In the world of true gearheads and automotive enthusiasts, there has always been a discussion on which type of engine is the best. V8s are amazing, there's no question about that, but more and more manufacturers are replacing big V8s with smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. V6s on the other hand are more economic in terms of fuel consumption, and when paired with a turbocharger or two, they can easily outperform a V8.

Over the years, there have been a lot of examples of incredible V6 turbo engines in performance cars, and we'll go over the 10 turbo V6 engines every gearhead would love to have in their garage.

10 Mercedes-Benz 276.823 3.0 V6 Turbo

The first engine on our list is the 276.823 found in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. It's a 3.0-liter V6 fitted with two IHI turbocharges that makes 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine features an aluminum engine block and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. The Mercedes 276 engine came in three possible variants, with the 3.0-liter V6 being the smallest-displacement version.

This particular engine from Mercedes is considered very reliable under the condition that high-quality parts are used and that it's regularly maintained. The 276 engine version with 362 horsepower was introduced in 2015, and it was found in the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG and other 450-badge cars from this German car giant.

Engine specs

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9 Nissan VR38DETT

Nissan's VR38DETT is one of the most iconic engines ever made, and probably one of the most sought for engines in the automotive world. This turbocharged V6 was originally found in the Nissan GT-R R35, and these engines were exclusively built in Japan by the Takumi craftsmen. Each VR38DETT is hand built, with power outputs ranging from 480 to 600 horsepower.

The VR38DETT engine has a 3.8-liter displacement, and it comes in a 60-degree V-configuration, with a cylinder bore of 88.4 mm and a piston stroke of 95.5 mm. The block and piston heads are made from aluminum, while the crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons are made from forged steel. The engine also includes two IHI RHF55 turbochargers boosted to 13 psi.

Engine specs

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8 Ford 2.7 EcoBoost

Ford's 2.7 EcoBoost engine is one of the most modern engine types that made our list. Just like Nissan's VR38DETT, Ford's 2.7 also comes in a 60-degree V-configuration with two JT4Z-6K682 turbochargers. Ford's turbochargers are set to around 18 psi of boost, which, you'll agree, is pretty impressive for a stock engine configuration. Because of this, and Ford's decision to use hybrid fuel injection, the 2.7 EcoBoost can generate between 313 and 335 horsepower with such a small displacement.

Engine specs

7 Buick 231-CID

The Buick GNX that was fitted with the 231-CID engine was once the fastest production car in the world, and it could easily outrun the likes of Porsche and Ferrari at the time. The 231-CID engine is a 3.8-liter 90-degree V6, and it included a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a ceramic impeller. Buick claimed that the engine made 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque; however, it was soon realized that it actually made more than 300 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. Aside from providing drivers with heaps of power, the 231 engine makes one hell of a noise!

Engine specs

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6 Audi APB 2.7-Liter V6 Twin-Turbo

Audi's APB 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 used to power the S4 B5 model in the US market, and it's one of Audi's most desirable engines. The only version of the 2.7-liter twin-turbo more powerful than the APB is the AGB which was used in the European S4 B5 model. The APB 2.7 V6 has a 90-degree V-angle configuration, and it's able to make 247 horsepower, and 258 pound-feet of torque thanks to the twin parallel BergWarner K-03 turbochargers. The sound the Audi 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 makes will any true enthusiast shiver with joy and excitement.

Engine specs

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5 Alfa-Romeo 690T

The Alfa-Romeo 690T came from Ferrari's F154 V8; however, it was adapted for the Alfa-Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and made into a twin-turbo V6. Two cylinders were cut off, resulting in a 2.9-liter twin-turbo 90-degree V-angle configuration. The 690T can make an impressive 505 horsepower, and 445 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Being that the 690T engine was derived from the Ferrari F154 V8, it's no wonder why it provides so much power and torque to the 4-door sedan, and makes it one of the fastest production sedans today.

Engine specs

RELATED: A Detailed Look At The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio's Engine

4 Jaguar TWR JV6

Jaguar's TWR JV6 engine achieved legendary status, although it wasn't meant to be fitted to Jaguar's XJ220 supercar in the first place. The TWR JV6 wasn't built from the ground up - it was based on the Austin Rover V64V V6 engine, but Jaguar modified it significantly and redesigned it to fit the XJ220's body while meeting emission legislations. The TWR JV6 ended up as a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 monster that put out 542 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, allowing the XJ220 to become the fastest production car in the world for two consecutive years. Its top speed was 212.3 mph.

Engine specs

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3 Chevrolet LB4 4.3-Liter V6 Turbo

Chevrolet's turbocharged LB4 4.3-liter V6 was used in the limited edition GMC Syclone as well as the GMC Typhoon in 1993. It was initially a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V6; however, by adding a Mitsubishi TD06-17C turbocharger alongside a few more internal changes, this engine was able to produce up to 280 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque.

Engine specs

2 Acura JNC1

The JNC1 is a special engine that was designed specifically for the return of the legendary NSX. It includes a unique 75-degree V-angle configuration and is capable of making up to 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque with the help of two single-scroll turbos.

The interesting thing about the JNC1 engine is that every single one is hand-built, and during the break-in procedure, stethoscopes are used to listen to the engine for foreign noises.

Engine specs

1 Hyundai Lambda II T-GDi V6

Although Hyundai created the Lambda II T-GDi V6 engine, its most popular application is in the Kia Stinger. The engine has a 3.3-liter displacement, and a twin-turbo configuration allows the Lambda II engine to make up to 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The Stinger can go from 0 to 60 mph in just above 4.5 seconds, which isn't supercar speed but isn't bad either.

Engine specs