Volkswagen said the Nardo W12 weighed just 2,646 pounds and with the revised and more powerful engine, it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That is still an impressive number today, and you could consistently come close to achieving it even in less-than-ideal traction conditions, thanks to the car’s all-wheel drive system, as well as its quick-shifting six-speed sequential gearbox.
During a top-speed test held in February 2002, the Nardo achieved an average speed of 200.6 mph over a distance of 4.4 miles, breaking a world record in the process. The car went on to break six more world records relating to distance and speed, marking a successful debut for Volkswagen’s W engine.
The Nardo was also seen as a very credible supercar for the day. It had the classic mid-engined supercar proportions, and there was nothing that looked out of place about it other than the badge. Volkswagen even gave it W12 and Syncro badges on the back (the latter referring to its all-wheel drive system) in a very similar style to its production cars, and it managed to make it look believable overall.
The same went for the interior, which looked a bit fancier and more supercar-like than in regular Volkswagens of the time, but it didn’t look like a concept’s interior. The dials, buttons, vents, and the entire center console looked like they were shared with other series Volkswagens. The 2001 version of the concept also had a working, active rear wing that rose at speed.