Re: W12 Engine (or VR6 x 2)

["andrew speer" <andrewspeer1@worldnet.att.net>]

Thanks for a very enlightening and knowledgeable discussion on what is
conceptually a fascinating engine.  Thanks for answering
my question on the 72 degree angle.  I'm still curious what that 72 degree
angle represents.  In a normal V engine the angle is easy to understand, it
is what separates the cylinder banks.  But what happens when each one of
those banks is itself a V engine?  Does the angle represent the separation
between the inner banks, the outer banks, or the mean of the two?  I don't
know the first thing about automotive engineering, so please forgive me if
these questions are exceptionally bone headed.

As far as the inherent balance of mating two six cylinder engines...is it
different than mating two three or four cylinder engines?  In those cases
the angle is critical to ensure smoothness, why are the rules different for
six cylinder banks?

About the new twin V engine weighing less than the Audi V8....wow!  That
engine is itself a class leader for its low weight.  The question that
remains is the pricing VW will follow when it brings this remarkable
powerplant to market.  If VW offers it in vehicles that are price
competitive with the GS400 and 540i my feeling is those extra 120hp will
sway more than one brand name jaded consumer.

Andrew