VR6 Engine

Overview

• Developer: Volkswagen
• Introduction Year: First VR6 engine introduced in 1991
• Production End: 2024
• Configuration: Six-cylinder engine
• Name Origin: Derived from German words "Verkürzt" (shortened) and "Reihenmotor" (inline engine)
• Design Purpose: Designed for transverse engine installations and front-wheel drive vehicles

Design and Characteristics

• Compactness: Narrow angle of 10.5 to 15 degrees between cylinder banks
  • Traditional V6 angles: 45 to 90 degrees
  • Single cylinder head for all six cylinders
• Engine Layout
  • Shares a common cylinder head for two banks of cylinders
  • Simplifies construction, reduces costs
• Camshaft: Only two camshafts needed
• Port Lengths
  • Different intake and exhaust port lengths for each bank
  • Compensated by intake manifold runner lengths, camshaft overlap, and lift profiles

Engine Development

• Valve Configuration
  • 1991-2002: 12 valves (2 per cylinder)
  • 1999-2024: 24 valves (4 per cylinder)
• Displacement Range: 2.5L to 3.6L
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Compression Ratio: 10:1
• Firing Order: 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4
• Engine Variants
  • AAA version: First VR6 engine, 2.8L, 1991
  • ABV version: 2.9L, introduced 1994
  • EA390 version: 3.2L, introduced 2001
  • BLV version: 3.6L, introduced 2005
• Engine Management System: Bosch Motronic

Model Applications

• Used in various models such as:
  • Volkswagen Corrado, Passat (B3, B4, B6, B7), Golf Mk3, and Mk4
  • Audi TT, Audi A3, Porsche Cayenne
  • Ford Galaxy, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Winnebago Rialta
• Recent Developments
  • VR6 comeback in 2017 for Volkswagen Atlas and Chinese market Teramont and Talagon

Historical Context and Evolution

• First Narrow Angle V Engines
  • 1922-1976 Lancia V4 and 1922-1939 Lancia V8
• W Engine Developments
  • First W engine: W12, two VR6 engines at 72-degree angle
  • Largest W engine: W16 in Bugatti Veyron, two VR8 engines at 90-degree angle

Notable Features and Innovations

• Compact Size: Easier fit for engine bays designed for four-cylinder engines
• VR5 Engine: Introduced in 1997 based on VR6
• Use in Motorcycles: Produced by Horex since 2012

Conclusion

• Market Phasing: VR engines phased in favour of turbocharged four-cylinder engines
• Legacy: The VR6 engine marked a significant evolution in engine design, emphasizing compactness and efficiency for front-wheel drive vehicles.