The current 1,8 TFSI engine, which has been locally available in Audi’s A3 and A4 models as well as a number of Volkswagen products, has now been updated.
The new unit delivers 125 kW and 320 N.m (between 1 400 and 3 700 r/min), up from the old engine’s 118 kW and 250 N.m. Fuel consumption has also been improved, Audi now claims 5,7 litres/100 km. The updated engine is also Euro 6 compliant, meeting emissions regulations that will only be enforced in 2015.
Featured in the updated A5 Coupé (not available here, yet) it will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in only 7,9 seconds before topping out at 230 km/h.
Development
According to Audi, the firm’s engineers focused their attention on the combustion process to increase power outputs whilst lowering fuel consumption. tp this end, the updated engine utilises both direct and indirect injection. The fuel is injected at the end of the intake manifold near the tumble valves where it is intensively swirled with the air mixture. The indirect injection cycle is then utilised in the engine’s part-load.
To further reduce fuel consumption, a fully-electronic coolant regulation system has also been implemented. The system will bring the motor oil up to operating temperature as quickly as possible after a cold start. In addition, the new rotating core module is able to set the water temperature between 85 and 107 degrees Celsius, thereby achieving the best compromise between minimal internal friction and thermodynamic efficiency.
It will be interesting to see if Audi will introduce the facelifted A5 with this engine in South Africa or not. It is, however, highly likely to form part of the local A4 and A3 line-up in the near future.