Cars that get you all hot and bothered

[ScottyB]

Is the engine actually what you're buying with a Porsche?

absolutely. its a huge part of the experience - the sound, powerband, etc. the flat 6 is entirely unique to porsche outside of subaru getting into that world in the late 90's, but nobody does it like Porsche.

people buy vettes because of the V8.
people buy subarus because of the flat 4.
people buy RX7's for the rotary.

imagine how many people would start rioting in the street if BMW decided to move the M3 over to a V6. Not even a different power level, or even a different size, just change the cylinder arrangement...you'd lose an entire generation of enthusiasts.

the effect is exacerbated with any kind of niche car especially. those kinds of things develop a very particular fanbase.