Audi has already revealed that its next S4 sedan will be powered by a supercharged 3.0L V6, but a new report finds the S4 will not be the only A4-variant to use the blown engine. Sources inside Audi have revealed that the M3-rivaling RS4 will also use the supercharged mill.
The engineering mole failed to reveal the RS4’s horsepower rating, but did confirm with Car Magazine that the powerplant will essentially be the same engine used in the S4. Audi has yet to announce output figures for the S4, but it is widely believed that it will hit the market with at least 330 horsepower. Therefore, look for the RS4 to be pushing about 400-420 horsepower, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see a final figure closer to 450.
Although the RS4’s main competitors now use V8s, the insider isn’t worried about market acceptance. After all, the original RS4 used a forced induction V6 and the most resent RS4 actually sparked the jump to V8s. “They [ BMW , Mercedes, Lexus ] have followed, but now we will go back,†the source told Car.
The supercharged V6 should offer V8 levels of torque but return much better fuel economy.
The next RS4 is also slated to get Audi ’s dual-clutch seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.
Despite the S4’s and RS4’s jump to supercharged V6s, don’t look for the S5 to make similar changes. According to Audi sources, the V8 actually better suits the car’s luxury image. In that same vein, the S5 will continue to be offered with a standard slush box rather than the sportier S-tronic unit.
Finally, Car’s report speculates that Audi’s A3 line is set to expand, with the inclusion of a Q3 which will be based on the Cross Coupe Quattro concept.
