Tech & Auto
What Made the Pontiac Straight-Six So Ahead Of Its Time?
By JOE CAPRARO
Pontiac released its first car in 1926, dubbed the "Six," after the inline six-cylinder engine. By 1932, it was upgraded to a 65 horsepower 200.4 cubic inch straight-six engine.
By 1949, the straight-six was transformed into a 93 horsepower 239.2 cubic inch engine that could produce 178 lb-ft of torque.
Its horsepower wasn't tremendous compared to modern engines, but at just 1,200 rpm, the torque output exceeded that of the 3.0 liter V6 that Ford used in some early '90s models.
Pontiac has since been discontinued, but the inline six format is still popular among automakers today for its simplicity, reliability, and balance.