Why does the transverse V6 engine no longer exist?

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In this video, Mike takes his Ford Mondeo ST200 for a drive, diving into the engineering of its engine layout and exploring why the transverse V6 engine is now sadly extinct in the car industry.
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[@Drivetribe]

Thanks to 70mai for sponsoring today's video! Get your dashcam here: bit.ly/3JXJLRO

[@princesssolace4337]

Me father in law got a 2000 Proton/Mitsubishi Perdana/Galant V6 quad cam 2.0 n.a. Not sure you familiar with it.

[@hazardousfromage]

Ford really missed the mark by not including an ST variant of the last few Mondeos

[@hexgraphica]

I believe they did their market research

[@TW-80]

I'm not sure they did. the mk5 Mondeo I'm not sure about but I have a mk4 Mondeo with the 2.5 turbo 5 cylinder from the focus st. Ford did the mk4 with the engine but just seemed to keep it quiet

[@833graham]

v true wish they had i would move up to mk4 -5 but stlines and the 4 pots dont do it for me

[@johnmitchell2269]

The mk 3 Mondeo ST220 didn't sell as well as they thought it would.

[@americansmark]

They did. Just not for Europe. The Ford SVT Contour used this motor and it was a sleeper.

[@clipshark1]

Mk4 mondeo's were available with 5 cylinder turbo engines....its the volvo lump. I have the estate version which is very nice

[@nathanspivey4514]

I was thinking this after the ST220, the 2.5t. It's a great engine!

[@Buck3366]

Little known fact but the Kuga got that 5 cyl too albeit detuned to 200 bhp

[@clipshark1]

@@Buck3366 think the s-max got it as well was an option for a few models if i recall

[@Westierules2000]

​@@clipshark1 yes it did, cos I had one. Had it stage 1 remapped, RS clutch and flywheel, better wastegate etc. The look on people's faces when you out accelerated them from traffic lights and you're in a people carrier... Priceless!

[@microwrx]

In Australia we also got the locally built transverse V6 in Mitsubishi Magna and 380. Very underrated car(s) and engine but working on that rear bank of cylinders (even to change plugs) was a nightmare.

[@MJTbreww]

Changing a timing belt on a V6 Magna hurt my soul… permanently lol

[@jeremylegg3253]

i had a gto twinturbo, transverse v6tt awd, working on the rear heads and turbos etc near impossible

[@justicator]

Over here in the US, we still have the Toyota Camry V6, Nissan Maxima, Lexus ES, and Acura TLX-S still have transverse V6s, though there are a couple CUV/SUV's that are AWD or FWD that are transverse, but not even remotely sporty.

[@kj64gaming19]

Yeah I was confused when I saw the title cause over here we have more transverse V6s than longitudinal ones it seems.

[@kj64gaming19]

Adding on to this, he's almost right in saying there's no sporty v6 sedans anymore, but I can think of a few. The Toyota Camry TRD is almost what this Ford Mondeo was back in its time, and that Acura TLX-S sure can get going. Lexus has also said they will be making an F-sport version of the ES, which should be interesting, and that's even something that has come out recently, not going away.

[@km6832]

Because in the US yall have higher highway speeds and require more torque because yall cars are generally heavier so thats why hall still have v6s

[@kj64gaming19]

@K M that's not necessarily the case, yes we have longer roads and heavier cars, but turbocharged I4s make more power than naturally aspirated V6s, so it's not a power issue. The reason V6s are still used is because we are stubborn and don't want smaller engines. My V8 Lexus may have less power than a turbocharged I4 today, but I prefer my V8 because it's a big V8, simple and reliable.

[@km6832]

@@kj64gaming19 thats what i said. Torque, i said nothing about power. Torque and yes big engine go brr, plus as you said simplicity, yall hate anything modern thats why big v8s and push rod engines still rule over there while the rest of the world have ohc

[@zoidberg6866]

Transverse layout with a V-engine is a nightmare to maintain, but i love my Volvo S80 with a V8. The sound when accelerating is just amazing! I love it when people hear the growl of the engine and the acceleration from a traffic light. One of the best cars ever made.

