Hey everyone, I just read that Audi is officially killing off its iconic 5-cylinder engine, and it’s pretty significant news for the automotive world. For those who don’t know, the 5-cylinder has been a staple in Audi’s lineup for decades, known for its distinctive exhaust note and performance characteristics. The engine has powered countless models from the RS2 to the TT RS, giving Audi vehicles that unique character that enthusiasts have loved.
What’s interesting is that one market still has time before the final curtain call. While most of Europe and other regions are saying goodbye, there’s apparently still demand in at least one territory where you can still get this engine. This is bittersweet because it shows how regional market demands influence production decisions.
The shift toward electrification and stricter emissions regulations has made it harder to justify keeping the 5-cylinder in production. Audi is focusing more on their electric lineup and turbocharged 4-cylinder alternatives that meet modern efficiency standards. But losing a 5-cylinder feels like losing a piece of automotive history, especially for those of us who appreciate the engineering and sound quality of that configuration.
I’m curious to hear what everyone thinks. Are you disappointed to see it go? Have any of you owned an Audi with a 5-cylinder engine? If you’re thinking about getting one before they’re completely phased out, now might be the time. Let’s discuss the impact this has on the used market, collector value, and what Audi’s engine future looks like. The performance community will definitely feel this change.
This is really sad news. The 5-cylinder sound is unmistakable and honestly one of the main reasons I love Audi RS models. Nothing comes close to that exhaust note. Are they really replacing everything with 4-cylinder turbos?
I disagree with all this mourning. Modern 4-cylinder turbos are just as powerful and more efficient. The 5-cylinder is outdated technology. We need to embrace electrification, not romanticize old engines.
Does anyone know which market still gets the 5-cylinder? I need to know before it’s too late if I want to get one.
Actually, this makes sense from a business perspective. The 5-cylinder was niche, and the market has moved on. Audi needs to allocate resources to EV development, not maintain legacy engines.
The maintenance cost on older 5-cylinder Audis is brutal though. Imagine dealing with turbo issues or timing chain problems on a 10-year-old model. Parts aren’t getting cheaper either. Maybe letting it die isn’t the worst idea.
Thanks everyone for the responses. I think what bothers me most is that Audi had something unique with the 5-cylinder, and now they’re becoming just like everyone else with turbo 4s. Sure, efficiency matters, but so does character. I hope at least some collector models keep their value.
Does anyone think this will affect the resale value of current 5-cylinder Audis? Should I be holding or selling?
The sound of a 5-cylinder turbo at full throttle is something special. I’m genuinely upset about this. Electric cars will never have that character, no matter what speakers they put in them.
The 5-cylinder Audi engines were genuinely engineered marvels. The sound engineering alone was impressive. I’m not looking forward to this transition.
This is a shame. I test drove an RS3 with the 5-cylinder last year and it was incredible. The way that engine delivers power is different from anything else on the road.
Let’s be real though, nobody’s going to miss it in 5 years once they drive a modern EV or the new 4-cylinder turbos. Progress requires moving forward, not looking backward.
Which market still has access? I’m in Europe and I haven’t seen any new 5-cylinder Audis available for months. Is it China or maybe North America?
I’m just glad I won’t have to deal with expensive repairs on those complex 5-cylinder motors. Modern efficiency is worth the trade-off in personality.
Honestly, 4-cylinder turbos are reliable when they’re new. The real issue is that 5-cylinder maintenance horror stories will drive people away from used models, actually helping newer EV sales.