Next-gen Audi RS4 ditching V8 for turbo-six

The next-generation Audi RS4 will ditch its high-revving naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 for a downsized turbocharged engine.

This comes as no surprise as rivals such as the BMW M3, as well as the upcoming Mercedes C63 AMG, have both gone the force induction route, thanks to ever stricter emission standards. That leaves the Lexus RC F as the only naturally aspirated V8-powered vehicle in the class.

The new turbocharged six-cylinder engine is expected to be more powerful than the current V8, which delivers 331kW and 430Nm of torque. Head of Audi’s Quattro GmbH, Heinz Hollerweger, has also confirmed that like the current model, the next-generation RS4 will come as an Avant station wagon.