Audi’s five-cylinder engine is dead in Europe. Emissions regulations have made it difficult for the automaker to continue offering it on the continent, but it might have a future there.
In an interview with Autocar, Audi Sport boss Rolf Michl told the publication, “We are open to every possibility” to continue offering the engine when asked about hybridizing the powertrain. “I can tell you we are still thinking in different technological possibilities.”
That likely means Audi is considering turning the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine into a hybrid. According to Autocar's sources, Audi would need to substantially overhaul the engine to meet the new Euro 7 emissions regulations that take effect later this year.
For the rest of us outside of Europe, we don’t have to worry about the five-cylinder's demise. The automaker plans to continue producing the RS3 and RS3 Sportback, Audi’s last models with the inline-five, for markets outside Europe.
Motor1’s Note: Europe's new emissions regulations have been a disaster for certain powertrains, such as Audi's five-cylinder. It’s nice to see the company is thinking of ways to keep it alive, though—we just hope a hybrid system won’t add too much weight and spoil the driving experience.