[@revolver265]

I'm jealous!* An S80 V8 is one of the ultimate sleepers, though through the corner it's certainly a boat anchor. Sadly most people with one for sale know exactly what they have. I'd move heaven and earth for one. *Casually I mean. I'm not actually envious at all and I hope you enjoy every mile in it :D

[@ShubhoBose]

These are still common and available in North America. Toyota Camry, Lexus ES currently have a V6 option. Even the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima was available with a V6 until 2017. The former three having a 3.5L V6.

[@bouncypear_net]

The Mazda KL transverse V6 from the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6 and 626 is a brilliant little engine, I have the final KL-G4 variant from the 99-02 626.

[@myopinion69420]

I had a probe for a while, fantastic little car, it had a surprising amount of torque, you could easily overtake someone in 5th without shifting back. it felt like it should have had a 6 speed. unfortunately I found out the hard way that baffling in sump was non existent by taking it on a very spirited mountain drive. it only lived for about 50km after that.

[@kennorcott7074]

My favorite transverse V6 is the 2.8 Turbo in later Saabs. Awesome cars

[@frogboxmedia]

I was just coming here to say this very thing - Currently driving a 2011 95 V6 XWD, magic car.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

That engine was actually a GM Holden designed V6 which was then reworked by Saab to support Turbos. Once this was done and due to the GM ownership of Saab. The engine was passed onto Vauxhall for use in the Vectra VXR.

[@TheoPhilpot]

Excellent excellent car

[@-Lucky-Six-]

SSSHHHHhhhhhh godsake stop telling people about SAABS, they've all forgotten them so we can enjoy our little secret!! imagine if he got his hands on a V6T xwd 93 wagon wee little fella would need to change his pants

[@firesaab31]

Another fan of the V6 in my Saab Turbo X. Coupled with XWD it is a very capable car.

[@TheAdamjwright]

Absolutely love my 156 v6. Nothing I've driven comes close to it in terms of pure smiles per mile!

[@SaintsMaster97]

I had an MG ZS180 V6, one of the best handling cars ive ever driven, and it was so fun and pure, definitely a car id own again in a heartbeat

[@sage11x]

I still have one: 2011 Taurus SHO. Transverse, twin turbo V6. Only there’s a prop shaft running to the back to drive the rear wheels but it’s primarily a front drove car. I actually love it.

[@fordman2288]

i never cared much for them due to not having a manual trans option and being awd only. but they make power. id take an older sho manual even a v8 bubble sho

[@sage11x]

@@fordman2288 this is the 3rd I’ve owned. 1989 and 1995. Both with the Yamaha V6. Both manual transmission. I know this will sound controversial but… you don’t want a manual in this car. The 6 speed auto shifts fast and kicks down easily and it has a surprisingly responsive paddle shift. I like manuals too (I also own an FRS- U.S. GT86) but this is one car I wouldn’t want a manual in. Never mind that the manuals in the older cars weren’t all that great to begin with- they were just better than the abysmal automatics of the era. But a 3200-3400 car with a manual is OK. A 4300-4400 car with a manual is cruel and unusual punishment. This also has 2 turbos. The auto is nice to hide the lag. :)

[@lewishamilton9251]

a lot of highway patrol

[@grad0n]

GM had the transverse supercharged 3.8l in the late 90’s-early 00’s. My buddy has the ‘16 taurus sho w a transverse turbo 3.5l.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

I had a Pontiac TransSport 3800 which was a 1988 and that was transverse V6 as well.

[@kirbyswarp]

Yes, I own a 1999 GTP with the SC 3800. Very nice boat of car.

[@yannyyansen9743]

Having a sebring with transverse engine was a nightmare. I hated it. Maintenance was insane.

[@davisjohnson5688]

I can believe it.

[@Lupuzi]

Doubt on that. I had an Chrysler Grand Voyager with small 3.3 V6. Hated it.

[@romka_ind]

Spark plugs :)

[@yannyyansen9743]

Want to replace a water pump? Gotta take out the whole engine. Wanna change the battery? Have to take off a wheel... ridiculous.

