New 90-degree turbo V6 leads Audi's hybridization blitz

Audi's all-new 3.0-L turbocharged gasoline V6, rated at 354 hp and 369 lb·ft (264 kW and 500 N·m, respectively) debuted recently in the 2018 SQ5 crossover. The V6 is the first engine produced under a new powertrain strategy that sees Audi lead development on V6 engines, handing responsibility for gas V8s to Porsche. Audi retains control of the 3.0-L and 4.0-L TDI diesel engines.

Development of vee engines and fuel cells is concentrated at Audi's Neckarsulm R&D site with 2,500 engineers led by the recently appointed Dr. Franz Bäumel. Speaking to Automotive Engineering at the SQ5 media launch, Bäumel predicted that by 2025, one-third of Audi's fleet would be electrically powered, the balance by ICEs. Beyond that date, the ICE would continue to be developed as it is “the best compromise for power and efficiency,” in addition to hydrogen and gas-powered vehicles.