Stricter emission standards and punitive, displacement-based taxes in major markets will see the next generation of RS cars from Audi Sport go the engine downsizing route.
It means the naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 in cars like the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 will go the way of the dodo. In its place will be the new twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 that debuts in the 2017 Porsche Panamera 4S, according to Autocar.
The Volkswagen Group engine will reportedly see duty in the next-generation RS 4 and RS 5 as well as a new RS Q5 and even the R8 supercar. In the Audi Sport flagship the engine will do duty in a new R8 V6 model sitting alongside the existing R8 V10 model powered by a 5.2-liter V-10.
2013 Audi RS 5
In the Panamera 4S, the twin-turbo V-6 delivers 440 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It’s possible we see higher numbers for the Audi Sport models considering the outgoing 4.2-liter V-8 has 450 hp on tap, albeit coupled with a lower 317 lb-ft of torque. Over 500 horses is said to be possible.
The twin-turbo V-6 is related to a single turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that debuted in the new Audi S4. This engine has 354 hp and 369 lb-ft and like the twin-turbo unit will see duty in a variety of VW Group products.
The timing of the new Audi Sport cars isn’t clear. However, a leaked product roadmap suggests the new RS 5 and R8 V6 will reach the United States in calendar year 2018.
