Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
Some automakers have now found a way to squeeze enough power and torque out of a "tiny" V6 to warrant truly eye-watering performance.
In the simplest of terms, V6 engines refer to an engine configuration with six cylinders for internal fuel combustion. The cylinders are usually mounted on a crankcase in banks of three; aligned at a 60 or 90-degree angle (V shape) to each other. V6 engines are relatively compact in size for the amount of power they can deliver. They offer a sensible compromise between low-powered 4-cylinder engines and the heavier V8 or V12 options.
And while they're a great option for large and midsize sedans, V6 engines are considered vastly insufficient when it comes to powering sports cars and supercars.
Nevertheless, some automakers have now found a way to squeeze enough power and torque out of a V6 to warrant extreme top speeds and eye-watering acceleration. In this case, they are able to benefit from the lighter and fuel economy advantages of the V6 engine without having to go for the heavier engine options.
In this article, you will read all about exciting sports cars that still rely on the trusty V6 powerplant for a thrilling driving experience.
The first-generation NSX faded away in 2005 and we were left with only fond memories until the second generation arrived on the car scene in 2016. The latest model of that 2016 revival continues the mission to stamp its authority in a congested market. It is packed with enough technology and V6 engine power (550 hp) to make us believe that it may yet succeed.
The F-Type is a well-appointed British sports car we can never get tired of. The latest models are loaded with enough technology to keep the driver entertained. Then there’s all that power under the hood; 380 horses from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that can be mated to an automatic or manual transmission. Who needs the V8 option?
The 2019 Camaro is proof that muscle cars can still pack a lot of punch with a V6 powerplant. The engine boasts a total of 355 hp and can blast through the 60 mph sprint in under 5 seconds – pretty impressive for a car that costs less than $30,000.
This compact luxury sports car from Mercedes delivers as expected when it comes to handling and overall performance – and it doesn’t need anything other than a V6 engine to impress. The C43 AMG Coupe has all of 385 hp that is available on-demand from a potent bi-turbo V6 engine. 0 - 60 mph happens in 4.5 seconds and then it’s on to a top speed of an electronically-limited 155 mph.
This car was dubbed the ‘Supercar’ killer when it was first launched in 2007. An incredible All-Wheel-Drive system and some clever Japanese engineering meant the car could achieve 0-60 mph in well under 3 seconds. To achieve that performance, the car relies on an eager twin-turbo V6 capable of a very credible 565 horsepower.
This is a rather obscure sports car that sadly never achieved the popularity of other sporty models in its day. Developed by the French, the car was powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6 that was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Open her up on the highway and the car would get to a top speed of over 180 mph with minimum fuss.
This mid-engine sports car has the character to match its agile personality. A supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine sits just behind the driver’s head and provides enough boost for some very impressive performance stats on the road. The car is helped by its lightweight construction and that engine will push the car to a top speed of almost 190 mph.
Cadillac dropped the sedan body style of the ATS-V for 2019, but the coupe version soldiers on – and for good reason, too. That chunky turbo-charged V6 engine will propel the car from a standing start to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. That’s enough to make other cars in its category take notice.
This is one of the more hardcore Alfa Romeo models. The Giulia GTA throws down a direct challenge to its competitors in the form of its throaty bi-turbo V6 engine that can pump out 532 horsepower. The car has a planned production run of only 500 units, and we don't think any of them will hang around for too long before they are snapped up.
Few cars have been as anticipated in the last decade as the all-new version America's most legendary supercar - the Ford GT. After the 2004 model once again proved Ford can compete with exotic European supercars, the 2017 model came and blew everyone away. The most controversial part of the new GT was, however, its "miniature" 3.5L V6, which somehow yet squeezed out a stampede of 647 horsepower, sending the car flying to a top speed of 217 mph.
The Infiniti Q60 boasts an attractive design that is complemented by a smooth ride and an impressive build quality that rivals its competitors’ offerings. It’s more than the looks too; you get a twin-turbo V6 that can be paired with an All-Wheel or Rear-Wheel-Drive setup and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
RELATED: 14 Most Memorable Mid-Engine Cars (And 5 Most Forgettable)
The Audi S5 is one sports car that seamlessly combines German build quality with impressive mechanical performance. The 2020 has an interior that is packed to the hilt with an assortment of technological features but the real trick that drives performance lies under the hood – in the form of a nippy 349 hp V6 that gets the car to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
In 2018, Kia announced its entry into the performance car segment with the introduction of the Stinger. The car was available in different model variants but the ultimate is the Stinger GTS, planned for the 2020 model year. Only 800 units will be produced; powered exclusively by a 3.3-liter V6 that sends power to all wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Audi, beware of this one.
RELATED: 20 Cars With V6 Engines That Leave V12 Engines In The Dust
When people think of the Challenger, they often imagine a meaty V8 under the hood, pumping out horsepower as the car lays a trail of burning rubber. You may be surprised to learn that the Challenger SXT follows a different part. Open the hood and you will find a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of 305 hp – that’s less power than its big brothers but you do get a much-improved fuel economy. Great trade-off? You decide.
The Lexus RC300 is one of the most comfortable sports cars out there today, at least for the driver. It boasts top-of-the-line ride quality and has an impressive suite of desirable features and driver assists. The All-Wheel-Drive variant comes with a V6 that can put out up to 306 hp. It does not seem like a huge number, but the car will still get you to a top speed of about 170 mph; and look cool while doing so.
NEXT: 15 Of The Most Expensive Mustangs Ever Sold At Auction
A simple bloke with a not-so-simple car obsession!