Engine Design Debate: Genius or Impasse with Five-Cylinder Configuration?
In a significant shift for the automotive industry, Audi has announced that its iconic five-cylinder engine will be phased out by 2027, marking the end of an era for this unique powertrain. This decision comes as a response to the impending Euro-7 standard for all new vehicles, which will take effect in 2027.
The five-cylinder engine, while praised for its distinct sound and potential for compressor engines, has faced challenges in the realm of turbocharging. These challenges have led to exhaust issues such as backfires and engine knock, making it difficult to meet the stringent emissions regulations under the Euro-7 norm.
Despite the technical feasibility of meeting these standards, Audi has decided it is not economically beneficial to invest in updating the engine. Instead, the company is focusing its resources on new technologies and models, including electric vehicles.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the news, stating that the five-cylinder engine will only survive until 2027. In 2024, Audi offered two models with a five-cylinder engine: the Audi RS 3 and RS Q3. The legendary five-cylinder briefly appeared in the Cupra Formentor VZ5 in 2025.
The production of Audi's five-cylinder engines was discontinued primarily due to stricter emissions regulations under the Euro-7 norm. Audi experimented with different exhaust arrangements and lengths, but could not overcome fundamental physical constraints.
The five-cylinder engine has a rich history, with Volvo, Ford, Fiat, and Saab also having phased out their five-cylinder engines. Saab, for instance, developed a five-cylinder prototype with a compressor and variable compression, but the project was halted by General Motors.
As we bid farewell to the five-cylinder engine, we look forward to seeing what innovations Audi will bring in the future, as they continue to shape the automotive industry.
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