The V6 Engine: An Endagnered Species?

funkStrat_97 · 10-09-2009, 10:54 AM

Just thinking out loud here. With advances in automotive technology often resulting in more powerful 4-cylinder engines with good gas milage; could the V6 become a thing of the past or at least significantly less common on most cars?

**redbaron** · 10-09-2009, 11:00 AM

not likely, as cars get larger and heavier (in the full size & up categories) a 4cylinder becomes less efficient because of where the torque range is.

There are purposes where v6 & v8's simply fill a void that a gasoline 4cylinder can't match.

There is the possibility of seeing more small diesels though, but I think that in a full size you'd still see a v6 diesel rather than a 4cyl.

***Art*** · 10-09-2009, 12:57 PM

Indeed. Also, we are actually seeing more V6 engines in cars that used to have V8 engines. For example, the Audi S4 has gone from a V8 to a Supercharged V6, which has made it faster and more economical fuel wise.

LaserRacer · 10-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Rumor has it that the next generation of M3 will be powered by a turbo V6. That said, there is an outcry among some BMW enthusiasts that this development is a step backwords.

***Art*** · 10-09-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaserRacer

Rumor has it that the next generation of M3 will be powered by a turbo V6. That said, there is an outcry among some BMW enthusiasts that this development is a step backwords.

Which is totally understandable. A lot of people feel the same way about the S4.

LaserRacer · 10-09-2009, 02:31 PM

I myself agree that it is not the way they should go... The argument some are making for it is that there is no way to put down competitive power numbers anymore without either going forced induction or charging over 100K for an over-engineered powerplant...unfortunately any such engine would likely be fairly unreliable without an excessive amount of maintnance...thus making it no longer practical as a daily driver.

Frainkly I think BMW would gain some of the nay-sayers back if they went back to an I6 layout over a V6 one.

**redbaron** · 10-09-2009, 02:35 PM

didn't the S4 go from a biturbo v6 to a v8? and they're going backwards to a poopercharger? ugh.

For bmw, the answer that eludes them if you're saying it comes down to forced induction or extremely fancy n/a engine bits... is increased displacement.

I mean, it's not sexy and romantic to do it, but it works

Mercedes has had some very sweet stuff with small displacement bumps combined with forced induction though, so it's something to consider.

LaserRacer · 10-09-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

For bmw, the answer that eludes them if you're saying it comes down to forced induction or extremely fancy n/a engine bits... is increased displacement.

Then the car has to get bigger to fit a bigger engine...thus the car gets heavier...thus it needs more power.

Do you think that that cycle can be broken easily? I certainly don't have the knowledge to know for sure...but I would imagine that a big displacement boost would yield marginal results due to the increase in weight.

**redbaron** · 10-09-2009, 03:17 PM

packaging differences really don't get huge with moderate displacement bumps since you can accomplish them so many different ways.

Not to mention that BMW is already playing king piggy on increasing size and weight of their vehicles. I already view the current M3 as the spiritual descendant of the M5, not the M3. I'm waiting to see if they release an M1 that hearkens back to days of yore.

not to mention that there are all sorts of creative ways to make engines smaller, like OHV. I mean, I know it's a newer technology than OHC, but it allowed GM to stuff a v8 into a car they had designed for a tiny v6 (CTS)

Ethan.Bassist. · 10-09-2009, 08:25 PM

Hmm, maybe instead of downgrading to a V6 but upgrading with a turbo, maybe they should've just put a turbo on the V8. That, in my opinion, would've been pretty sweet.

What5647 · 10-09-2009, 08:44 PM

V6 going away? Uh, no.

Consider this:

The GM LE5 engine makes 177 hp. I believe this is their most powerful NA 4 banger. (The LNF makes 260/260 hp/torque, but it's turbocharged.)

GM's LLT V6, as found in the 2010 Camaro, makes 302 hp.

The LS3, kinda their default V8, makes 430 hp.

As you can see, the V6 sits comfortably in the middle. As such, it will always have a use where a 4 cylinder isn't enough, but a V8 would be overkill.

***Art*** · 10-09-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan.Bassist.

Hmm, maybe instead of downgrading to a V6 but upgrading with a turbo, maybe they should've just put a turbo on the V8. That, in my opinion, would've been pretty sweet.

The "downgrade" to V6 engines has a lot do to with saving fuel, meeting standards. That kind of thing.

Ak_Man4Jesus · 10-09-2009, 10:33 PM

I think the V-6 will stay around. It is a fine engine. what is what our van has. It has just 1 cherry bomb, and that is right at the manifold. that thing will burn tires. you bet! sounds good too.

scared2mosh · 10-14-2009, 12:47 PM

Doing a burnout really isn't impressive. I did one with the Aveo just the other day...

I think that we will actually start seeing more V6 engines not less... a turbo V6 would make as much power (or maybe more) than a small block V8 and it'd be better on gas so the eco nuts don't freak out.

Still I also think a lot of V6 will be replaces with turbo 4 bangers within the next few years (I've heard rumors about the Camaro)... still I dont expect to see V6 or V8 (and def not 4 bangers) dissapearing anytime soon

Ak_Man4Jesus · 10-14-2009, 06:46 PM

It was when I had 8 peaple riding in it.