Powerhouse Icon Falls: VW VR6 Engine’s 34-Year Reign Comes to an End

The Last Hurrah: Volkswagen’s Iconic VR6 Engine Calls it Quits

The Volkswagen VR6 engine, a staple of the German automaker’s lineup for over three decades, is officially dead. In a recent LinkedIn post, Andreas G. Schleith, communications manager for Volkswagen AG, announced the end of an era, citing the engine’s 34-year run and nearly 1.87 million units produced worldwide. While the VR6 may not have been a household name in the United States, its legacy is deeply ingrained in the hearts of car enthusiasts.

A Brief History of the VR6

First introduced in 1991, the VR6 engine quickly gained a reputation for its silky smoothness, instant power delivery, and exotic sound. It was a game-changer in the world of motorsports, and its popularity transcended borders and generations. Over the years, the VR6 was used in a variety of Volkswagen models, including the iconic Corrado, Passat, and Golf GTI.

Why the VR6 Matters

So, what made the VR6 so special? For one, its unique narrow-angle design allowed for a compact, efficient engine that delivered impressive performance and fuel economy. But it was the sound that truly set the VR6 apart. When revved, the engine produced a deep, burbling note that was both raw and refined, making it a joy to drive.

Goodbye, VR6

The VR6’s demise marks the end of an era, but its legacy will live on in the hearts of car enthusiasts. As our own senior editor Caleb Jacobs put it, "The sound, man. You can’t match it." The VR6 may not have been perfect, but its quirks and flaws only added to its charm. Goodbye, VR6. You will be missed.

In Memoriam

Here are a few of the most iconic VR6-powered cars:

• VW Corrado VR6: A ’93 Corrado owned by Caleb Jacobs, with its 12-valve, 2.8-liter engine and all the quirks that came with it.
• VW Passat VR6: A sedan that packed a punch, thanks to its powerful engine and rear-wheel drive layout.
• VW Golf GTI VR6: A hot hatch that combined the VR6’s legendary sound with razor-sharp handling and a spirited driving experience.
• VW Audi VR6: Yes, the VR6 even found its way into Audi models, like the sleek and sporty S4 Avant.

While the VR6 may be gone, its legacy will continue to inspire car enthusiasts for generations to come.