Audi on Friday revealed the long-awaited and much-rumored specs of its upcoming 3.0-liter V6 engine, which will power the upcoming A6 and high-performance S4 in an upgraded trim. In a departure from its current range of engines, the 3.0 TFSI V6 will use a supercharger to help it develop 290 horsepower at about 5,000rpm. Like the current engines, however, the torque peak will be more of a plateau, with the engine delivering 310lb-ft between 2,500 and 4,850rpm.
The engine’s Roots-type blower will fit into the space between the cylinder banks, where it replaces the intake manifold and helps to keep packaging to a minimum. It will provide up to 11.6 psi of boost, at least for use in the A6, with the S4 expected to get a higher-horsepower version of the engine, according to Carscoop. Audi has not revealed what that number may be, but previous rumors pegged output at about 330 horsepower.
The engine will also feature direct fuel injection, a technology that is becoming more commonplace due to its efficiency in fuel use. Especially useful in forced induction engines, it helps to cool the cylinder charge, enabling higher compression ratios. It should help to offset the higher fuel consumption inherent to supercharged engines, as the blowers are constantly driven by the crankshaft via an accessory belt, unlike a turbocharger, which is spun up by exhaust gases.
Still, Audi claims extensive testing revealed the supercharger was a better solution for its new engine and promises combined fuel consumption in the 24 mpg range in all models it will be used in. Whether or not Audi will use a clutch to disengage the supercharger under cruising conditions like the one used on certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles is unknown, but also unlikely.
The 3.0TFSI is due to debut at the Paris auto show this October.
