Audi Moves to Superchargers for New V6

As Audi prepares to launch the new-generation S4 and the updated A6
next year, details have started to emerge with regards to its engine.
The S4 won’t go down the same path as its predecessor or the recently introduced S5 in using a V8 engine, but
instead will downsize to a V6.

The
new engine will serve as the successor to the 3.2-liter FSI with
Valvetronic. And though the current engine is still a leader in refinement and
is quite brisk, its 265 horsepower rating is down compared to its newer rivals,
particularly the 3.0-liter BMW twin-turbo straight six and
Mercedes-Benz’s recently updated 3.5-liter V6, which now produces over
300 horsepower (not to mention those from Cadillac, Infiniti and Lexus).

The engine, dubbed 3.0
TFSI, is not quite what it’s made out to be. Although it was predicted that the
new engine would feature twin sequential turbochargers, Audi is
actually moving away from turbo technology. Instead, the engine will be
supercharged.

Using a new Eaton
supercharger, the V6 engine generates 286 horsepower at 4,850
rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. The supercharger is
supplemented by an air-to-air intercooler. These figures will most
likely apply to the engine that will be featured on the A6, rather than the
S4.

The primary reason for Audi’s switch
to superchargers is based on low-end torque, particularly at very low revs; in addition, the supercharged setup is less complex and less
costly to fit than a twin-turbo setup.

Audi’s
move to supercharged engines would also work in a number of other Audi
products, particularly its larger vehicles like the Q7 and the A8.
Expect this engine to debut alongside the updated A6 which is slated to
arrive at this year’s Paris auto show. And the A4, of course.