For many drivers, even before there were hybrids and modern battery-electric powertrains, the V6 engine represented the powertrain sweet spot between the raspy four-banger and the powerful but thirsty V8. Anyone who has admired V6 versatility is likely familiar with Nissan’s VQ engine family, which was introduced in Japan in 1994 about the same time that the fourth-generation 1995 Nissan Maxima full-size sedan arrived in the US and launched a V6 dynasty.
Â