All-New Audi V8: The Final Chapter

Goodbye, old friend.

An Audi insider has told Autocar UK that the all-new Audi V8, planned for use in a wide range of VW Group vehicles, is likely to be the final eight-cylinder engine that the German manufacturer will make.

Growing pressure to comply with rigid emission standards and a focus on renewable energy means that Audi will turn their attention to all-electric and hybrid powertrains that will be used in lieu of large displacement engines.

The source told Autocar: “By 2025, the plan of Audi management is to have between 25% and 35% of Audi’s output as battery-electric vehicles.

“It would be very difficult to justify the huge investment in another new V8 because of the cost of developing electric drivetrains and battery packs. You have to ask what is the best use of investment money.”

The all-new V8, which has just made its debut in diesel guise in the new SQ7, will be used in a number of high performance Audi, Porsche and Bentley models over the next five years. Electric turbochargers, such as the one seen in the new SQ7, are set to provide more immediate power across the rev-range, delivering improved performance and reduced emissions.

Sadly, for V8 aficionados, Audi won’t be the last manufacturer to announce a downsizing across the range. As we’ve seen in the new Audi RS5, hybrid V6 turbocharged engines are set to dominate performance cars in the coming years.