W18 engine

    As 18 is not divisable by 4, you know the W-18 is not derived from VR engines. In fact, it follows the old Audi philosophy of mating 3 banks of 6-cylinders, running on a  common crankshaft. The drawback is: among the 3 banks there are 2 large Vee angles. by the looks of it 60° each, hence a total of 120°. For comparison, the W16 is just 15/2 + 72 + 15/2 = 87°, therefore the W-18 is a lot wider. In terms of length, the W16 has the same length as a VR6, that is, about the length of 4 and a half cylinder. The W-18 is as long as an inline-6.

    The W-18 used by Bugatti EB-218 concept car is very big and complex. Two of the banks mate like a conventional 60° V6 while the remaining bank lays down to horizontal level. Complex induction manifolds and exhaust pipes run between the banks. (note that the exhaust pipes were not fitted to this prototype, otherwise it would have looked even more complex.)

    The W-18 is not as smart  a design as the W-16. Although there is no problem of fitting in the large Bugatti saloon,  

  • But whats Its purpose. 
  • Is it more powerful than a V12 can achieve ? No. 
  • Is it smoother than the theoretically ideal V12 ? No. 
  • Is it shorter than a V12 ? No. 
  • Is it narrower than a V12 ?  No
  • Is it cheaper to build No ? 

    •  Is it a hugely spectacular  statement of intent and technological mastery by VW - oh Yes indeed!