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19 Jan 2025

End of the VR6 engine 30 years ago

Corrado Club of Great Britain Stand: 5-258

It was confirmed on LinkedIn by Volkswagen communications manager Andreas Schleith, that VW closed the door on the VR6 engine on the 12th December 2024 marking the end of nearly a 34 year reign with 1.87 million units made.

The VR6 was used in many non-VW models, such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Audi TT, SEAT Leon, SEAT Alhambra, and the Skoda Superb. Several cars outside the VW Group also had it: the Ford Galaxy, Mercedes Vito, and even some RVs from Winnebago.

Arguably one of the best sounding engines also served as the foundation for the W12, which died in July when Bentley assembled the last twelve cylinder powerhouse.

For those that don’t know the VR6 was first introduced as a 2.8-litre (AAA) in 1991 in the third-generation Passat and the US sold Corrado coupe. Later in 1994 the 2.9 litre ABV was introduced in Europe. The name VR6 comes from the combination of German words “V-Motor” and “Reihenmotor” meaning “inline engine” referring to the VR-engine having characteristics of both a V-layout and a inline layout.

It stands out from most other V6 engines thanks to its unique layout. Its two banks of cylinders are offset from one another, allowing the engine’s V-angle to be extremely narrow 15° – almost halfway between a V6 and straight-six. This means only a single cylinder head is required, cutting down on manufacturing costs and making it small enough to be mounted transversely.

Being altered and growing over the years to become the R32’s power plant, it reached its performance peak with the 3.6-litre, 295bhp version fitted to the Passat R36 and second-gen Porsche Cayenne.

So we say farewell to the VR sound track, and long live the VR sound track.

Happy 30th Birthday Corrado Storm

As we say goodbye to the VR6 we can look forward to the 30th birthday of the Corrado Storm this year. Heavily researched by club member Kieran we have great insight into the numbers and details of the Storms produced.

Although published as 500 made there was in fact 505 made, with 252 Green and 253 Blue. From data current in 2022 there was still 75 Classic Green and 75 Mystic Blue Storms listed as on the road. Generally, the WA3 or E8R code on the build list distinguished the Corrado Storm, meaning “Edition”, all others could be imposters.

So what’s the difference between a Corrado and a Corrado Storm?

From the sales brochure ‘The limited edition, Corrado Storm now adds a further dimension with an impressive list of luxury features as standard equipment; light alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sony CD player, pearl paint, colour coded grill and subtle ‘Storm’ branding.


The Corrado Storm came with 15” Solitude wheels as standard and only in Classic Green Pearl effect and Mystic Blue Pearl effect paint. The Classic Green coming with light beige leather interior and black leather in the Mystic Blue as standard.

By the way the Blue ones are faster 😉

So, if you’re a Storm owner Happy 30th anniversary, it would be great to see if we can get as many together as possible for the National day at Chatsworth. https://corradoclubgb.co.uk/event/the-national-chatsworth-signature-classic/

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