What happened to the VR6?
Today, the VR6 is still used in the VW Atlas SUV, the Passat, and the Porsche Cayenne, but, sadly, this configuration is on its way out. Essentially, the turbocharged inline-four is making the VR6 obsolete by offering similar power with better fuel economy in a smaller, lighter package.
When did the VR6 come out?
1991
VR6 engines are V6 piston engines with a narrow angle between the cylinder banks and a single cylinder head covering both banks of cylinders. Volkswagen Group introduced the first VR6 engine in 1991 and VR6 engines currently remain in production.
Is the VR6 engine reliable?
Volkswagen Vr6 Engine Reliability Although there is a laundry list of problems listed above, the Vr6 engine is very reliable if maintained properly. They can run for up to 150,000 miles or even longer, we’ve seen some last longer than 300,000 miles.
What does the R mean in VR6?
In German, as in English, the V indicates an angle between two cylinder banks. Whereas we’d call a straight six an I-6, the Germans call it an R-6, with R standing for Reihenmotor. VW simply combined the two terms, resulting in the name VR6, which, loosely translated, means in-line V-6.
Are Eurovans reliable?
Very reliable, but little annoyances came up at about 50K miles. Interior trim started falling off/breaking.
Is the Volkswagen VR6 engine still in production?
Volkswagen is currently phasing out VR engines in favour of downsized turbocharged engines, however the VR6 currently remains in production for the Volkswagen Passat (NMS) sedan models sold in China and the Volkswagen Atlas SUV. Volkswagen Group automobiles:
Why are two camshafts needed for a VR6 engine?
VR6 engines shares a common cylinder head for the two banks of cylinders. Only two camshafts are needed for the engine, regardless of whether the engine has two or four valves per cylinder (compared to four camshafts needed by a V6 engine with four valves per cylinder). This simplifies engine construction and reduces costs.
What is the compression ratio of a VR6 engine?
The V angle between the cylinder banks is 15°, and the compression ratio is 10:1. The crankshaft runs in seven main bearings and the journals are offset 22° to one another, in order to accommodate the offset cylinder placement. This also allows the use of a 120° firing interval between cylinders. The firing order is: 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4.