Audi has confirmed that it will introduce
electrified ‘RS’ models in the near future. During a recent interview with Car
Buzz at the New York Auto Show, Audi RS5 product manager Anthony Garbis failed
to specify which models will receive hybrid power first but said they’re coming
“pretty soon.”
It remains a mystery which Audi Sport model will
introduce electrification to the range but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the
technology debut in a performance-oriented version of the upcoming Q8. In fact,
the Q8 Sport concept utilized a hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 3.0-liter
TFSI six-cylinder with an electric powered compressor. All up, it pumped out
476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of just
4.7 seconds and a 275 km/h top speed.
Audi isn’t the only German automaker preparing to
roll out hybrid tech in its performance range. In fact, both BMW and
Mercedes-AMG are planning similar performance hybrids. The first of these to
hit the market could be the next-generation C63.
