The next generation 3.0 liter V-6 for the S4 and A6 sedans will, by employing an Eaton supercharger and air-to-air intercooling, make 286 bhp and 310 lb-ft of torque at a low 2500 rpm. The motor will also feature Audi's direct injection system.
Though the numbers may seem lower than expected, when coupled to Audi's upcoming 8-speed transmission, the combination should deliver the unique combination of both better performance and economy.
Our take? It seems odd that a company with a history steeped in turbocharged motors (especially in motorsports) would move towards supercharging. What cannot be ,overlooked however, is that modern superchargers are much closer in terms of efficiency to turbos, and in terms of packaging are better for Audi. Unlike the I-6 of BMW that is easier to package with turbos (as Audi's old turbo motors were inline as well), the current Audi usage of V-configuration motors lend themselves to the placing of a supercharger in the valley of the motor. It is ultimately, a more elegant solution to the mass of tubing that turbos would've required.