Next-Gen Audi RS6 Swapping V10 For Boosted V8: Report

POWERED BY a twin-turbocharged version of the same 5.2 litre V10 found in the Lamborghini Gallardo, the current generation Audi RS6 (pictured) develops 433kW and a massive 650Nm of torque.

Reports circulating online this week suggest that Audi will continue the downsizing trend it began with the 2009 Audi S4, swapping the big V10 for a lighter, more efficient V8 in the next generation RS6.

As with the S4, dropping a pair of cylinders while maintaining power and performance levels with the use of turbo or supercharging, will help Audi meet tightening fuel-efficiency and emissions requirements around the world.

A new compact and lighter V8 powerplant will see the next-gen RS6 shedding the kilos, assisting in fuel-efficiency gains for the big saloon.

If Audi does make the switch, it won't be alone. BMW is believed to be working on a twin-turbo V8 engine for the next-generation M5 - the RS6's direct competitor - to replace the existing V10 powerplant.

Using the 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 from the current X5M and X6M, BMW engineers are expected to massage the engine to produce up to 450kW.

The current 5.0 litre V10-powered M5 develops 373kW, and the V8 in question already produces 413kW in the X5M and X6M.