For a while, it looked like Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine was heading for the history books. Now, the Four Rings are having second thoughts. Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl has revealed that the company is still evaluating the future of the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, suggesting the inline-five could survive into another generation.
That is a pretty significant plot twist considering Audi had previously indicated that the investment needed to make the engine comply with tougher emissions regulations wasn't worth it. 'We're well aware about the historical meaning of the five-cylinder,” Michl told Autocar. “Evaluations are still running,” he added, pointing out that he also has “a personal relationship” with the engine after working on all three generations of the RS3. He described the five-cylinder as “so characteristic” and “deeply rooted in history.”
