Why Every Automaker Is Quietly Bringing Back The Inline-Six Engine

[holdmybeer]

Why Every Automaker Is Quietly Bringing Back The Inline-Six Engine

Discover the surprising resurgence of inline-six engines in the automotive industry, as manufacturers embrace their mechanical superiority over V6 con

carbuzz.com

 

[RB60]

Makes sense. The B58 is smooth. The LR Defender 6 is smoother.

 

[nuclearbeef]

Makes sense. The B58 is smooth. The LR Defender 6 is smoother.

2jz even smoooover.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TgSaMcI2z4

 

[landmannnn]

I know the article mentions it, but turbocharging any V engine is complicated. Turbocharging seems to be a prerequisite nowadays.

(Yes, I know you can reverse the heads and place the turbo in the vee or behind it, but it isn't easy or cheap)

 

[OrionKane]

You’re right, turbocharging a V engine can be complex and costly. Still, many manufacturers use it today to boost power and improve efficiency.

 

[NQ94]

After working on everything from single cylinder, inline 4 and 6 cylinder engines and high speed diesel V engines from 6 to 16 cylinders an inline 6 cylinder is still my favorite. Lighter and stronger in the bottom end than a similar displacement V engines, easier to work on, less parts and with the right cylinder dimensions they can give smother and better torque delivery when compared to a same displacement V engines.

 

[Tinerfeño]

Inline 6-cylinder 4-stroke engine is the simplest configuration that has all forces and moments of 1st and 2nd frequencies naturally balanced.

Also positive torque on crankshaft all the time.

 

[landmannnn]

You’re right, turbocharging a V engine can be complex and costly. Still, many manufacturers use it today to boost power and improve efficiency.

Agreed. Especially if you want to go above about 4 litres, a straight 6 gets too long so a V format is required.

 

[NQ94]

Agreed. Especially if you want to go above about 4 litres, a straight 6 gets too long so a V format is required.

Nissan had a 4.8 straight 6 engine in the Patrol, it was an awesome engine that could be stroked to 5 litres and turboed for big HP ran smoother and was stronger than any V6 at the time. Look at any V6 four stroke diesel and most were not as reliable as a straight 6, V8 or 4 cylinder they were trying to replace.
Hopefully Grenadier gets to keep a straight six in the future, a V6 would make Grenadier feel less built for purpose and more generic.