Audi is proving that the era of internal combustion engines (ICE) is not yet over in Ingolstadt, despite a surge in electric vehicle launches. With the company celebrating the 40th year of its performance division, now known as Audi Sport GmbH (formerly Quattro GmbH up to 2016), it is preparing a lineup of petrol-driven high-performance vehicles that promise to stir the souls of car enthusiasts.
In a detailed conversation, Audi's design chief Marc Lichte shed light on the future trajectory for their high-performance RS models. His revelations point to a narrowed focus on two primary platforms for upcoming vehicles: the electric-centric Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and the combustion-dedicated Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). The latter is speculated to underpin the RS versions of Audi's larger vehicles, which currently use the MLB platform.
Although it's time to say goodbye to the iconic TT RS and R8, Audi is not ready to retire the petrol engine just yet. In fact, new iterations of the RS lineup are underway, including an upgraded RS6 Avant and a successor to the RS4 Avant, expected to be rebranded as the RS5 Avant. Fans can also look forward to a new RS5 Sportback and an expanded RS7 Sportback model.
The latest refreshes of Audi's Q8 and SQ8 models suggest that an updated RS Q8 is on the horizon. Additionally, rumors hint at the possible debut of a much-anticipated RS version of the next-generation Q5, marking a first for the model. These vehicles are set to continue the legacy of the MLB architecture, a foundation shared by several other prestigious cars within the Volkswagen Group family, such as the VW Touareg, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga.
Sebastian Grams, the head of Audi Sport, has teased the potential departure of the brand's signature five-cylinder engine with a more powerful RS3 variant. Currently, the engine delivers a robust 401 horsepower in the U.S. and 394 horsepower in Europe, with prospects of even more power for the refreshed RS3. The fate of the hatchback and sedan receiving this upgrade remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback continue to be prominent players, sharing the MQB platform with the RS3s.
While the future looks bright for performance-oriented petrol models, Audi is mindful of the ticking clock for ICE vehicles. The company has declared its intention to roll out its last ICE models by 2025, transitioning all new launches to electric vehicles from 2026 onwards. In a bold move towards sustainability, Audi aims to cease the production of petrol and diesel vehicles entirely by 2033, fully embracing an electric future.
