I was getting the different information on VW 2.3 VR5's.  The VW web page
said it's a 20-valve VR5 with the same 5-valve/per cylinder head design
like the Audi's 2.8/2.4 V6 and 1.8 turbo/non-turbo I4.  But the European
Car magazine said it's an old 2-valve/per cylinder head design.  Don't know
which one was correct?
I wish VW chose the VR5 for US market on New Beetle/Golf/Jetta/Passat
instead of the 1.8 turbo I4.  The hp output are the same (150hp) and the
VR5 should be a lot more reliable than a turbo engine!  Not to mention the
use of the timing chain on VR5/6 which will last a lot longer than the
timing belt (need routine replacement or risk of damaging the valves, big
bucks) used on Audi's 2.8/2.4 V6 and 1.8 I4.
Also wish somebody would consider to put the very compact VR5 into our
Vanagon!!! :>)

Yi-Ruey Wei
87 Vanagon GL Syncro w/78K miles
85 Jetta GLI w/169K miles
Dallas, Texas

> It is the 2,8 from the Audi A4 - A6 - A8 series. The 5th generation of
the
> Passat shares the chassis and drive line with the Audi A4, but the Passat
> has a longer wheel base. The body is not similar to any of the Audis,
even
> though they look similar. The only difference in engines, is that while
the
> A4 is offered with a smaller 90 degree V6 of 2,4 liter, the Passat is
> offered with the 2,3 VR5. Every other engine (in Europe) is the same,
from
> the 1,6 up to the 2,8 including TDIs.

> PerL
> 88 Syncro
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