Rover KV6 engine

The KV6 automotive engine is a techologically-advanced 24 valve, quad cam V6 engine, available in 2.5 litre or 2.0 litre, built by Powertrain Ltd which is a sister company to MG Rover. It is derived from their four-cylinder K-Series engine.

First introduced into the Rover 800 series with the 1996 facelift, including the flagship Rover Sterling Saloon and Coupe models, it has since also powered the Rover 75 and its sister car, the MG ZT, as well as the Rover 45 and the MG ZS.

The engine was designed and developed by Rover at Longbridge to replace the Honda 2.7l V6 engine which was about to become non-compliant with tightening emissions legislation.The original unit was designed for low volume production but was later redesigned to fit into the smaller Rover 75's bonnet, although performance remained similar.

In 1994 the engine was licenced to Kia Motors who invested in a new plant at the Assan Bay complex to build the engine. This engine was used in several KIA vehicles. Its introduction in Korea shortly followed its use by Rover in the Sterling.