The recently revealed new Audi A8 will be the first model to adopt this change.
Sometime ago, Audi changed its engine badging nomenclature for the Indian market. Now, the German company has announced that it will introduce a standardised engine badging nomenclature for the power output designations of its worldwide model range. This new nomenclature will be different from the one used in India - and will replace it in future. So, sip your favourite caffeinated beverage before proceeding further - because it may get a little complicated.
The names of the Audi model series - from A1 to Q7 - will remain unchanged. However, the reference value for the new engine designations will be the power output of the individual model in kilowatts (kW). Audi is therefore creating sub-classifications within the range based on performance levels, each identified by a two-numeral combination.
For example, the numeral combination ‘30’ will appear on the rear of all models with power outputs of between 81 and 96 kW (110PS and 130PS). And ‘45’ represents power outputs of between 169 and 185 kW (230PS and 252PS). In each case the numerals appear along with the engine technology indicator – TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron.
The number combinations identifying the performance levels in the Audi product range increase in increments of five, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model series and the brand’s overall model range. So, according to the new nomenclature - the spectrum will initially range from the Audi A1 25 TFSI with 70kW (95PS) to the Audi A8 55 TFSI with 250kW (340PS).
However, Audi has decided to keep its top-end ‘S’, ‘RS’ and R8 series of performance models away from this new nomenclature. So, these vehicles will continue carrying the badges we are used to seeing them with. The changes will kick off with the new Audi A8 generation in the autumn of 2017. First among the two six-cylinder engines to be redesignated will be the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW – as the Audi A8 50 TDI, and the 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW – as the Audi A8 55 TFSI.
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