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

@@yannyyansen9743 want to change a clutch 😢

[@Onewheelordeal]

I had a Mercury Cougar with the engine swapped from a Contour SVT (Our Mondeo ST200) so I love every vid you do with this car almost as much as I loved that variable intake that kicks in at 3450 RPM over 50% throttle BTW, feels like VTEC Seeing that intake manifold really brings me back, fun fact it was the very first production part to use extrusion honing

[@54mgtf22]

It’s almost impossible to change the spark plugs that face the firewall. Toyota Camry V6 is transverse. Love your work 👍

[@myrlyn1250]

I have large hands. It took me almost 2 hours to change the plugs and wires on my '03 Buick Century. Had to keep stopping to massage the blood back into my fingers.

[@sidewaysshoguns443]

The Mitsubishi Galant VR4 EC5A and the 3000gt! Seriously underrated I think the FTO was also transverse

[@MJTbreww]

The FTO sure was. The Legnum too, a 6A12 in the FTO and 6A13TT in the legnum.

[@samthemultimediaman]

??? they still have them in SUVs here in the states, the big 3 dont really make cars anymore so there not in there for that reason. The Pontiac GTP with the 3800 supercharged engine was awesome back in the day.

[@jasonyoung6420]

The V6 Toyota Camry still exists, although that's in the USDM, not sure if you get them across the pond. I personally don't like FWD cars or transverse AWD cars, as they're FWD based systems & will handle & perform more like a FWD car. RWD, followed by RWD based AWD are all I will drive which means a longitudinal engine orientation. Current car is an IS350 F-sport RWD, not sure what I'll get next though, the automotive future isn't looking to bright for ICE, and EV performance sedans don't exist yet; I don't want a CUV/SUV, but I need four doors. Might keep the IS as it's a Lexus and will essentially run forever, and get myself a Mustang or Camaro as a fun car; a couple extra cylinders & a manual are what the IS is lacking. The IS500 exists, but I don't like the auto trans in my IS350, and it's the same one in the IS500, so I'm not likely to enjoy it there either. Drive what you like.

[@MuitoDaora]

I'd love a video about the ST220

[@greathey1234]

What about V6 Camries, V6 Maximas, Avalons, Altimas etc etc?

[@jgn593]

Not sold in Europe.

[@SomethingFunny454]

@@jgn593 Who cares about Europe?

[@americansmark]

I agree the Duratec engines sounded great. The 2.5L in that was also used in the SVT Contour and had camshafts designed by Cosworth. They can also be swapped to a 3.0L Duratec 30 with no other changes and yet make more power. They flow that well. The Duratec 25 is one of the best engines ever made imo, and should have been used as an SHO motor.

[@beachboardfan9544]

Cause it was nightmare fuel to wrench on

[@onecookieboy]

Nice video, many thanks. You forgot, or perhaps don't know about the Mazda 2.5l front drive V6. We had them in New Zealand as a 626 and the rebadged Paul Radisich (Ford) Telstar's were an absolute weapon and very fun to drive. They were 120 odd Kw (160 HP, though many people thought they were considerably more powerful) and the car weighed in at 1200Kg, all had a 5 speed manual transaxle. The best thing about them was the way they revved out to a red line of about 7k.

[@Supraboyes]

i had a zt 190, loved it, very smooth.

[@ecopennylife]

Great to see the Mondeo back in action, also rare now anything with a manual transmission, I'm still hanging on to my 6 speed manual diesel turbo Forester 😋

[@mrmikemotors]

Just bought a Alfa 147 GTA, it’s an absolute dream to own a transverse V6 Busso legend!

[@TheChiliLime]

Congratulations! The car is a keeper, they climb in value as well.

[@Drivetribe]

Thanks to 70mai for sponsoring today's video! Check out their dashcam here: bit.ly/3JXJLRO

[@user-neo71665]

An engine can be mounted 2 ways, the right way or transverse

[@Borcheltski]

While I not sure it would be considered performance, but the TRD Camrys still come with the 2GR with AWD and 300 hp

[@ectomancy]

TRD camry isn't AWD but it is a transverse V6. Definitely performance.

