V​6 Superhybrids

H​istorically, the V6 has not been a popular choice amongst supercar companies when deciding what powerplant will serve as the drivetrain for their newest rocket ship. However, as fuel economy becomes of relevant nature in even this segment, and electrification makes its way into the high-performance market segment, the V6 is becoming more common of a choice. Will it earn our respect? I for one, am not sure. Yet I do know the steps that have gotten us to this point that is; When did V6 hybrids become flagships?

N​ow, using a V6 in a high-performance vehicle is not unheard of. In fact, the original NSX developed by Honda in the 90's was the first to shatter the stereotype that the V6 battles, being notoriously bland, mediocre, and compromising. The original NSX was a mid-engined, naturally-aspirated V6 beast that implemented VTEC technology to squeeze 250 horses at almost 8,000 rpm. Today it may not sound like a lot, but it was double what most V6 engines were making in 1990. Also, when it weighs just a hair over 3,000 lbs, 250hp is plenty of get up and go (see any product from Lotus).

C​redit: CAR Magazine

C​redit: CAR Magazine

T​he V6 has done some pretty amazing things

W​ho else remembers the GMC Typhoon/Syclone? Thanks to a Mitsubishi turbocharger, its 4.3L V6 made 280hp, which was even more power than most V8 trucks at the time. Imagine if they put this powerplant in a sports car with a lighter chassis.

W​hat about the Jaguar XJ220? Sure, you could be disappointed that the concept featured a V12. Or, you could admire the amazing engineering behind the ground-breaking twin-turbo V6 that made 542hp. That number is shockingly high even by today's standards.

These vehicles were all ahead of their time. If you haven't already noticed, there has been a trend amongst futuristic hypercars in which they are combining high-revving powerful V6 engines and multiple e-motors into compact, (relatively) eco-friendly packages, while STILL achieving record-breaking numbers. The launch of the new McLaren Artura is just one example of this, don't forget Maserati's MC12 flagship. It is a new era, where V6s, often hybrids are no longer commuter cars, they are halo cars leading brand images. This sends us a message, an important one: the future is not necessarily all-electric.

I​'ll give Honda even more credit, they saw this trend coming. I believe they predicted the V6 hybrid as the future of sustainable performance. Think about it, they brought back the NSX years ago for a second run, this time hybridizing a V6 and executing style well. If we are being honest, it is a hard thing to do, making a V6 cool and more desirable than its competitors that feature V8, V10, even V12 engines. While Honda waits for us to realize that V12 supercars are soon to be a thing of the past, pretty soon Lamborghini and Ferrari will start scrambling to produce emissions-compliant cars that can earn motoring enthusiasts respect.

T​he second ingredient - hybridization

Then, perhaps the most powerful message that we received from the auto industry was delivered through the Holy Trinity. Around 2015, three ultra-high performance supercars combined the most powerful engine technology with high-voltage electrification. The hypercar was born. Ferrari revealed the V12 hybrid LaFerrari with nearly 1,000hp. Porsche debuted the 918 with a comparable V8, mid-engined, plug-in hybrid set up. McLaren answered with the P1, an extreme flex that demonstrated their capability to keep up with the big dogs, the leaders in high-tech performance. Sure, none of these cars feature a V6, but they cemented the idea that the path to next-gen performance is led through electrification.

C​redit: The Grand Tour

C​redit: The Grand Tour

I​t is even rumored that the next-generation Ford GT will pair its legendary EcoBoost with electric motors to make even more power. Same goes for the aging Nissan GT-R, which has used a V6 for ages. If you really think about it, the V6 has been around for a while, but never really been the standard for record-setting performance metrics, it has never really lead the industry or had what it takes to beat their superior V8 counterparts. Is electrification the boost it needs to take the crown? W​ith these two moments shifts in our perception, the prophecy was set ahead.