Considered dead and buried not too long ago, the inline-six engine is back in vogue with the global auto manufacturers. Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained breaks it down for us.
Many of the greatest engines ever produced have been inline sixes—memorable examples include Jaguar, Nissan, and BMW. But in recent decades the venerable straight six layout has been nearly eclipsed by the V6, in part because its compact footprint is a better fit in the ubiquitous transverse front-wheel drive package so popular with automakers around the world.
Now the venerable inline six is returning to popularity, and one key reason is the development of advanced inline four-cylinder engine families that can easily be expanded to six cylinders. But hold on, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. We’ve got brainy Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained to provide a detailed breakdown of the matter, using the Mercedes-Benz M256 with its integrated starter/alternator (ISG) as an example. Video below.
One good reason is that the industry isn’t developing any new ICE engines because they are throwing all their serious money into EV technology. They can do six cylinder engines off their existing fours and tooling.
This guy drives a Tesla, So has no idea!!
As for driving accesories off the back of the crank,, yeah right. Three year throwaway car.
I have had a little experience with late model MBs. I would sooner have a Kia!!
As for inline 6s,, they have been a staple of passenger cars as well as 4wds forever.
All the b/s he is sprouting is pr speak!
Any discussion of EV or hybrid vehicles is sure to elicit a number of responses like this one. Very predictable. The world is moving on, whether or not we like it. Might as well prepare to deal with that reality.