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Volkswagen announces the retirement of the iconic engine after 34 years of history. Used in models such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the engine was a true revolution in automotive engineering.
The history of the VR6 engine Volkswagen, one of the group's most iconic and innovative, comes to an end after more than three decades of contribution to the automotive sector.
Its retirement, announced in 2024, closes a chapter of unique performance, versatility and design that marked an era of transformation in engine engineering.
But what really made the VR6 so special? Read on and discover all the details behind this industry giant.
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The VR6 engine, which has become a true symbol of innovation within the Volkswagen portfolio, was officially retired in 2024.
After a long run of almost 34 years, production of the VR6 has come to an end, with the last assembly of this engine taking place on December 12th..
Although the VR6 had been discontinued in Europe since the mid-2010s, it continued to be sold in North America until 2023.
The last model sold in the United States with this engine was the Atlas SUV, but production was definitively stopped shortly thereafter.
The beginning of an automotive revolution
The VR6 began its journey in 1991, when it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in the third-generation Golf.
The engine proposal, which combined the V6 configuration with six cylinders in line, revolutionized the way engines could be compact and, at the same time, powerful.
With almost 1,87 million units produced over the years, the VR6 has not only equipped a number of Volkswagen cars, but also spread across several brands in the group, including Audi, Porsche, SEAT and Skoda.
Iconic models such as the Porsche Cayenne, the Listen Q7 and the SEAT León now have this unique engine.
The VR6 beyond Volkswagen
Despite its great popularity, the VR6 was not exclusive to Volkswagen. Several cars outside the group also adopted this engine in their versions., such as the Ford Galaxy minivan, the Mercedes Vito and even the famous Winnebago motorhomes.
Furthermore, the VR6 engine was used as the basis for the W12, another highly renowned engine, which was also retired by Bentley in 2024, along with the production of its twelve-cylinder models.
The formula that guaranteed success
The secret behind the VR6's success lay in its ingenious configuration.
The engine was designed to take up less space than a traditional V6, while maintaining the characteristics of a six-cylinder engine.
This was possible thanks to the use of a single cylinder head, unlike conventional V6 engines, which use two.
This solution allowed the VR6 to be fitted to front-wheel drive cars with a reduced size, without compromising power and durability, essential features for vehicles in different segments.
The end of the line: the era of downsizing
However, the evolution of turbocharged engines and the increasing demand for greater fuel economy and lighter weight led to the discontinuation of the VR6.
Downsizing, a trend that led manufacturers to adopt smaller, more efficient engines, made the VR6 obsolete in the face of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, which offered satisfactory power, good torque and better consumption figures.
The VR6 legacy and its secret prototypes
In addition to its production for production cars, the VR6 also inspired innovations in prototype development.
In 2009, for example, a sixth-generation Golf model was secretly produced with a 6-liter turbocharged VR3,2 capable of generating an incredible 463 hp.
Unfortunately, this prototype never made it to the streets, but the engine's technology and performance continue to be remembered as a milestone in Volkswagen's automotive history.
The future after VR6
The legacy of the VR6, with its unique configuration and unmistakable performance, will always be remembered by those who have experienced the evolution of automobiles over the last three decades.
Its departure symbolizes the transition to new technologies and new solutions for the cars of the future, but the impact of the VR6 on the industry and on the passion of car fans will be eternal.
What will become of the future of Volkswagen engines now that the VR6 has said goodbye? Do you think the brand will be able to create a replacement that lives up to one of its greatest innovations? Leave your opinion in the comments!
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