‘ Every one of the VR6’ s many quirks and innovations adds to the engine’ s unique personality’
VW’ s rare and most extreme Beetle, the RSI, was powered by a 3.2-litre VR6
‘ Every one of the VR6’ s many quirks and innovations adds to the engine’ s unique personality’
the VR6. VW also used it where it didn’ t really belong, in its own car – one that actually deviated from its transverse formula – the longitudinal-engined Touareg.
In 2005, the VR6 received another update, now called the BLV. The main figure was an increase in capacity to 3597cc and direct fuel injection, but these updates came in conjunction with a narrower V angle of 10.6 °. VW added it to the front of the B6 to make the most potent Passat to date, the R36, and to its America- and Asia-only SUV, the Atlas. The Touareg and Cayenne continued to use the VR6, too, with the Porsche keeping it as an option until 2018. For its China-only Teramont and Talagon, Volkswagen created a forced-induction VR6; it turbocharged a 2.5-litre 24-valve version that produced 295hp and 500Nm, but this was phased out in 2024.
Every one of the VR6’ s many quirks and innovations adds to the engine’ s unique personality. In standard form, it might not make phenomenal amounts of power, but it is more exuberant and characterful than most six-cylinder engines, and way more lovable than the vast majority of V6s. It doesn’ t take long when discussing or learning about the VR6 before someone mentions its most distinctive and charming attribute, the noise it makes. The Wookie growl, as it’ s often called, is as unusual as it is appealing.
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Summer 2026 The Engine Rebuilder 25