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Who Needs a V8? The Fastest Cars With V6 Engines

Vukasin Herbez August 31, 2024

The V6 engines are nothing new and have been a staple of the industry since the early ’60s. However, although commonly used, they were never regarded as the actual performance choice. Yes, people knew that the V6 was more potent than the straight-four, but they also knew that the V6 never had the same grunt or soundtrack as the mighty V8. But is it really like that? With the advancements in modern technology, turbocharging, and supercharging, the V6 engines displayed a significant jump in power, promoting this configuration into a bona fide performance option. The V6 can match the V8 in terms of power, but it is also lighter, more compact, and fuel-efficient, which quickly promoted it into the best option if you want to build a performance machine to fit modern standards. Today, we will tell you more about it and showcase the fastest cars powered by V6.

Cadillac ATS-V

Introduced in 2016, the newest American muscle four-door car is the compact but immensely powerful Cadillac ATS-V. With this model, Cadillac attacked the likes of the Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 Series with a modern executive sedan with recognizable styling and brutal power (via Cadillac).

Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine with 464 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to launch the ATS-V from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and top the speed of an astonishing 189 mph. Even though the ATS-V doesn’t have a V8, it is still a good muscle car and is available in two-door form.

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2022 Nissan Gt R Jade — Photo Credit: Pinterest

Nissan Skyline GT-R R35

The R35 Skyline GT-R doesn’t need a special introduction. One of the fastest, most capable, and best-handling sports cars you can buy, it is globally famous for its sublime characteristics and performance (via Nissan).

Fd1297096bc4d29f80c620d3af19336327b241cd — Photo Credit: Nissan

The engine’s most significant part of its appeal is the Skyline’s signature turbocharged 3.8-liter V6, which delivers 570 hp or 600 in NISMO trim. In combination with intelligent all-wheel drive, the GT-R can achieve 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, which is more than enough to outrun any muscle car on the street.

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Buick GNX

In 1982, Buick started experimenting with turbocharging its standard V6 engines. The results were satisfying, and engineers got permission to develop a performance version that would deliver better acceleration figures (via Car and Driver).

The first model was the Buick Regal T, and then the Buick Grand National with 175 hp, which wasn’t impressive, but it was a start. In the next couple of years, the Grand National got a bigger engine and more power, jumping from 175 hp to 200 hp and finally to 235 hp. However 1987, the ultimate version of GNX (Grand National Experimental) was released. It featured the same 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 with 275 hp and 0 to 60 mph of 4.7 seconds.

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GMC Syclone

However, by the early 1990s, all the Buicks were gone, so GM engineers needed a car for their turbo hardware. They decided to make a crazy sports truck from a plebian Chevrolet S10, a compact pickup with diminutive four-cylinder power. This is how the GMC Syclone was born. GM took an ordinary S10 body shell and installed a 4.3-liter V6 with a turbocharger producing 280 hp. They also used a special four-speed automatic sourced from a Corvette and a performance-based all-wheel drive (via JD Power).

Although the power figures may not be impressive these days, the Syclone was able to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. This made it faster than contemporary Ferraris. The key was its lightweight, small dimensions, and torque from the turbocharged engine. Because the price was significantly higher than the regular model, GMC built less than 3,000 of them. Also, most of them come in the signature black color. From the outside, the GMC Syclone looked like any other compact GMC truck, only with the blackout grille and discrete body modifications. Today, the GMC Syclone is a collector vehicle and a famous car model. It is still relatively fast and can hold its own against much younger and more powerful cars.

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Nissan 300 ZX

One of the best cars in a long line of Z-named Nissan sports coupes was the 300 ZX, introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 1996. Car enthusiasts really respect this model since it was a proper sports coupe with technology and performance that could rival much more expensive and exclusive cars (via Auto Data).

The twin-turbo V6 engine pumped 300 hp, and the 300 ZX could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and top 150 mph. Today, the 300 ZX is a coveted modern classic, as one of this list’s most universally usable cars.

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Jaguar XJ 220

The story of the XJ220 is a strange one. Conceived in the late ’80s as Jaguar’s first road-going supercar, it looked very promising. The concept car and the prototypes had Jaguar’s V12 engine but tuned to produce high output. However, halfway into development, it was decided to install a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 unit with 542 hp. The car’s design was fantastic; flowing lines and a wide stance emphasized its performance and speed (via Motor Trend).

When it was released, the XJ220 was the world’s fastest road-going model with an enormous price tag. Despite the hype and wealthy customers waiting to buy this model, several delays in production and the lack of V12 affected the market, and eventually, less than 300 were built. The XJ220 got its name since it could top 220 mph and was never officially sold in the USA.

