In 2012, the naturally aspirated straight-six engine had had its day. That’s all motor – as in no turbochargers and no hybrid tech: just six free-breathing cylinders in a row, making things go. Still, despite its rapidly dwindling popularity, the 2012 model year presented North American shoppers with at least a half-dozen choices when it came to straight-six engines untouched by boost or electricity. These all came from just two automakers: BMW and Volvo, and they were seen under the hoods of cars like the 3 Series and XC90 of the era.
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