Why Are V6 Engines Becoming Less Common?
1 Answers
V6 engines are becoming less common for the following reasons: 1. Consumer psychology: Cars equipped with V6 and V8 engines are considered high-end vehicles, often priced higher and purchased by individuals with stronger financial backgrounds. When choosing a car, many of these buyers, seeking prestige, prefer to spend more on a V8 engine. From a cost-performance perspective, modern inline-four turbocharged engines are significantly cheaper than V6 engines, leaving the V6 in an awkward position—neither premium enough nor affordable enough. 2. Technology: From a technical standpoint, advancements in automotive manufacturing have improved turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to the point where their overall performance rivals that of six-cylinder engines. Additionally, V6 engines lag behind in fuel efficiency. Another drawback is their higher maintenance costs and frequency compared to other engines. 3. Environmental concerns: Rapid growth in China's automotive industry and increasing car ownership have led to a surge in private vehicles, exacerbating emissions and environmental impact. In response to regulations, most automakers are focusing on developing smaller-displacement engines. Consequently, production of large-displacement engines like the V6 has declined. Meanwhile, inline engines, known for their simple structure and smooth operation, have gained popularity, with many manufacturers investing heavily in their development. Converting a V6 to an inline-six configuration is highly challenging, as evidenced by Mercedes-Benz's unsuccessful attempt.
