Audi Sport has yet to reveal the facelifted version
of the current-gen RS4 Avant, but managing director Oliver Hoffman has no
problem talking about the next generation model, which isn’t due until early in
the next decade. Hoffman confirmed to Autocar that the next-gen RS4 will switch to a
plug-in hybrid powertrain, as Audi Sport plans to make all its models
electrified in the future.
That strategy starts with the new RS6 Avant and RS7
Sportback, both of which come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, a first
for an Audi RS model. Audi Sport is in the middle of expanding its range, with the
facelifted current-gen RS4 and new RS Q3 set for launch before the end of the
year, joining the TT RS, RS3, RS5 and the aforementioned RS6 and RS7 Sportback.
There’s even an RS Q8 coming out soon.
As for the current generation RS4, it is expected to
retain its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 in the upcoming facelift. We don’t know if
it will get a power boost over the 444 HP it makes in its current
form, that is already good enough for a 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a 280 km/h top speed.
Finally, Hoffman also confirmed that the next R8
will employ an electrified powertrain, but didn’t specify whether it’s going to
be a hybrid or a full-electric. According to the publication, the latter is the
most probable option, as Audi allegedly favors the idea of an all-electric R8
to join the E-Tron GT in their range.
