The inline 6 cylinder engine has long been admired for its smoothness, balance, and durability. Unlike a V6, the straight six is inherently balanced, giving it a silky character that drivers immediately notice. Over the decades, it has powered everything from luxury sedans to muscle cars, from rugged off roaders to high performance sports machines. Some became household names in the tuning world, others earned their reputation for sheer reliability, and a few achieved both. Here are eight of the most legendary inline sixes of all time, with their production years, the vehicles they powered, and the reputations they still hold today.
Toyota 2JZ GTE
Built from 1991 to 2002, the 2JZ GTE is perhaps the most famous inline six ever produced. It powered the MKIV Toyota Supra, a car that became a performance icon both in Japan and abroad. With 3.0 liters of displacement, twin sequential turbos, and an official output of 276 horsepower in Japan and 320 in the US, it was formidable even in stock form. What made the 2JZ legendary was its iron block and massively overbuilt internals. Tuners found it could reliably handle 800, 900, or even 1,000 horsepower with relative ease. Today, the 2JZ remains one of the most desirable engines for swaps and continues to command premium prices in the aftermarket.
Nissan RB26DETT
Produced between 1989 and 2002, the RB26DETT was Nissan’s weapon for the Skyline GT R. Displacing 2.6 liters and equipped with twin turbos, it was officially rated at 276 horsepower due to Japan’s gentlemen’s agreement. In reality, most engines produced well over 300 horsepower in stock trim. The RB26 was famous for its high revving nature, motorsport pedigree in Group A racing, and endless tuning potential. Skylines powered by the RB26 dominated touring car championships in the 1990s. Today, the RB26 is revered alongside the 2JZ, and original GT Rs that carry it have skyrocketed in value.
BMW M88 and S38
BMW’s M88 appeared in 1978 in the BMW M1 supercar and later in the first generation M5. With a 3.5 liter displacement and outputs ranging from 277 to 286 horsepower, it was essentially a race derived inline six for the road. Its successor, the S38, carried the torch through the 1980s and 1990s, powering the E28 and E34 M5. Both engines are considered engineering masterpieces, delivering smooth power delivery and a spine tingling soundtrack. Collectors and BMW enthusiasts continue to regard the M88 and S38 as some of the finest engines BMW ever built, with cars powered by them commanding serious premiums.
Jaguar XK Straight Six
Jaguar introduced the XK engine in 1949 and kept it in production for over three decades, powering cars until the early 1980s. It came in displacements ranging from 3.4 to 4.2 liters and produced between 160 and 265 horsepower depending on the application. It powered legendary models like the XK120, which was the fastest production car in the world at its debut, as well as the E Type, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The XK engine gave Jaguar a reputation for performance and refinement, and today cars powered by it are highly collectible, with E Types commanding six figure values.
Mercedes Benz M110 Inline Six
In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes built the M110, a dual overhead cam 2.8 liter straight six that produced up to 185 horsepower. It powered models like the W123 sedans and coupes, the S Class of the W116 series, and even some SLs. While not a high performance engine like the Japanese turbos or BMW’s M motors, the M110 was known for its indestructibility, smooth operation, and effortless highway cruising. Many examples still run reliably after hundreds of thousands of miles, giving it a reputation as one of Mercedes’ most durable engines.
Chrysler Slant 6
Introduced in 1960 and produced until the late 1980s, Chrysler’s Slant 6 was not about outright performance but about longevity. Available in displacements of 170, 198, and 225 cubic inches, the engine got its name from the 30 degree angle at which the cylinders were slanted. It powered everything from Dodge Darts and Plymouth Valiants to Dodge trucks. The Slant 6 was famous for its ability to run almost forever, often outlasting the cars themselves. For decades it was the workhorse of Mopar’s lineup, and many are still on the road today.
Ford Barra Inline Six
Built in Australia from the early 2000s until 2016, the Ford Barra inline six became a cult hero. In turbocharged 4.0 liter form, it produced up to 436 horsepower from the factory in the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo. With a cast iron block and robust internals, the Barra could take extreme amounts of boost, with tuners easily extracting 800 or more horsepower. Its blend of durability and tunability earned it comparisons to the Toyota 2JZ, and today it remains one of the most celebrated engines in Australian automotive history.
Jeep 4.0 Inline Six
Developed from AMC’s earlier designs, the Jeep 4.0 was produced from 1986 until 2006. With a 4.0 liter displacement and output around 190 horsepower, it was never about high performance numbers. Instead, it offered excellent torque, rugged construction, and bulletproof reliability. It powered vehicles like the Cherokee, Wrangler, and Grand Cherokee, becoming a favorite of off road enthusiasts. Even today, the Jeep 4.0 is remembered as one of the toughest engines ever built, capable of running for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal care.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