[@saliherkan1]

8:20 Apparently you are unaware of the Volvo-engined 2.5 I5 turbocharged Mondeos. :)

[@Bigrichie2001]

The earliest memories of me liking cars was in the backseat of my mom's 2001 Maxima. Can't remember if it had a 3.0 or 3.3 transverse v6, but it was a little ripper

[@tahirhasgarally480]

I just bought a 6th gen Nissan maxima 3.5SL as my first car, absolutely love the Vq35de in it

[@ryandoyle4344]

4DSC (4 Door Sport Car)

[@PintoPopProductions]

I still have my 1999 Buick Regal GS with a supercharged transverse 3.8L V6. I love it. Just a bit of a pain for things like replacing the spark plugs on the bank by the firewall. My friend's 3.2L Yamaha V6 in his 1994 Ford Taurus SHO is fantastic when it works.

[@gergelyzaruba1340]

Or you can just get a Jag X-type 3.0 with four wheel drive

[@ayboogie420]

V6 Toyotas of the 90s/00s are seriously underrated. The 1mzfe is almost a 1uz missing 2 cylinders. A v6 Camry will do 140mph fully loaded and they cost next to nothing in the US.

[@SnoopDoggyDoge]

what makes the 1mz close to a 1uz? just outta curiousity

[@ayboogie420]

@@SnoopDoggyDoge the gear drive on the cams in the head looks pretty much the same. i think its called a scissor gear setup?? but it also has that smooth feel and quiet running sound like a UZ has probably from that.

[@kevinbrower233]

I love this engine in my Ford Contour. The Duratec lasted in its 3 liter size until 2012 in various US Ford's.

[@Onewheelordeal]

As far as I'm concerned every Ecoboost V6 is really a dura-boost

[@Thanos.m]

Jaguar also used the duratec albeit not transversely mounted until 2012 in the the XF

[@derekaldrich330]

@@Thanos.m The Jaguar X-Type used a version of the Duratec 25 mounted transversely. My son has a 2004 model with a 5-speed manual.

[@kevinbrower233]

@@derekaldrich330 The X-Type was a rebodied Mk 3 Mondeo.

[@rondotterer7477]

The vr6 12 valve is one of the best sounding 6 cylinder engines made

[@nickcook7408]

Especially with a BMC intake and a milltek exhaust

[@pbart9821]

Not even close

[@TimJoseph08031990]

It is true in other countries, but NOT in the US. We still have many vehicles here in the US that still have a transverse V6, mostly family sedans, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans.

[@john1703]

Mention should be made of the GM Cavalier V6, with its unique con-rod big end bearing caps (for stability), and the oil to water heat exchanger in the middle of the engine vee, which works in both directions (to heat the oil quicker on a cold day).

[@digitalnation2876]

much love from Indonesia,🥰

[@gizmobowen]

What!? No loving for my 94 Ford Probe GT? It had a Ford, 2.5 liter, transverse V6. Ok, it was actually a Mazda and only put out 164 Hp, but it was a lot of fun. Learned all about trail braking with that thing, otherwise it would plow through every corner at speed. I figured the mileage was the main culprit for this package's demise, but thought you'd include the challenges servicing something with that much engine in such a small space. Swapping the timing belt was a nightmare.

[@sanxi34]

I think the last transverse V6 that I know of is the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia OPC/VXR... A 2.8L turbo transverse V6 All-wheel-drive. And we all know how that has gone...

[@GAVST4R]

You forgot to mention the legendary Vauxhall Vectra GSI V6 !!!

[@darrenholmes3142]

And the calibra v6, 60 in 2nd 90 in 3rd and still pulling! Not that I tried of course officer 😉😁

[@oscarzt1652]

8:24 the mk4 mondeo (after the ST220) never had a true 'ST' variant, but it was possible to get hold of with a 2.5L turbo 5 cylinder like seen in the focus ST225.

[@crocosnz3322]

"Do not exist" - I thought the Lotus Emira has a transverse supercharged V6? Admittedly RWD and placed behind the cabin, but still.

