The introduction of Volkswagen's VR6 engine in the early 1990s ushered a new era of vehicle powertrain usage. The narrow angle of the VR6 engine enabled Volkswagen to offer a wide range of applications where a traditional V engine would not normally fit. The "VR" name stands for "V-Reihenmotor," combining the German words for V-shaped and straight engines, and the "6" is the number of cylinders.

The narrow design of the VR engine (item C, pictured above) has made the usage of the engine possible in compact, front-wheel drive cars. This enabled Volkswagen to offer the power and torque of a V6 engine in vehicles that a traditional six-cylinder wouldn't otherwise fit into. And now, with ever changing times, the German automaker are considering the future options for an engine with power levels of a six cylinder.

One possible scenario is that Volkswagen will discontinue the VR6 and will use the turbocharged inline-five engine that we see in the Audi TT RS, according to a Volkswagen board member in charge of research and design. Another possibility is to use the VR6 engine in more vehicles; it is offered in several of Volkswagen models such as the Passat, Touareg and also in several vehicles in the Volkswagen Group. However, the naturally aspirated inline-five will soon be replaced in favour of the 1.8 litre turbocharged inline-four.

Even if the turbocharged inline-five engine is used and slightly detuned from the original 360bhp and 465Nm of torque, the engine will still make more power than the VR6; even in the largest displacement version (3.6 litre generating around 280bhp).

The reason why Volkswagen intends to replace the VR6 engine is due to the high production and import costs. It will not be financially feasible if less Volkswagen models use the VR6 engines. One possible future usage of the VR6 engine is the