Audi engines: What you should know about Audi engines
Audi AG, headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, is one of the best-known German carmakers. Its model portfolio ranges from compact cars to high-end luxury-class sedans. In addition, SUVs and sporty performance models are offered in different variations.
The engines are just as diverse as Audi’s model range. Modern Audi engines are considered mature and resilient, but older models with TSI or TFSI engines in particular can have problems such as high oil consumption. The timing chain can also become a problem with one Audi engine or another. In addition to TDI diesel engines and petrol engines, Audi also offers models with plug-in hybrids, natural gas engines or electric motors.
According to information from Audi Group management, the existing range of combustion engines is to be further optimised in terms of performance and fuel consumption. However, new developments will no longer be undertaken, according to the manufacturer. In the long term, Audi only wants to offer models with electric drive. Audi petrol engines as well as diesel engines will then be a thing of the past in new vehicles.
Different Audi engines explained in an understandable way
Audi looks back on a long tradition in the development and construction of engines. Whether a gasoline or diesel engine is hidden behind the radiator grille with the four rings is easy to determine from the designation. Frequently, several of the manufacturer’s current models are equipped with the same Audi engines
Audi engines for diesel and petrol:
- TFSI: Audi TFSI engines are petrol engines equipped with a turbocharger. Called Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection, these direct-injection engines are a result of downsizing and are primarily designed to save fuel. TFSI units are installed in numerous Audi models of varying displacement, for example in the Audi A1 Sportback, in the A3 Cabriolet or in the A4 Sedan. At the partner company VW, the TFSI engine is simply called TSI.
- TFSI quattro: Drive units with the designation TFSI quattro are TFSI engines that can transmit their power to all four wheels via the transmission. Due to its high torque, this TFSI engine can be combined with a long ratio gearbox, which also reduces fuel consumption. The TFSI quattro engines are installed in the RS 3 Sportback, the A4 Avant or the A4 allroad quattro, depending on the model with different displacement.
- TDI: Audi TDI engines are diesel engines with direct injection. Marketed as Turbocharged Direct Injection, the units have a turbocharger and inherently high torque. Thanks to their special design, TDI engines reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the same power output. Audi engines with the TDI designation can be found, for example, in the A5 Cabriolet, in the A6 Sedan or in the A7 Sportback.
- TDI quattro: The Audi TDI quattro is the all-wheel drive counterpart to the normal TDI engine. Depending on the equipment and model, the diesel engine with low fuel consumption is installed in the A5 Coupé, in the S6 Sedan or in the S7 Sportback with Tiptronic transmission.
- V10 Performance: Audi’s V10 engine features 10 cylinders in a V arrangement. This naturally aspirated, high-output engine is currently series in the Audi R8 Coupé and R8 Spyder with rear-wheel drive or as a Quattro variant.
Alternative powertrains from Audi:
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- TFSI e: Audi engines of the TFSI e type are installed in the manufacturer’s hybrid models. Audi couples a TFSI engine with an electric motor, which reduces fuel consumption. This type of engine is used, for example, in the A3 Sportback TFSI e or in the Q3 TFSI e.
- TFSI e quattro: The TFSI e quattro is installed as a hybrid power unit with all-wheel drive in the Audi Q7 TFSI e or in the Audi A7 Sportback TFSI e.
- Audi g-tron: Under the designation g-tron, Audi carries engines for every vehicle with natural gas drive. This engine type is available, for example, for the Audi A3 Sportback or also the A4 Avant.
- Audi e-tron: Electric drives bear the name E-Tron at Audi. The advanced e-machines are available with different power outputs. They are installed in the Audi e-tron, the Q4 e-tron or also in the RS e-tron GT as a single motor or Quattro drive.
The 10 best-known modern Audi engines.
- 25 TFSI: 1 litre 3 cylinder turbo in-line petrol engine with 95 hp.
- 35 TFSI: petrol engine with 1.5 litres displacement from 4 cylinders with 150 hp.
- 55 TFSI quattro: 6-cylinder 3.0L direct injection engine with turbo and 340 hp.
- 4.0 TFSI quattro: 4.0L V8 engine which produces 600 hp with turbocharger.
- 40 TFSI e: Hybrid engine with 1.4L 4-cylinder and 204 hp system power.
- 55 TFSI e quattro: 367 hp all-wheel drive hybrid with 2.0L 4-cylinder and e-motor.
- 30 TDI: Four-cylinder turbodiesel with 2.0L displacement and 116 hp.
- 55 TDI quattro: 3.0L V6 all-wheel drive diesel with turbocharging and 350 hp.
- V10 quattro: 5.2L FSI engine with 10 cylinders and 620 hp.
- E-Tron 40: All-electric engine with 150 kW power.
How to buy the right Audi engine.
Especially older engines with high mileage sometimes cause problems at Audi. Due to wear, certain TFSI petrol engines consume a lot of oil or attract negative attention due to a rattling of the timing chain. If the engine in the car is defective, it is a good idea to install a used replacement engine. This is sometimes cheaper than repairing the damaged engine again.
When replacing the engine, it is important that all parts fit the vehicle exactly. One of the most common questions when replacing an engine is therefore how best to find a suitable used engine. Online portals such as autoparts24.eu allow a simple and quick search for the fitting part from car recycling in numerous categories. After entering the vehicle manufacturer and model, or the manufacturer code number and type code number from the vehicle registration document, the matching items are clearly listed.
To ensure that you are dealing with the right unit, you should compare data such as the original number of the engine. The information about the engine type and the engine designation should also be compared. Since many Audi engines were also installed identically at Volkswagen, a TSI from a VW will sometimes fit instead of a TFSI engine. Replacing Audi engines requires specialist knowledge and accessories such as an engine crane and special tools.