[@shifty1927]

Im american so my only knowledge of the mondeo is when the Mischief dvd guys rented one in the early 2000s for a cannonball type rally. Theirs was a p.o.s...😂😂😂

[@pkworld]

You forgot to include the 2.5 and 3.0 V6 Jaguar X-Type in your list, and those ARE 4 wheel drive

[@T.-.K.]

Had a little Mazda MX3, engine swaped to 2.5 liter for 20 years..... Was fun...Miss it...

[@nathanparry8315]

I had a Trasverse V6 in a proton perdana, (the engine being a Mitsubishi 6A12). It was a smooth motor with a ton of torque, but was a thirsty beast.

[@vikingraider1961]

I had a 407 V6 3.0 coupe - which had a transverse engine. You want to change the plugs? well 3 of them are right there - the other three? you'll have to take the exhaust manifold off...

[@Dood_]

Intake manifold*

[@shifty1927]

Strange fact.. acura legend is fwd with a v6 mounted longitudinally. Only car ive ever seen that on.

[@timofthomas]

Had an ST24 as a hire car for work for a trip from Bristol to Cumbria - probably the most fun I've had in a saloon up to now (though my Saab 9-3 twin turbo comes close). The harmonics of the 4 valves per cylinder certainly did not harm the drive :)

[@garethhayes9982]

Using the word "performance " loosely when talking about a mondeo

[@NumbchuxSOAD]

As I recall, the guys liked the Outback with the flat 6, which is no longer available. And yea, many transverse V6s here in the US. Especially if you count minivans and crossovers.

[@Banom7a]

outback is actually longitudinal, but the engine is pretty compact at about the size of a transverse 4 cylinder.

[@jims6614]

The Mondeo would look better with clear headlights. They look all fogged up.

[@mikep1212]

My Mazda MX-3 has a V6 transverse from a ford probe. love it to bits.

[@انا_ابراهيم_البناوي]

It still exists in the Toyota Camry and Avalon and Kia's

[@danielecattabriga2168]

Transverse V6’s like the one in my Acura MDX are so hard to work on

[@philwaite9437]

I had 3.0 GTV V6, it was hooligan of a car 💪

[@Sgt_SealCluber]

Ahhh, there are a number of vehicles sold here in the US that are FWD and V6 which would seem to imply that they are transverse. For example, the Nissan Murano and Maxima according to NissanUSA. I have no experience with these vehicles, but like I said I think it's safe to assume a FWD V6 is transverse mounted. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@Sgt_SealCluber]

FWD = Front Wheel Drive, in case anyone confused it with Four Wheel Drive (4WD).

[@caysekhan5553]

Maximas might be the last. GM had them in a couple cars, Impala, Regal/LaCrosse, and Commodore but just in the last few years dropped either the engine option or whole cars in 2019-2020. It still has the 3.6 transverse mounted in a couple crossovers in the lower spec options, but.. crossovers. 🤢

[@blautens]

Toyota Camry is, so - a huge volume seller is transversely mounted. The Avalon is, too, while it lasts.

[@MrAPCProductions]

It is very interesting to hear automotive opinions from across the pond. Has been the case for almost 30 years for me. The information islands or opinions of locality are very stark in contrast to reality here in the states.

[@ethangee96]

I'm sure you could get the newer Mondeo with the 2.5t out of the Focus ST in it, I've seen one somewhere, either that or some maniac swapped it

[@Zetec5s]

Yup! You can, my dad owns one 😅

[@joshklaver47]

I fell in love with the Citroen Xantia Activa V6 from the movie Ronin. Those are still insanely fast point-to-point. The Citroen XM and Peugeot 405/605 were pretty cool as well.

[@mentox6592]

‘The really handsome renault safrane’ WHAT

[@atlasnovalis]

It was a transversely mounted TT V6 that got me into cars (The 6g72). It's a shame not many companies do this anymore. Not everyone wants a Turbo 2.0L 4-Banger.

[@YTisDumb]

Lol, ever tried to do maintenance on that engine?

