Golf, Jetta and Scirocco prototypes were built to explore this concept as a possible Group B rally weapon to beat the all-conquering Audi Ur-Quattro from the same stable. Twin-engine Golfs competed in the famous Pikes Peak hillclimb event from 1985 to '87, finishing in the top 10 each year.
Some aftermarket tuners have built twin-engined cars based on VW mechanicals. In the late 1990s, British VW tuner Dubsport made a scorchingly quick twin-engine Mk III Golf using a pair of turbocharged VR6 motors. Physical installation of two engines is the easy part of the story. Synchronizing them is the tough bit. Only with the advent of drive-by-wire throttle management in recent years has throttle synchronization been made a little easier.
-Engine
Dual transverse 1.8-liter inline four-cylinders, turbocharged and intercooled, electronically linked
-Transmission
Dual six-speed manuals, linked
-Suspension
KW coilovers, solid bushings
-Brakes
Four-piston calipers, 14-inch rotors (f), 12.7-inch rotors (r)
-Wheels And Tires
MTM forged alloys, 8.5x19
ContiSportContact Vmax, 235/35
-Performance
Peak Power: 505 hp @ 7420 rpm (x2)
Peak Torque: 382 lb-ft @ 6300 rpm (x2) 0-62 mph: 3.1 sec.
Top Speed: 393.6 kph (245 mph)
Curb Weight: 3,285 lb
-Price
600,000 Euros (about $880,000)