The death of the VR6
It The VR6 was an example of Volkswagens amazing engineering ability. But it was the best of there engineering ability in the 90’s. Now 30 years later technology and demand has advanced and the VR6 just doesn’t fit with that change. I think the culture and engineering of the VR6 should be examined and understood.
The VR6 was made in a time when turbo technology wasn’t as practical as it is now. So when Volkswagen needed more power and low end torque from a four cylinder they did the sensible thing and designed a v6 that’s also kind of a straight 6. Its like a straight six because all of the cylinders are under one head and are kind of arranged in a row. But there’s still a 15 degree v to them making it sort of like a v6. What makes it like not v6 or inline six is having the pistons staggered. All of this means that Volkswagen was able to get all the benefits of a six cylinder but in the package of a 4 cylinder.
You’ll often hear people say how there’s no replacement for displacement and in the 90s that was kind of true. With the technology they had then getting the powerban of a v6 in a four cylinder was impossible. But it’s not the 1990s anymore turbo technology has advanced and when paired with hybrid technology can make up for having less cylinders.
Volkswagen did basically everything they could before they went the route of turbocharging. They put w8’s in cars, they put w12’s in cars, they used 5 cylinders, than obviously engineered the VR6. All of these engines are examples of Volkswagens beautiful over complication. Something all of these engines also have in common though is that they’ve all been fazed out or nearly fazed out by turbocharging.
I don’t know If I wanna like Volkswagens turbo 4 cylinder or hate it. It’s a good engine but I don’t think they should put it in everything. Hopefully the lower emissions and better gas mileage of the turbo 4 will allow it to have a longer life span because I don’t see internal combustion in the future.