[@atlasnovalis]

Yes, it is a pain in the rear I will admit. However once it's done, I feel like it's all worth it seeing it back on the road.

[@oppressedgaymer7037]

I had a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero Powered by the 6G74 V6 and it was beautiful

[@douglasreid699]

problem you got though is most people want 2ltr turbo (or can only afford the 2ltr turbo) and as soon as a company sees that and v6 is not really selling, they going to drop the not selling one and everyone else will need to lump it.

[@Dvd888]

Incorrect as they did a 5 cylinder in the mk4 mondeo

[@SirBoden]

Someone should introduce him to Honda‘s transverse V6 vehicles.

[@انا_ابراهيم_البناوي]

And Toyotas and Hyundais and Kia's

[@Hahlen]

The Outback is not only still around, it’s still immensely popular

[@simonjackson4727]

I love the sound of V6 engines.

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

I might have to grab one of those dash cams! Also my mom had a Infiniti i30 with a transverse v6, it was a fun car for sure.

[@harveyshaw1466]

Nearly 200 quid 😬

[@aaryeshg.6526]

Ahh yes the i30 aka luxury Nissan Maxima

[@speedydb55]

I did some of my driver's training in the American Mondeo, the Ford Contour in the late 90s. Pretty sure it was the four-cylinder version though. Miss the days when sporty little cars like this were readily available before they succumbed to the horde of boring, zombie-like SUVs.

[@richardstock1]

Out of that list you didn't mention the Nobel M12 series which if I'm not mistaken also uses the same engine (well casings) as your Mondeo...

[@zeroelus]

So Clarkson, May and Hammond all like the Outback? Did I get that right? I mean I have one with the flat 6 engine and I like the thing, I just find it hilarious that the 3 of them really like it as well.

[@dfross87]

My parents still have their 6G74 powered 2001 Mitsubishi Magna transverse V6. An ex fleet vehicle, we recently met (by chance) a couple of the staff who used to drive it. 20 YEARS after it was sold, they said it was still the best car their employer had ever had; one of them even offered to buy it.

[@Thanos.m]

At lest over here in the UK one of the last of this breed must have been the Vauxhall insignia VXR that had 2.8 turbo transverse V6 I think that lasted until 2018

[@Corkoth55]

Is that the same as the Saabs in the US? I'm not well versed in the subject.

[@Thanos.m]

@@Corkoth55 the last gen 9-5 that lasted from 2010-2012 was based on the on the Vauxhall/open insignia I mentioned above

[@ArktinenPeikko]

Regarding the point on turbo 4-cyl. You seem to forget the GM LP9 engine used for example in SAAB and Vauxhall/Opel (B284E/L and Z28NET respectfully). A very last hurrah for transverse V6 with turbo added on it if you ask me. Fun and very "humble" engines with decent soundtrack to them. And fairly easily tuneable.

[@joeyf504327]

oh ok, this is the UK, wrong side of the pond. Still tons of transverse V6 cars here in the freedom states.

[@davidclemens1578]

I had a 96 Ford Contour which is the same car here in the US. It only had that 2 L twin-cam four cylinder.. I think it was around 130 HP. Although from a dead stop it was not fast but for entering onto a freeway is where it really show its ability. I have a 2015 Mustang but that Contour had much more comfortable seats and a ride like a car much larger than it was. But the mustang does have 19 inch wheels with no side walls and much stiffer suspension which I'm sure contributes to a much harsher ride.

[@rockyman6883]

Had the same engine in my Mondeo Mk3, even with the horrible fuel consumption and bad handling, it proved to be a simple robust and extremely fun car to drive around.

[@milanmathew6230]

Toyota Camry xse v6 enters the chat

[@magikjoe3789]

I once drove a Mitsubishi FTO with screaming 2 Litre V6, lovely!

[@icebear_racing]

Cons, poor performance. Poor economy. Heavy. Large amounts of understeer. Really hard to work on. Also the reason they have 4wd chassis is because those chassis were based on the mk1 landrover freelander

[@IS-]

Mercedes fits a V6 with a then 7GTronic gearbox into a medium body without it being transverse. Perhaps they could all just learn there.

