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Is there a 2.4 V6 engine?

Yes. While relatively uncommon, several manufacturers have built 2.4-liter V6 engines for road cars and marine use. Notable examples include Ferrari’s Dino 2.4 V6 used in the 246 series and Lancia Stratos, Mercedes-Benz’s M112 E24 in late-1990s C- and E-Class models, and Audi’s 2.4 V6 used in the A4/A6. Today, most 2.4-liter engines are inline-fours, not V6s, due to cost, emissions, and market trends.

What qualifies as a 2.4 V6—and why you don’t see many

A 2.4 V6 is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a “V” with a total displacement of roughly 2.4 liters (typically between 2,390 and 2,420 cc). This size is rare because carmakers often targeted 2.0- and 2.5-liter tax and regulatory brackets in key markets, making 2.4 liters an awkward middle ground. Engineering trade-offs (cost, complexity, and power density versus similarly sized inline-fours) further limited demand.

Notable automotive 2.4‑liter V6 engines

The following list highlights well-documented 2.4-liter V6 engines used in production road cars, along with the models and eras in which they appeared.

  • Ferrari/Lancia/Fiat “Dino” 2.4 V6 (2418 cc): Used in the Ferrari Dino 246 GT/GTS (1969–1974), Fiat Dino 2400 (1969–1973), and Lancia Stratos HF (1973–1978). The 65-degree DOHC V6 produced roughly 190–195 PS in road trim and significantly more in competition versions of the Stratos.
  • Mercedes‑Benz M112 E24 (2398 cc): Offered in select markets in the W202 C240 (1997–2000) and W210 E240 (1997–2002). This 90-degree aluminum V6 features single overhead cams with three valves per cylinder and twin-spark ignition, typically rated around 125 kW (170 PS) and 230–240 Nm.
  • Audi 2.4 V6 30V (2393 cc; engine codes including ALF/AML/BDV): Fitted to late‑1990s and early‑2000s A4/A6 variants, commonly quoted at 121–125 kW (165–170 PS) with a five‑valves‑per‑cylinder layout.

Taken together, these examples show that 2.4-liter V6 engines have existed across several decades and brands, even if they were never the mainstream choice in their lineups.

Marine and powersports examples

Beyond cars, 2.4-liter V6 engines were popular in high-performance outboard motors, where light weight and high specific output are prized.

  • Mercury Marine 2.4L V6 two‑stroke outboards: Sold in the late 1970s through the 1980s (e.g., “Black Max,” Laser 220), these 2.4-liter V6s delivered roughly 200–225 hp in stock form and became staples in performance boating.

In marine applications, the 2.4-liter V6 struck a sweet spot between power and weight, which helps explain its broader acceptance on the water than on the road.

What you’re likely to find today

Modern passenger vehicles rarely use 2.4-liter V6s. Automakers now favor efficient 2.0–2.5-liter inline-fours—often turbocharged—for the same output a small V6 once delivered, with lower cost and emissions. Current examples include 2.4-liter turbocharged inline‑fours such as Toyota’s T24A‑FTS (found in models like the Grand Highlander and some Lexus variants) and Subaru’s FA24 (used in the Ascent and other models). Contemporary V6 engines typically start closer to 2.5–3.0 liters.

FAQ: Is a 2.4 V6 the same as a 2.4 inline‑four?

No. They share displacement but differ in layout and character. A V6 has six cylinders in two banks, generally offering smoother operation and more torque potential than a same‑size inline‑four, but with higher cost and complexity. Today’s turbocharged 2.4-liter inline‑fours often match or exceed the output of older small V6s while meeting stricter emissions targets.

Summary

There is such a thing as a 2.4 V6 engine—most famously Ferrari’s Dino 2.4, Mercedes‑Benz’s M112 E24, and Audi’s 2.4 V6 from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The configuration also flourished in performance outboard motors. However, it remains a niche displacement for V6s, and modern vehicles typically achieve similar or better results with 2.0–2.5-liter turbocharged inline‑fours, leaving the 2.4-liter V6 as an interesting, if uncommon, chapter in engine history.

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