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This Is Why Everyone Hates V6 Engines
The Drive • • technology
Key Points:
- V6 engines were once a common choice for a variety of vehicles in the 1990s, valued for their balance of power and efficiency, but they have never inspired the same enthusiasm as other engine types.
- The V6's mainstream adoption began with General Motors in 1962, which created a cost-effective V6 by modifying a V8 design, resulting in an engine that was cheap but inherently rough due to its 90-degree angle.
- More refined and compact 60-degree V6 engines, like those pioneered by Lancia and later adopted by GM, became popular for front-wheel-drive cars, but the V6's association with cost-cutting and downsizing hurt its image.
- High-performance V6 engines often rely on turbocharging to gain respect, but even innovative designs like Maserati's Nettuno have failed to generate widespread excitement among enthusiasts.
- The negative perception of V6s stems from a disconnect between car enthusiasts' passion and the automotive industry's pragmatic approach, with V6s often seen as uninspiring despite their capabilities.
