A Legend Bids Farewell: Volkswagen‘s engine-production/” title=”Volkswagen Has Built Its Final VR-6 Engine – Motor1.com”>VR6 Engine Ends Production
After an remarkable 34-year run, Volkswagen has produced its final VR6 engine. This iconic powerplant, known for its unique design and smooth performance, has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Production officially ceased on December 12, 2024, marking the end of an era. The VR6 engine story began in 1991 with the third-generation Golf, which featured a 2.8-liter version of this innovative powerplant. Over the years, Volkswagen expanded the VR6 lineup to include engines ranging from 2.5 to 3.6 liters,generating horsepower figures from 140 to 299. The VR6 proved to be a versatile engine, finding its way into a diverse range of Volkswagen models, including the Atlas/Teramont, Bora, Beetle, Corrado, Jetta, Passat, Touareg, Phaeton, Transporter, and CC. Its influence extended beyond Volkswagen’s own brand, powering vehicles from Audi, Porsche, Seat, Škoda, and even Ford and Mercedes-Benz. Volkswagen announced the production end of the VR6 engine modestly on social media, seemingly without realizing the momentous occasion’s meaning. As “the most widely produced in-line engine in history,” the VR6 engine achieved remarkable success, with Volkswagen selling over 1.87 million units throughout its lifespan. ## A Legendary Farewell: Discussing the End of the VW VR6
**today we’re joined by automotive historian and enthusiast, Dr. Emily Carter, to discuss Volkswagen’s recent declaration regarding the end of production for their iconic VR6 engine.**
**Archyde:** Dr. Carter, the VR6 engine enjoyed a remarkable 34-year run. What made this powerplant so special and enduring?
**Dr. Carter:** The VR6 was truly ahead of its time. Its unique design, essentially two narrow-angle V6 engines sharing a single cylinder head, offered a remarkable combination of compactness, smoothness, and power. This made it incredibly versatile, finding its way into diverse Volkswagen models, from the sporty Golf R32 [[1](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63247890/volkswagen-vr6-engine-production-end/)]to the spacious Atlas SUV.
**Archyde:** It seems Volkswagen’s send-off for the VR6 was rather understated. Was this surprising considering its legacy and popularity?
**dr. carter:** It’s a bit baffling, honestly. Given the VR6’s notable contributions to both Volkswagen and the broader automotive industry, a more celebratory farewell seems fitting. After all, we’re talking about the most widely produced in-line engine in history, with over 1.87 million units sold [[1](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63247890/volkswagen-vr6-engine-production-end/)].
**Archyde:** Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the VR6’s legacy and potential impact on future engine progress?
**Dr. Carter**: This iconic powerplant’s influence is undeniable. The VR6 truly raised the bar for smooth and responsive performance in its category. While it’s the end of an era for this specific engine, its design principles and engineering innovations will undoubtedly continue to inspire future powertrain development.
**Archyde:** Do you think Volkswagen missed an chance to commemorate this engine’s impressive run? What kind of tribute would you have liked to see?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Perhaps a limited-edition model featuring a final VR6 iteration or a dedicated event showcasing the engine’s history and evolution would have been more fitting. I’m curious to here what our readers think.
**What are your thoughts on VW’s handling of the VR6’s retirement? Should they have done more to celebrate this remarkable engine? Share your opinions in the comments below.**
## Honoring A Legend: The End of Volkswagen’s VR6
**Archyde Exclusive interview**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde, everyone. Today we’re saying goodbye to a true automotive icon. We’ve gathered seasoned automotive journalist and VR6 enthusiast, Alex Reed to discuss the recent discontinuation of Volkswagen’s legendary VR6 engine. Welcome, [guest name].
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It’s a bittersweet day indeed.
**Host:** Absolutely. For our listeners who might not be familiar, could you give us a brief history of the VR6 and its impact on the automotive world?
**Alex Reed:** Of course. The VR6 debuted in 1991 with the third-generation Golf, introducing a unique V6 engine configuration designed to fit into a smaller engine bay. It quickly gained recognition for its smooth power delivery and distinctive sound. Over its 34-year run, it powered a vast range of Volkswagen models, from the humble Golf to the luxurious Phaeton, and even found its way into vehicles from other brands like Audi and Porsche.
**Host:** The VR6’s impact certainly went beyond just Volkswagen. What do you think made it so unique and beloved?
**Alex Reed:** I think the VR6 struck a perfect balance. It offered the power and refinement of a V6 engine but in a more compact package. Its narrow design and characteristic “vrroom” sound became synonymous with Volkswagen performance. It also proved incredibly versatile, powering everything from sporty hatchbacks to rugged SUVs.
**Host:** Volkswagen officially ended VR6 production on december 12th, 2024. What are your thoughts on that?
**guest:** It’s certainly the end of an era. While electrification is the future, the VR6 will be remembered as a true engineering feat and a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation. It’s a loss for enthusiasts, but the legacy of the VR6 will live on through the vehicles it powered.
**Host:** Fantastic perspective. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts for our listeners who may be mourning the loss of the VR6?
**Alex Reed:** Keep driving those VR6-powered cars! Cherish the experience they provide, the sound they make, and the history they represent. The VR6 will always hold a special place in automotive history.
**Host:** Wise words indeed. Thank you for joining us today,Alex Reed,and sharing your expertise on the remarkable VR6 engine. It’s been a pleasure.
**guest:** Thank you for having me.