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Venturi 400 GT

You are excused if you don’t know about Venturi, a small French car company active in the ’90s. Using components from other car companies and producing its bodies and chassis, Venturi produced several beautiful and fast cars, raced a lot, and left its mark in the history of obscure supercars with its magnificent 400 GT model from the mid-’90s. Visually similar to the Ferrari F40, the Venturi 400 GT also used a twin-turbocharged engine. But in Venturi’s case, it was a 3.0-liter Peugeot V6, which was enhanced to produce 400 horsepower in street trim (via Hagerty).

In racing trim, it was capable of over 600 hp. With all that firepower, the 400 GT could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and go over 180 mph, which was faster than Porsches or Ferraris of the day. Venturi participated in many races, including Le Mans, and even had its racing series where wealthy amateurs could race their Venturis in match races. Unfortunately, the cruel financial reality caught up with Venturi’s big ambitions, and the company was closed first in 1997 and then again in 2000. Venturi withdrew from racing before that and managed to produce less than 100 examples of the fantastic 400 GT, which has since been lost in corridors of time.

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2013 Ford Mustang — Photo Credit: Pinterest

Ford Mustang V6

You probably thought all the Mustangs on this list would be V8-powered torque monsters capable of turning rear tires into smoke in seconds. For the most part, you’re right, but few cars without V8 power still post impressive acceleration times. One of those Mustangs is the 2012 V6-powered model. The 4.0-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 280 pounds of torque was the standard base engine for the 2012 model year (via Ford).

The power output was almost identical to that of the V8 models only a decade before, which shows how technology moves forward quickly. However, the 2012 V6 Mustang could accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, meaning that it deserves a spot on this list among the fire-breathing V8 monsters from Dearborn.

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GMC Typhoon

The Typhoon got a 4.3-liter V6 engine with a turbocharger and intercooler. The power output was 280 hp, not that impressive today, but back in 1991, it was a nice number. However, the automatic transmission, performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, and suspension helped the performance, and the Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Even today, this is fast for an ordinary SUV (via Car and Driver).

The rest of the package included unique trim, luxury interior appointments, exceptional color and wheel choices, and limited production. In just three years of production, from 1991 to 1993, the Typhoon was made in precisely 4,697 copies.

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Ford F150 Raptor

It is incredible how the industry has evolved. Just a couple of years ago, the idea of a performance truck with a small-ish turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic was unbelievable. However, we now have the latest F150 Raptor, a brutal machine that raises the bar for all other performance trucks (via Carbuzz).

It’s a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and sub-5-second acceleration times. The figures suggest that this is an exotic supercar. No, this is a full-size pickup truck with room for five people and a regular truck bed behind.

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Ferrari 296 GTB

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a stunning hybrid supercar that combines electrifying performance with Italian elegance. Unveiled in 2021, this mid-engine marvel represents Ferrari’s commitment to embracing hybrid technology without compromising on the exhilarating driving experience synonymous with the brand. Under its sculpted hood lies a potent powertrain featuring a twin-turbo V6 engine coupled with an electric motor, producing a combined output of over 800 horsepower. The clever hybrid system not only enhances acceleration but also contributes to improved fuel efficiency, showcasing Ferrari’s dedication to sustainability (via Ferrari).

The 296 GTB’s design harmoniously blends aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Sharp lines, a distinctive front fascia, and a sleek roofline contribute to its striking presence on the road. The interior exudes luxury and performance, with a driver-centric cockpit, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge technology.

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Kia Stinger GT

The Stinger has rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, which is new for Kia’s non-SUV models. Under the hood, there are two engines. A turbocharged four-cylinder will deliver 255 hp, and a twin-turbo V6 will pump 365 hp (via Car and Driver).

The buyers can expect the acceleration times to be 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds for the twin-turbo V6 version, which is very respectable for any model, especially coming from an economy car brand like Kia. Of course, the Stinger will have an excellent selection of standard equipment and a long list of optional extras.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo was known for having a performance sedan in its lineup. But in the last couple of decades, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have taken Alfa’s lunch. So, in 2016, Alfa decided to claim the title of best performance sedan with the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Giulia is blisteringly fast and gloriously beautiful, powered by a Ferrari engine with two cylinders cut off (via Alfa Romeo).

Alfa Romeo Giulia Gtam — Photo Credit: Motor Trend

With a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine derived from a Ferrari unit, 505 hp, and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds, the new Giulia Quadrifoglio is one of the fastest sedans on the planet.

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Acura NSX

The original Acura NSX was a landmark sports car released in 1989, but the new one, introduced in 2015, is an equally groundbreaking and influential machine. This is a hybrid performance two-seater with loads of technology and unbelievable performance. The main power is a turbocharged V6 with two electric motors, making the NSX an all-wheel drive vehicle (via Motor Trend).

