As you have probably heard by now, VW had unveiled the 24-valve version of their great 2.8 VR6 engine. The new engine makes 204-hp and is slated for European Golf GTI and Bora models. It doesn't look like they will offer it in the U.S. yet on the upcoming Jetta IV. That car comes with an improved version of the current 12-valve VR6 engine (174 hp, more torque). <p>I guess there is a marketing dilemma with putting the superior new VR6 engine in the less expensive model of the VW/Audi family. This is a shame since a lot of car magazines have found the 172-bhp 12-valve VR6 engine to be superior to the Audi 30v V6 engine in low-end response. Is there a space problem with Audi sticking the improved VR6 engine in the A4 or A6?

It may not make it into the upper Audi models (A4, A6, A8) since the VR6 is designed to be a transverse engine, and the All the Audis other than the A3 & TT use Longitudinal mounted engines.<p>Christian

<br>A 12 cylinder Audi, now we're talking!!!!

I heard somebody say that the VR6 was designed to be mounted transversaly, but that Quattro requires a longitudinally mounted engine.<p>More gossip: Audi developed their very successful 5 cylinders because they needed a SHORTER longitudinal engine with more than 4 cylinders in their upscale models (and a 6 cylinders would not fit). Believe it or not...

<br>I don't expect to see the VR6 in an Audi, but I also don't see why an engine can only be mounted longitudinally or transversally - not both.<p>The VR6 is a good engine, but so are the Audi engines. I don't see enough motivation to switch over. Another interesting question is whether the VR6 might get the 5V technology?<p>Todd W

The 15' VR6 with the single head and two cams was already tight... not to mention the odd port sizing /configurations - probably necessary to ballance the harmonics between the forward cylinders and the rear ones. Anyway, I bet this one will scream! The VR6 is absolutely the sweetest sounding V6 out there. The A4 30v'er is good but I still miss my modified Vento/Jetta VR6 "dragster." Wasted MANY much more expensive cars with this setup - just don't throw it into high speed turns ;) <br>A4's/328's - no problem, M3's - don't mess with M3's. Happy driving.<p>98.5 A4QMS2.8 Avant "grocery getter"