In this modern world where batteries are pushing cars forward, many enthusiasts still appreciate good, ol’ fashioned engines. A lot goes into engineering a pulsing, roaring, mechanical marvel that transforms mere metal and fuel into motion and emotion. Every internal combustion car has one, but not every car has a great one.
Since the 1900s, the four rings of Audi have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Even though the most powerful Audi is now an electric sedan, the brand has made incredible engines, taking it from the rally stages of Group B to the autobahn. These engines are built with purpose, and carry out their duty without grumbling. That said, some are more significant than others. Here are ten of the best Audi engines over the years.
CarBuzz curated this list of the best Audi engines using information that has been sourced from the manufacturer. We’ve only featured engines used in production cars (current and discontinued), and they are in no particular order.
1 2.1-liter Turbocharged Inline-5
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
2.1 liters
Configuration
Inline five-cylinder turbo
Horsepower | Torque
302 hp | 258 lb-ft (Audi Sport Quattro)
Years
1984-1991
Noteworthy Applications
Audi S1 Pikes Peak, Audi RS2, Audi Quattro
Kicking off our list is perhaps Audi’s most significant engine. The 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five engine helped Audi’s rally dominance in the 1980s, sending the Audi S1 to victory at Pikes Peak international hill climb and powering the iconic Audi Sport Quattro which carved its name into motorsport history. This engine’s distinctive five-cylinder growl became an intoxicating symphony for a generation of car enthusiasts, its brawny performance leaving competitors in the dust.
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2 2.7-liter Twin-Turbocharged V6
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
2.7 liters
Configuration
Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower | Torque
375 hp | 325 lb-ft
Years
1999-2001
Noteworthy Applications
Audi B5 RS4
Shortly after rally success, Audi turned the automotive world on its head in the late 90s with the 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6. This mighty mill, nestled in the B5 RS4, transformed the family wagon into a sports car slayer.
This engine was the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing, ready to provoke unsuspecting rivals at a moment’s notice. It laid the foundation for Audi’s reputation for producing fast wagons and resulted in the ultimate sleeper car (if it wasn’t for the striking Imola Yellow paintwork). This engine was manufactured by Cosworth Technology and featured dual BorgWwarner K04-series turbochargers.
3 4.2-liter V8
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
4.2 liters
Configuration
V8
Horsepower | Torque
414 hp | 317 lb-ft (R8)
Years
2005-2011
Noteworthy Applications
Audi B7 RS4, Audi R8
In 2005, Audi engineered the Swiss army knife of engines with the 4.2-liter V8. Used in future generations of the RS4, this engine found a second home in the first-generation Audi R8 – the brand’s attempt to compete with the best supercars in the world. Its ability to suit both luxury fast wagons and mid-engine supercars speaks volumes about its versatile performance characteristics.
4 5.2-liter V10
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
5.2 liters
Configuration
V10
Horsepower | Torque
602 hp | 413 lb-ft (2023 R8)
Years
2009-2023
Noteworthy Applications
Audi R8, Audi S6, Audi RS6
While the 4.2-liter V8 was a mighty engine, the Audi R8 deserved more. Audi graced the sports coupe with a Lamborghini engine – the unforgiving 5.2L V10. This transformed an expensive sports car into an affordable supercar. Combining the straight line speed of the Lamborghini engine with Quattro, one of the best all-wheel-drive systems ever, made the Audi R8 the perfect daily supercar. Better be quick to buy one, because there are only 21 brand new R8 supercars left for sale.
5 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-5
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
2.5 liters
Configuration
Turbocharged Inline-5
Horsepower | Torque
401 hp | 369 lb-ft (RS3)
Years
2009-Present
Noteworthy Applications
Audi TT RS, Audi RS3
Audi’s inline-five legacy continues with the modern 2.5L turbocharged engine, a nod to the brand’s rallying past while embracing cutting-edge technology. Found in the latest RS3 and TT RS models, this engine offers supercar performance in compact packages, and has the most ‘engine of the year’ titles to its name. Plus, it retains that characteristic five-cylinder burble that enthusiasts adore.
6 4.0-liter Bi-Turbo V8
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
4 liters
Configuration
Bi-Turbo V8
Horsepower | Torque
621 hp | 627 lb-ft
Years
2012-Present
Noteworthy Applications
Audi RS6 Avant
If you thought the days of the muscle wagon were over, Audi’s 4.0L bi-turbo V8 begs to differ. Powering the latest RS6 Avant, this engine turns the family wagon into a ballistic missile on wheels. It’s the heart of what might be the ultimate daily driver – a car that can take the kids to school and then set blistering lap records at the Nürburgring. This engine proves that practicality and face-melting performance can coexist in glorious harmony.
7 3.0-liter TFSI Supercharged V6
Bring A Trailer
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
3 liters
Configuration
Supercharged V6
Horsepower | Torque
329 hp | 325 lb-ft (B8 S4)
Years
2009-2016
Noteworthy Applications
Audi S4, Audi A7, Audi Q7
As proven above, balance is key. This supercharged V6 offers just that – a perfect blend of performance and efficiency, providing ample power for a variety of popular Audi models. Its broad power band and responsive nature made it a favorite among drivers who appreciate a well-rounded engine with the bonus of a whining supercharger.
8 2.0-liter TFSI Turbocharged Inline-4
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
2 liters
Configuration
Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower | Torque
261 hp | 273 lb-ft (Q5 45 TFSI)
Years
2005-Present
Noteworthy Applications
Audi A3, Audi Q5, Audi TT
This little engine is the backbone of the German automaker’s lineup. It’s not the most powerful Audi engine, but the four-cylinder powertrain has massive tuning potential, which means it can be tweaked for use in many models across the range. Though 201 hp is a lot for a small A3, it doesn’t seem like much for a heavy Q5, but this economical engine delivers plenty of poke to serve every vehicle it drives. The same engine is tuned to produce 261 hp in certain models such as the Q5 45 TFSI.
9 6.0-liter W12
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
6.0L
Configuration
W12
Horsepower | Torque
493 hp | 463 lb-ft (D4 A8 L 6.3)
Applicable car
Audi A8 L
Years
2001-2024
Noteworthy Applications
Audi A8, Audi A8 L
When Audi decided to compete in the ultra-luxury segment, they needed something special. Enter the 6.0L W12 engine, a mechanical marvel that redefined smoothness and refinement. This unique configuration, essentially two V6 engines merged together, gives the A8 an effortless power delivery fitting for a flagship luxury sedan.
It doesn’t shout about it, either – it whispers seductively, propelling the car forward with the grace of a ballet dancer and the strength of a weightlifter.
10 6.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V12 Diesel
Audi
Engine Performance Specs
Displacement
6.0 liters
Configuration
Turbocharged V12 Diesel
Horsepower | Torque
493 hp | 737 lb-ft
Year
2002-2012
Noteworthy Applications
Audi Q7
Last, but certainly not least, we have the ridiculous 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 diesel. This engine was only in production for a short time, probably because nobody needed it. Primarily found in Q7, it was all about earth-moving torque, turning a large SUV into a vehicle that could outpace many sports cars while towing a boat!
Despite being excessive, this V12 made its point as a bold statement of power and capability that left no doubt about Audi’s position at the forefront of engine technology.
Sources:
Audi