The combined output is 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. The performance is brutal, and the NSX even has a very active torque vectoring system, which helps it go through the turns at amazing speed. The price is reasonably high, starting at $156,000.

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Ford Taurus SHO

In the late 1980s, Ford revolutionized the American sedan market by introducing the Taurus. This was the first modern American sedan to ditch the heavy ladder-type chassis and big engines and go in a different direction with a sleek, aerodynamic body, new technology, and front-wheel drive. The Taurus was a big seller; however, the famed SHO version is the most interesting. The Super High Output or SHO was a performance model in the Taurus lineup. It featured a Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter high-revving V6 with 220 hp (via Motor Trend).

This may not sound impressive, but for 1989, it was a lofty figure. Also, the performance was outstanding, with just 6.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. On the outside, the Taurus SHO looked like any other regular Taurus. Only the badge on the back revealed its true sports car nature. That was more than 25 years ago, but even today, the modern Ford Taurus SHO is the champion of understatement. It is also one of the best sleepers you can buy. It has a powerful Ecoboost V6 engine displacing 3.5 liters and delivering 355 hp to all four wheels. And the new Taurus SHO can outhandle and outperform many current sports cars. It must be frustrating to lose a race to a Ford sedan that looks like a rental car but flies like an Audi S6.

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Renault Clio Sport V6

One of the craziest V6 installations ever performed on a production car is definitely the Clio Sport V6. This is basically a rally car for the street with a V6 engine mounted behind the driver, literally in the interior of a small city car, which Clio is. The 3.0-liter V6 delivers 255 hp and sends power to the rear wheels. The driver sits just in front of the engine, and magazine testers described the whole package as “ludicrous.”

Renault Clio V6 94 — Photo Credit: Pinterest

This is far from the standard model, a typical and boring European economy car. But by moving the V6 behind the driver, adding a wider track, and many really goodies, the Clio is turned into a monster (via Road and Track).

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2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Driving Front Angle Carbuzz 854672 1600 — Photo Credit: Toyota

Toyota Camry V6

The Toyota Camry was never considered a performance car and has always been a boring sedan for family-oriented buyers. However, let’s just look at the stats of the 2018 model (via KBB).

2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid Side View Carbuzz 854681 1600 — Photo Credit: Toyota

Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 301 hp and sends power to the front wheels over an intelligent 8-speed automatic, the new Camry can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That is significantly faster than some renowned muscle cars.

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Volkswagen Golf R32

This list is complete with one proper hot hatch, and there are many interesting compact cars with high power to choose from, new or used. In most cases, when it comes to the hot hatch class, the newest and the fastest is always the best choice. But today, we will tell you about the forgotten gem – Golf R32 (via Auto Express).

In 2003, Volkswagen took the Mk4 body shell and installed its best hardware in the early 2000s. That meant the R32 had intelligent all-wheel drive, a 240 hp 3.2-liter V6 engine, a luxury interior, and a host of electronic aids. This makes the R32 a definitive future classic and a competent everyday car. So, buy one now while they are still cheap.

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Mitsubishi 3000 GT

The 3000 GT is another ’90s legend forgotten by mainstream sports car enthusiasts, which is quite a shame. With pop-up headlights, rear panorama glass, and a big spoiler, the 3000 GT screams early ’90s car design, but there is much more about this car than contemporary nostalgia since this is one serious driving machine. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 300 hp, which sends power to all four wheels over an intelligent AWD system (via Top Gear).

This layout makes the 3000 GT a capable coupe that can tackle any road conditions and provide extra grip in extreme situations. The only downside is the weight, and since the 3000 GT is packed with technology, it tips the scale at almost 1.8 tons (3800 pounds). However, with acceleration times of just over 5 seconds, the 3000 GT carries it with ease. Quite expensive when new, the 3000 GT is now an inexpensive alternative to the more famous Supra or 300 ZX models. The lower production number makes this car more exclusive, too.

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Alpine A610

If you think France didn’t produce any relevant sports cars in the last 30 years, think again. The Alpine A610 was introduced in 1991 and replaced the Alpine GTA and the old A310 from the late ’70s. The fiberglass-bodied coupe featured features like a futuristic interior, a rear-mounted turbocharged V6 engine from Renault, and pretty vivid performance (via EVO).

The 3.0-liter V6 produced 247 horsepower, which was enough to launch this lightweight coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and close to 170 mph at top speed. However, production was somewhat limited, and prices were high, so if you want to enjoy this French sports car on American roads, pay around $40,000 for perfect examples with a full-service history.

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Carpixel.net 1991 Acura Nsx 62815 Hd — Photo Credit: Auto Wp

Honda/Acura NSX

The new decade marked a new era for Honda with the launch of one of the best sports cars of the decade—the Acura NSX. Honda planned this model for a long time, and the basic idea was to introduce a sports car with supercar technology, uncompromised performance, power, and design. To say that Honda succeeded in all that would be an understatement since the NSX was brilliant. The buyers got Ferrari’s performance and looked for supermarket prices, Honda’s signature reliability, and low maintenance costs (via YouTube).

