Every engine cylinder arrangement has its own special history. BMW is well-regarded for its long-time use of the inline-six, GM knows a thing or two about V8s, and Porsche is so synonymous with the flat-six that, well, we can’t imagine one without the other. But what about the often unsung hero of durability, practicality, and high-performance, the V6?
VW/Audi heads surrender their sanity to it in twin-turbo 2.7 form, as well as put on massive meets that celebrate the delicious roar of the brand’s naturally aspirated 3.2. But some folks might not realize that Nissan has championed the V6 more than most—and continues to do so in 2026. Remember that twin-turbo monster under the hood of the Z32-generation 300ZX? The sixes powering today’s Frontier, Armada, Pathfinder, and Z are an ode to the refinement and progress that the brand has heavily invested in since.
Their killer combo of durability and practicality benefits everything from trucks to sports cars. This year, a new holiday celebrates two banks of three cylinders sitting across from each other, taking a bow at everyone they pass by. Nissan has coined “V6 Day,” and it’s happening this May. ¡Viva la combustión!
View Price on AmazonWhile some automakers have bounced around between platforms and pivoted to buzzy turbo four-cylinders, the V6 has, and still continues to, prove its worth. One can’t deny its compact, power-rich, and smooth formula over an inline-four.
Firstly, V6s adorn an engine compartment well. Their more compact design allows for easier packaging, yet more capacity—and thus, more naturally aspirated horsepower and torque—over an inline-four. Throw in turbo- or supercharging, and six cylinders’ increased displacement gives them the upper hand in power potential.
Take a look at the OG Nissan 300ZX; having just three cylinders to account for from firewall-to-radiator means it can be pushed further back, more behind the shock towers, and therefore giving the chassis better weight distribution to bolster overall handling. Then, there’s the GM LFX under the hood of Cadillac’s CT4-V Blackwing; no matter the chassis, there’s ample room for air-to-air or air-to-water intercoolers when boost hits the intake valves.
Source: thedrive.com
