Ever since the dawn of the motor car, we’ve been obsessed with speed – the faster, the better. High-performance cars with big V8 and V12 engines are the ones most associated with speed, but some incredible V6 cars have smashed through expectations, delivering shocking speed and agility.
The V6 might be underestimated, but these cars prove it’s not just about size – it’s about what you do with it that’s important. These examples show just how much punch they can pack into six cylinders – making them the most surprising V6 cars ever.
Nissan GT-R (R35)
Nicknamed Godzilla by its many fans, the R35 GT-R delivers a truly monstrous performance. It’s thanks to a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter engine that took V6s to a whole new level, producing up to 600 horsepower. Reaching 60 mph in less than three seconds wasn’t expected from a V6 back in 2007.
Ford GT (2005-Present)
There were squeals of protest from enthusiasts when Ford dumped the V8 engine from its iconic supercar, substituting it with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. But those same fans were soon won over by the new model’s jaw-dropping performance.
It delivered 647 horsepower and was part of a radical lightweight redesign that enabled a 216 mph top speed.
Acura NSX (2017-Present)
Beneath the futuristic design of this hybrid supercar lurks a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors that combine to generate 573 horsepower and deliver jaw-dropping acceleration. The NSX is a technological powerhouse with a top speed of 191 mph. The V6 engine is the beating heart of this car, that’s as fast as it is innovative.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Italians love their supercars to come with eight or a dozen cylinders, but here’s a six-pot sedan capable of taking anything on. The Giulia Quadrifoglio’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 produces 505 horsepower, with a top speed of 191 mph and 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It shocked the world by threatening Germany’s dominance in performance sedans.
Porsche 911 Carrera (992)
Most Porsche 911s have flat-six engines, but the 992 Carrera’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 won over any doubters by delivering 443 horsepower, which sends it flying from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 191 mph.
Porsche’s legendary handling dynamics ensure this is one of the best-driving cars on the planet.
Lotus Emira
A 3.5-liter supercharged V6 borrowed from Toyota was the perfect fit for Lotus’s lightweight, fiberglass, Emira. It delivers 400 horsepower and a top speed of 180 mph in a package designed to thrill. For purists, this agile British sports car’s stunning performance and sharp looks were an unexpected delight.
Maserati MC20
If you still doubt the V6’s license to thrill, the MC20’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 will convince you – with 621 horsepower, 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. This lightweight coupe marked Maserati’s return to supercar status, and its sleek styling and groundbreaking performance made it one of the most shocking V6 cars of recent years.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 V6
Chevrolet V8s have been delivering fast fun for generations, but it stepped away from the big blocks for the light but agile V6-powered Camaro. It shocked Chevy enthusiasts for all the right reasons, as its 3.6-liter engine, paired with an optional turbocharger, pushed over 300 horsepower, with a top speed of 198 mph.
Audi S4 (B9)
A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 coupled with Audi’s superb quattro all-wheel drive proved to be a heady mix in the S4. It delivers 349 horsepower and hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed grazing 160 mph.
The handling is superb, and its understated looks hide a car that’s capable of embarrassing pricier competitors.
BMW M340i
Is it a luxury sedan or a sports car? In truth, the BMW M340i is a bit of both. This six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-liter is an engineering marvel. With 382 horsepower on tap, it’ll rocket from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach 155 mph. Drivers love the way it corners, accelerates, and delivers power so effortlessly.
Jaguar F-Type V6
Good looks are a given with any Jaguar, and the F-Type is a stunner. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 offers the perfect blend of style and performance, producing 380 horsepower, which is enough to launch it from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
The top speed is 161 mph. This luxurious British car reminds everyone that V6 engines can be exciting and elegant at the same time.
Toyota Supra (A90)
When Toyota joined forces with BMW to create the latest Supra, it surprised a lot of folk in the automotive world. But the collaboration’s stunning end result was an even bigger shock, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-pot delivering 382 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds. A limiter restricts top speed to 155 mph, but it’s capable of 163 mph.
Dodge Charger SXT AWD
Talk muscle cars and the Dodge Charger are bound to be mentioned. The V8 version of the Charger is the epitome of muscle, but the SXT AWD variant proves that a V6 has plenty of grunt. Its 3.6-liter Pentastar engine provides 300 horsepower and impressive grip in all conditions thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is 132 mph.
Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400
Technological brilliance makes the Infiniti’s Q60 Red Sport 400 stand out from the crowd. The number on the end of its name hints at how many horses are produced by that 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which delivers all 400 of them via an electronically-controlled seven-speed automatic box with Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching.
The top speed is 155 mph – again proving that luxury and high performance can coexist beautifully in a V6 package.