Next-gen Audi RS6 to drop V10 in favor of V8?
2009 Audi RS6 - Click above for high-res gallery
The next generation Audi A6 is expected to debut early in 2010 and that means a new performance S6 and super-performance RS6 will likely follow a couple of years later. As improved efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions take hold in the early years of the next decade, that almost certainly means the S6/RS6 will follow the trend of this year's new S4 and down-size its powerplant.
The larger RS6 is currently propelled by a twin turbocharged 5.2-liter V10. The V10 which is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo (in normally aspirated form) will likely give way to a smaller, boosted V8 that should be lighter and more compact. In all likelihood, the smaller engine won't result in a reduction in performance and will probably be in the 4.0-4.5-liter range with either supercharger, turbos or perhaps both. Recent rumors have indicated that the next M5 will follow the same path taking on the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X6 M.
Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6
[Source: Autoblog.nl]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JeremiahBWhite 10:31AM (9/24/2009)
I'd really like to have both engines available, but I guess the V8 will be fine. After all, that block from the X6 is a beast. This is still gotta be my favorite sleeper.
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Dr. Greenthumb 11:24AM (9/24/2009)
Look at all of the turmoil caused by a simple "outdated" pushrod motor. Those pressurized LS motors still gives you more bang for the buck. Can't wait for GM to add DI to the LS line. More powerful, more efficient in a smaller, lighter package. Damn pushrods.
CarNut 10:40AM (9/24/2009)
It's funny to hear people complain about engine downsizing in other posts (not yours Jeremiah), when in reality they often get more power/torque in a lighter package that also results in better handling, performance, and better gas mileage.
Not that I'll ever own a RS6 like this, but it makes me happy for sure!
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zamafir 11:57AM (9/24/2009)
Well. If any post qualified for a lament, this is the one. Go drive an RS6 and get back to me, it's spectacular and rediculously entertaining and moderatly frightening.
I’m all for the move towards the 3.0Tupercharged in the S4, but this thing is a really entertaining engine and it just never stops pulling until you’ve run out of room because some crap box 90s’ 3 series pulled in front of you with a caravan behind it.
I have no doubt the next RS6 will be faster, I’ll just miss the utter insanity of a bi turbo Gallardo engine sitting in the front of a wagon.
JeremiahBWhite 11:58AM (9/24/2009)
Definitely agree with you. I think it will make the car a much better package overall. Still love the idea of being able to brag about a V10 under the hood though.
Redline 1:46PM (9/24/2009)
I am of the opinion that a V10 in the RS6 and M5 was a bit overkill. Boosted V8 should do the job just fine.
Infra 4:11PM (9/24/2009)
Anyone else remember the prototype R8's with the turbo v10 in it that kept bursting into flames?
zamafir 10:30PM (9/24/2009)
yup and the RS6 i drove last month which.... didn't.
mk15 10:40AM (9/24/2009)
As long as it is entertaining to drive and still has plenty of power on tap, why not? A sporty car isn't all about horsepower anyway.
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Patrick 10:44AM (9/24/2009)
I agree. And if you've driven an RS4, which has the same engine as the "base" R8, gearheads would have nothing to complain about a torquey V8 that also likes to rev. The RS6 sounds like it will have FI, so even better.
Visnick 10:44AM (9/24/2009)
Go twin turbo V8 like the old RS6!
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Mr.TiredOfEconomicDownturn 2:54PM (9/24/2009)
I dunno, I quite like this RS6 because it has a FRIGGIN' LAMBO ENGINE!
Solstice 11:02AM (9/24/2009)
Both? Twincharging? Seriously? Quick, someone name the last successful and profitable twincharged-off-the-showroom-floor production car in history.
Yeah, that's what I thought. A TT V8 will do nicely, thanks.
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TigerMil 11:22AM (9/24/2009)
S4 2.7 twin turbo comes to mind.
so does the old supra twin turbo L6.
The real problem with the V10 was/is the expense relative to the V8 4.2.
Who needs a 5.2 V10 with only 450 hp when there's a V8 4.2 with 420 hp?
And a twin turbo 4.2 V8 with variable exhaust vanes could easily got to 500-600hp on the street with appropriate torque. 750-800 on the track. Not that the trans could hold it, which brings up another issue with the ZF trans in the audis. Dual clutch anyone?
sparrk 11:45AM (9/24/2009)
VW Golf, VW Polo with this engine
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/vw-1-4-liter-twincharger-wins-2009-international-engine-of-the-y/
why not the LS2LS7? 1:08PM (9/24/2009)
I'm with you Solstice. The VW will pass by (despite awards for technical achievement) like their 5V/cyl engines did.
Putting a supercharger and a turbocharger on the same engine seems to be a solution waiting for a problem at this moment. I'm not even why VW made it, every other time that I know that the two have been combined was strictly to overcome arbitrary displacement limits. In this case, VW just reduced the engine size of their own accord and added on this complexity for what reason I'm not sure. The minor fuel efficiency gains it produces could probably have been duplicated in a slightly higher displacement motor with the same power output.
tegdesign 10:47AM (9/24/2009)
Looks a bit dull in comparison to the A5 Sportback. Sedans with their illogical vestigial "trunks" are just so 2008. It just puts my eyes to sleep. Zzzzzz Zzzzzzz... Still, I'd love to drive one.
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btyler227 10:51AM (9/24/2009)
Give me the next M5 anyday!
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Vision7 10:57AM (9/24/2009)
I know VW/Audi has experience with a twin-charger setup and if Audi really wants to emphasize "Vorsprung durch Technik" in this segment it may be a wise move. Downsizing the motor from a V-10 to a more compact V-8 can leave enough room necessary to fit what could be a very innovative system.
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Andrew 11:11AM (9/24/2009)
I love Audi to death, but how about dropping some weight?
That prototype A/S5 is down 800lbs. Imagine what that could do to the RS6!
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