After 34 years of production and nearly 1.87 million units manufactured, Volkswagen ended production of the VR6 engine on December 12, 2024.
+ Cristiano Ronaldo acquires a $50 million luxury jet with long-haul flight capability
History of the VR6 Engine:
Introduced in 1991, the VR6 was a Volkswagen innovation designed to combine the advantages of inline and “V” engines. With a narrow 15° angle between the cylinder banks and sharing a single cylinder head, the compact design allowed it to fit in models originally designed for four-cylinder engines.
Models That Used the VR6:
The VR6 engine powered various Volkswagen models and other brands within the group, including:
Volkswagen Golf VR6 and R32: For instance, the Golf R32 featured a 3.2-liter engine with 250 hp.
Volkswagen Passat: High-performance Passat models were equipped with the VR6.
Volkswagen Corrado: The sporty Corrado coupe also featured VR6 versions.
Volkswagen Sharan: The Sharan minivan offered variants with the VR6 engine.
Porsche Cayenne: Early generations of Porsche’s SUV used the VR6 in their entry-level versions.
Interesting Facts:
Compact Design: The narrow 15° angle between the cylinder banks made the VR6 more compact than traditional V6 engines, enabling it to fit into smaller engine compartments.
Distinctive Sound: The VR6 was renowned for its unique exhaust note, beloved by automotive enthusiasts.
Versions and Evolutions: Over the years, the VR6 underwent several updates, including increased displacement and the adoption of technologies such as direct fuel injection.
End of Production:
The decision to discontinue the VR6 reflects the automotive industry’s trend toward smaller, more efficient engines and electrification technologies. Models like the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, sold in the United States, have replaced the VR6 with turbocharged four-cylinder engines from the EA888 series.
Despite the end of production, the VR6’s legacy lives on among enthusiasts and in the many iconic models it powered over more than three decades.
This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
