Audi are known to be working on a new turbocharged engine which will features electric assist for the turbo.
The base for this first offering will be the BiTurbo diesel V6. The 3.0-litre unit, offered in the likes of the SQ5 and the A6 Allroad, makes 313 PS between 3900 and 4500 RPM and a peak 650 Nm from 1450 to 2800 RPM. With the onset of electric turbocharging, the electrically-driven compressor will eliminate any sign of lag. Peak power and torque may rise, but if they do stay the same, the rev-bands will be much wider. The engine will also take efficiency to a new high, meaning better numbers than the already impressive km/l.
For those who came in late, electric turbocharging is forced induction setup where the turbine and the compressor are not directly connected, but split in between by electronics and an energy storage medium. This medium is used to continually drive the compressor even when the exhaust gases are not on full pelt.
It will be interesting to see what sort of output the resultant engine produces and, of course, which model will be the first to sport it.
Audi have also recently unveiled two new states of tune for the standard V6 TDI diesel motor: 218 PS and 272 PS, which will replace their 204 PS and 245 PS units over the next few months.
Story: Jim Gorde
Image: Audi AG
