The emission norms are tightening the noose around big engines and the latest victim of the stricter regulations is the 4.2-litre V8 that powers the Audi R8 supercar and a host of other Audi performance cars. As per latest reports, the 4.2-litre V8 will be replaced by a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine globally.
But do not worry, the new R8 will be faster than its predecessor and that is because it will be lighter and will whip out the same number of horses if not more. As per Audi, the 4.2-litre V8 has been discontinued due to the combination of high costs needed to update the engine to meet future emission standards and concerns in developing markets where taxation is or will be linked to engine capacity.
The new 2.9-litre V6 has already made its debut in the Porsche Panamera, also a part of the VW group. The new petrol engine develops 434bhp of power and 550Nm of torque for the Porsche Panamera 4S. With a higher boost pressure or bigger turbochargers, the 2.9-litre unit would be delivering at least 500bhp under the hood of the Audi R8.
The 2.9-litre mill is also expected to power the Audi RS4, the RS5 and the RS Q5 replacing the 4.2-litre V8. For those who love the grunting V8 from the fast Audis, better get one of these before the new engine kicks in.
