New Ford/Volvo/Mazda I6 Engine
 

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102573

This is really cool. I've always loved the I6 engine configuration, its smoother, typically weighes less as there are fewer parts, and is smaller.

The reason they have been largely dropped is that you have a tough time fitting them transversely in a car (I think Suzuki did it once), thus only RWD applications can make use of them, and there aren't that many RWD cars left. With this engine you could have an I6 get the kinda play Nissan's VQ35 gets with RWD, FWD and AWD applications. Hell, they could put this in the new mustang if they wanted to.

Wonder if there will be an direct injection versions of this engine. Anyways the return of the I6 is cool.

I thought the S60R was fast with 300hp. Can't wait to drive the next one with 350hp!

The S60R is an awesome all round car. I would love one in my stable, hopefully they have continued success with their R line up. S40R would be nice to see.

Aren't many RWD cars left ???

non sports cars.

Up til recently, usless you went luxury or a Crown Vic, you couldn't get a RWD car. Look how Lexus/Toyota dropped their I6 from the supra, Nissan dropped the 300zx I6. They all got replaced with V6 motors that could be used in a FWD configuation.

Volvos have had transversely mounted I-6's for years.

Anyway, I'd love to see this in the new Miata.

I-5s

They use I6's too currently, and in the past. Same with BMW.

From 1935 to 1958 Volvo made I6 engines all rwd. From '58 to '74 the B30 was I6 rwd, the rest were I4's. From 74 up(OHC engines):

B17, 18, 19, 20, 23 were I4's
B28 V-6
B200, 204, 230, 234 were I4's
B280 V-6

From 1990 up:

B6254, B6304 rwd I6's

The S80 had transverse mounted I6's (2 versions) only ones of the bunch that I'm aware of.

The S/V40 have I4's
All the rest are I5's

I used to be, and possibly still am, a Volvo nut. :D Had to look in a book for most of that, a true nut would've just spouted it out, I guess.

so, they did use I6's then. The XC90 has I6 too.

I wish GM would put their nifty little 270 HP I6 into something. Maybe a base model for a future Camaro, or in the Solstice? If it would fit, that is.

s13lover,

Have you seen the mods for that car? Simple reflash + downpipe bumps the power up to 350. They've got kits for over 400 awhp. (My father has a V70R...its hilarous to watch the faces on people when the stationwagon blows past them)

great news! Seems like BMW will finally have some i6 competition. I'm a huge fan of the i6, been driving them for the past 6 years!

Cool news. Why doesn't Ford go ahead and bring theirs over.