Heinrich Timm
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Audi took the risky step of replacing the V-8 engine in its sporty S4 and S5 models with a new supercharged V-6 in an effort to boost fuel economy. Sure the six-cylinder mill is lighter and more fuel-efficient but what about the prestige of a V-8, not to mention the smoothness and aural delight? Audi believes its customers, current and future, will favor a smaller engine and will see this trend of downsizing carry over for its next-generation models--but the automaker’s drastic fuel saving strategies don’t end there. Smaller engine displacement isn’t the only avenue Audi is...