Audi Australia expects to sell V8-powered performance models until at least 2029, but new releases will likely continue the trend of engine downsizing as tightening emissions standards clamp down on the global automotive industry.
With its RS line of high-performance luxury vehicles, Audi has never been afraid to fill engine bays with large and exotic engines.
The pursuit of performance culminated in the fitment of a 5.0- to 5.2-litre V10 in the S6, RS6, and S8 models in the late 2000s – an engine shared with Lamborghinis of the era.
The largest engine currently offered by the German marque is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, found in the RS6, RS7 and RSQ8.
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However, regulatory pressures have seen a reduction in the cylinder count and displacement of Audi performance engines across the past decade and a half.
Rival brands have also taken the downsizing route. Mercedes-AMG drew widespread criticism when it replaced the V8 C63 with a four-cylinder hybrid.
Audi Australia product planning manager Peter Strudwicke said the brand won’t rule out a similar move in the future, as manufacturers adjust to the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
“We haven’t been afraid of changing engine configurations in the past,” Mr Strudwicke told CarExpert at the launch of the new Q6 e-tron.
“If you look at our history, the RS4 went from a V8 to a twin-turbo V6 and that stayed an iconic vehicle. We went from a V10 to a V8 in the RS6, and that was really well accepted. It’s really about the overall experience and performance that customers are after.”
There’s still plenty of life left in the Audi V8, though. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will live on in its current form under the bonnet of the RSQ8 SUV for at least another three years, according to Audi Australia Director, Jeff Mannering.
Mr Mannering also pointed out that Audi will incorporate its new mild-hybrid technology – coined MHEV Plus – into future RS models, as a means of improving both efficiency and performance.
“We’ll look at all options because you have to be a little bit more careful now that Australia has moved into the new CO2 regulations,” said Mr Mannering.
“Some people love a V8, some people say you can get more power out of a V6, I’m not sure about a four-cylinder… MHEV Plus helps us with performance and gives some relief on CO2 as well, that’s an important evolution in our performance segments.”
Fully electric models will also play a significant role in the RS mix going forward.
“The most powerful Audi that’s even been built is the new e-tron GT Performance, that’s an icon in itself,” Mr Mannering added.
“In every segment, we want something for everybody. We want to have a BEV, PHEV, and ICE variants in all the different segments.”
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