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Richard Lane caused a bit of a stir recently by claiming there had never been a truly great V6. John Simister challenges him to defend that viewpoint

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It's more versatile than a V8 yet more interesting than an inline four and has the potential for colossal outputs. These are just some of the reasons why the V6 - humble or exotic, depending on where it's found-has propelled a wider range of cars than any other engine. But has there ever been a truly great one? Let the debate begin...

RL This debate was precipitated by a facetious remark I made in our Ferrari 296 GTB road test, which was that there had never before been a truly great V6. Look, I would never say anything that I didn't at some core level believe, but I accept that it was a touch incendiary. And when associate editor Piers Ward suggested that I qualify my comment through the medium of debate with none other than John Simister... well, if it isn't the consequences of one's actions.

But there's no going back now, so let's consider. The great V12s need no introduction. Ferrari's Colombo is the most revered, but I'm keen to keep our parameters quite modern, and even then there's no shortage of talent. Maranello's current V12 is blindingly good: aristocratically smooth, richly detailed and so fullbodied. Every car lover should try to experience one. Both pre- and post-2010 Lamborghini V12s are also unbelievably evocative. And, having heard it, I'm confident the Cosworth screamer in GMA's T50 will be considered a great.

The V10? It's not so common but, more often than not, what exists is exceptional. Some don't go off that spectacularly (hello, E60 BMW M5), but with the right exhaust tuning almost any V10 can be made to put your neck hairs on end. Think Lexus LFA, Porsche Carrera GT, Lamborghini Huracán Performante. This configuration is less interesting than the V12 but more responsive, more violent and probably just a bit more fun-loving.