[@eltigrechino3390]

I owned not one, but TWO, Ford Contours (I think) the US version of the Mondeo. Very basic versions, but they were virtually bullet-proof except for water pumps. They had great gas mileage and had surprising pep. I’d never buy another one - but they were great for a little family of 4 at the time.

[@MJTbreww]

I own an FTO. Been planning on doing a video on it (questionable quality.) and let’s just say it’s 2L transverse V6 hurts me…

[@RedLP5000S]

I adored my 1990 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1 Euro. I used to smoke the front tires effortlessly. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@badarmadawarshipsclan4679]

the gen 4 Titanium got the 5 cylinder 2.5T....... so not ALL later mondeos went 4 Cylinder straight away

[@jhalkoski]

my guess is, is because everyone hates working on the back 3 cylinders 😂 its usually so cramped against the firewall that its a nightmare to work on

[@OzarksWildman]

In the U.S. we still have 300+hp transverse V6 sports sedans. Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry and Acura TLX

[@iandavidson99]

I've a Volvo V60 Polestar which had a 3.0 turbo transverse V6 and 4WD

[@the_nondrive_side]

you missed the whole thing. they got bigger to 3.0 then 3.5 then 3.7 and they got turbo and AWD in the new Taurus and Police vehicles.. I had a '98.5 Mercury Mystique LS with the 2.5 MTX75 and did the SE-SVT mods. same colour by chance.. short track WSSC racer 2004-2008 and always midpack against fast sports cars... anyhow the Duratec V6 exist still, police Vehicles

[@alexandermoore2982]

*In Europe.* The transverse V6 might be on its way out, but there are still a crapload of cars that have it in the U.S., not 'a couple of stragglers'. Toyota's Camry, Nissan's Maxima, Murano, and Pathfinder, Honda's Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, Hyundai's Palisade, Kia's Telluride and Carnival, Chevy's Blazer and Traverse (and all their GM siblings), Ford's Edge, Chrysler's Pacifica, Jeep's Cherokee, and Ram's Promaster at the very least. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few.

[@johnhoyle8198]

Fuel economy and crash legislation were the final nails in the coffin of the transverse V6.. GDI TURBOS were more powerful and economical (GDI Put up the compression ratio and improved mpg). BTW Rover v6 was 90 deg…

[@brandonwalter8532]

What was odd to me is my first car was a FWD V6 but it was NOT a transverse layout. It was a longitudinally-mounted V6 - a 1994 Dodge Intrepid. It was bizarre. I do think V6 FWD cars have their place though. I mean look at the Toyota Camry - 300hp in a family sedan. That's no slouch.

[@SeanPensive]

V6 is great. Turbo 5 cylinder is the optimum solution. Better packaging. The sense of occasion of a V6 (actually even better) with the punch and fuel efficiency of a turbo 4. Think Volvo T5, Audi, Focus or the best of the breed. Fiat Coupe 20VT!! Back in the day Autocar called it "The New Cossie"

[@calumclark1719]

my parents had the Renault Safrane it was a great car just sadly went the way of the dodo as the north sea salt eat the subframe. first time i have ever heard it mentioned anywhere

[@Noganite]

Had a 1991 Buick Regal with a 3800 V6 which was made transverse for it's front wheel config. Thing was a powerhouse. It finally died after about 17 years of service. Would love to have another.

[@adsyoffinch]

Didn’t the Mondeo of around the 2007-2012 era have a 5 cylinder turbo option? There was no actual ST as far as I can remember but I’m sure I remember in my garage days having a Mondeo with a Focus ST engine come through.

[@sbrader97]

Yeah the mk4 had the 2.5 focus st engine there very rare though

[@xx_city_lights_gamer_xx6589]

You can't forget all the brilliant Japanese traverses from manufacturers like Mitsubishi, we in Australia got some Awesome cars like the magna and the Galant/Legnum VR4 and the next step up the 3000GT

[@craigquann]

I grew up with Pontiac Grand am's, grand prix's. Chev Cavalier z24, and so many others. Including my Chev Corsica/Beretta. Not many left. If at all here in North America.