1991 Acura Nsx 1536942142a4d93c1c47467064.jpg — Photo Credit: Auto Wp

The heart of the NSX was a 3.0-liter V6 with 274 hp and a 3.2-liter V6 with 290 hp later. Since the car was light, 0 to 60 mph was lightning quick 5 seconds, and the top speed was over 170 mph. The introduction of the NSX stunned the competitors and the car market. Nobody expected such a bold move and such a composed and complete car. The NSX was capable and highly balanced, thanks to the mid-engined layout and clever engineering. Sports car buyers responded very well to a new product, and the original NSX stayed in production for almost 15 years until 2005.

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Ford GT

We have already featured the Ford GT on our list, but we will discuss it again since the 2004 to 2006 model is a different beast than the current GT, which debuted in 2016. For a start, these two cars only share the name and nothing else. While the previous generation was a superfast road car, the current model is a racing car for the streets full of competition parts, tricks, and active aerodynamics (via Ford).

The GT’s engine is particularly interesting. It is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 656 hp, which gives the car a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 216 mph. Interestingly, the GT’s engine is pretty much the same as the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 from the F-150 pickup truck. Of course, there are a lot of different details, but the basic architecture, block, displacement, and turbo technology are the same.

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Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The Ferrari Dino holds a special place in automotive history as a revered sports car icon. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, it debuted in the late 1960s and was produced until the mid-1970s. What makes the Dino unique is its V6 engine, a departure from Ferrari’s usual V12 powertrains. With a compact design and a mid-engine layout, the Dino offered remarkable handling and agility, making it a joy to drive on both road and track. Its sleek and timeless styling, penned by Pininfarina, still turns heads today. The Dino’s performance capabilities were impressive for its time, and its racing pedigree further solidified its status as a valid driver’s car (via Ferrari).

Dino - Sports car — Photo Credit: AutoWp

Despite not bearing the Ferrari badge, the Dino embodied the marque’s spirit of innovation and performance. Over the years, it has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, with its values steadily appreciating. The Dino remains a symbol of Ferrari’s commitment to engineering excellence and driving pleasure, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.

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2017 Chevrolet Camaro Ss 1le Front Three Quarter In Motion 02.jpg Copy — Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Chevrolet Camaro V6 1LE

Equipped with a 335 hp V6 engine, the Camaro V6 1LE delivers impressive power and acceleration while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. The 1LE package adds many performance upgrades, including specialized suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, and lightweight wheels wrapped in sticky tires. These enhancements result in sharper handling and improved cornering prowess, making the Camaro V6 1LE a blast to drive on twisty roads and racetracks (via Chevrolet).

1494190712 Roa050117fea Camaronew — Photo Credit: Road and Track

The Camaro V6 1LE visually stands out with its aggressive styling cues, including unique exterior accents and aerodynamic enhancements. Inside, drivers are treated to a sporty cockpit with supportive seats and driver-focused controls, enhancing the driving experience further. Overall, the Camaro V6 1LE represents a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking thrilling performance without the higher price tag of the V8-powered models. It’s a well-rounded package that delivers exhilarating driving dynamics and plenty of bang for the buck.

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Maserati MC20

The Maserati MC20 is a supercar unveiled by the Italian automaker Maserati. It marks Maserati’s return to the supercar segment and is positioned as a flagship model for the brand. The MC20 features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a mid-engine layout for optimal performance. It’s powered by a V6 engine developed entirely in-house by Maserati, featuring twin turbochargers and producing impressive horsepower. The MC20 is also equipped with advanced technology and engineering to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. It represents Maserati’s commitment to innovation and performance in the automotive industry (via Maserati).

Inside the cabin, drivers are greeted with a meticulously crafted environment that blends luxury with cutting-edge technology. Premium materials and ergonomic design elements ensure both comfort and control, while advanced infotainment and connectivity features keep drivers connected and entertained on every journey.

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Who Needs a V8? The Fastest Cars With V6 Engines

Cadillac ATS-V

Nissan Skyline GT-R R35

Buick GNX

GMC Syclone

Nissan 300 ZX

Jaguar XJ 220

Venturi 400 GT

Ford Mustang V6

GMC Typhoon

Ford F150 Raptor

Ferrari 296 GTB

Kia Stinger GT

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Acura NSX

Ford Taurus SHO

Renault Clio Sport V6

Toyota Camry V6

Volkswagen Golf R32

Mitsubishi 3000 GT

Alpine A610

Honda/Acura NSX

Ford GT

Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Chevrolet Camaro V6 1LE

Maserati MC20

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