fact, it stands as the only car in history to have employed a W8 engine. This distinction places the Passat in an exclusive category of vehicles claiming uniqueness in their engine type, surpassing even the rarity of cars featuring W16 engines as opposed to W8s. Volkswagen went a step further by offering the Passat W8 as a wagon, fulfilling the ultimate dream for car enthusiasts.
Naturally, being a quirky Volkswagen, the W8-powered Passat was plagued by dreadful unreliability. Not only did the excessively intricate W8 frequently encounter issues, but the costs associated with its repairs were exorbitant. Parts were unique, difficult to procure, and expensive, resulting in only a handful of workshops daring to undertake repairs due to the engine’s complexity. Owning one often proved to be as painful as it was thrilling.
However, does the W8-powered Passat lose its appeal due to its lack of reliability and high maintenance costs? Absolutely not. With a mere 11,000 units produced, the Passat W8 stands out as a rare car with an exceptionally peculiar engine selection. Yet, it is not alone in this category. Can you think of any other factory-made oddball pairings of cars and engines that have left a lasting impression? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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