The straight-sixes are coming, brand spanking new straight-sixes are coming. But not from Munich, instead from Stuttgart!

Traditionally, it has been BMW that has been most well known for producing straight-six engines. However, according to some recent reports, BMW might be abandoning their straight six motors in favor of turbo-charged, inline four-cylinder motors and V6s.

Now, according to a European source, Mercedes-Benz will soon start producing straight sixes, possibly in both single and twin-turbo configurations, to replace their thirsty V8 engines. The straight-six motors will be offered in both petrol and diesel configurations, so it seems they are very serious with their plans with these new engines.

While most people associate BMW with straight-six engines, history buffs (like us) will tell you that Mercedes-Benz was among the first companies to ever produce a straight-six engine, 100 years ago with a massive 10-liter motor that produced 75 hp. Mercedes-Benz produced its first diesel straight-six in 1934. Their last petrol straight-six was offered until 1996 in the 300E.

These new straight-six engines should arrive by 2015.

[Source: CAR]

With the passing of the Mazda RX-8 this year, many believe this might be the end of the famous wankel-rotary engine, especially since there is no replacement model in sight.

The rotary engine might be down for now, but don’t count it out just yet, as Mazda is now developing a new rotary engine, with a special new ignition system.

Word from Japan is, that the next generation of rotary engine, which is currently known as 16X Renesis, will use lasers instead of spark plugs. A laser would need a smaller hole on the combustion chamber, which would help in more controlled combustion and hence would improve fuel economy, which has long been the downfall of the rotary motor.

The new engine is said to have grown in size, from 1.3-liters to 1.6-liters, however since it is partly made from aluminum and is physically smaller, it will be lighter and more powerful than the old 13B motor.

Could this mean the return of the RX-7? Here’s hoping.

[Source: Autocar]

It’s not that often you here about new automotive job creation in the United Kingdom these days, but Jaguar is planning to do just that, by building a factory to produce a brand-new V6 engine for its XF and possibly XJ models.

Although in North America, Jaguars are currently only available with a 5.0-liter V8; in Europe, a pair of turbo diesel engines (a 2.2-liter four and 3.0-liter V6) are offered, along with the hoary old 240 horsepower 3.0-liter Ford V6.

Needless to say, given recent fuel price spikes, Jaguar needs an entry-level V6 model for U.S. buyers and this new motor will no doubt fit the bill very well. No specifics are available yet, but it is likely that this engine will be paired with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and crank out somewhere in the region of 300 hp, which will give it equal footing to current V6 offerings from the likes of the German competition, namely Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Whether diesel Jaguars will make it to our shores, remains to be seen, but given the brand’s current status, along with its product mix here, that’s probably unlikely, at least in the short term.

[Source: Car & Driver]