A V6 is a 6-cylinder engine with two banks of three cylinders arranged in a “V” formation relative to each other. The cylinders house pistons connected to a crankshaft. In the V formation, one crankshaft can power both banks of cylinders from the base of the V. This efficient arrangement allows for compact packaging and reduced weight, both desirable traits in engine design.
The first production car with a V6 was the 1957 Lancia Aurelia B10. The first American production car to use a V6 was the 1962 Buick LeSabre. Today, automakers produce both gasoline and diesel V6 engines.
