The Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracán could fit a 2.5 TFSI... only in China

It seems that the Volkswagen Group supercars have a possible change to their engine range in the near future, as both the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracán could fit a new engine under their bonnets.

This development contradicts the statements made by the respective brands, who assured that these models would not receive any engine below a V10. Let us recall that, while the Gallardo, the Huracán’s predecessor, never offered any other engine, the first generation of the Audi R8 was available with both a V8 and a V10.

This sudden change of heart from the Volkswagen Group executives is due to the heavy tax burden in Asia on vehicles with large-displacement engines, which multiplies taxes several times over compared with other regions such as Europe. This has encouraged the possibility of fitting a smaller engine to come very close to becoming reality.

Specifically, the engine that will power these illustrious supercars will be none other than the already classic 2.5 TFSI, a turbocharged five-cylinder that has brought the Volkswagen Group nothing but success since its debut in the previous-generation Audi TT RS.

However, it will not be a conventional 2.5 TFSI, as the engine will be thoroughly reworked, adopting innovative solutions such as turbocharging by an electrically driven turbocharger, which will make it possible to raise output to around 600 hp, a “showroom” figure typical of prestigious models.

This engine will only be sold in China, ruling it out, at least initially, for other markets such as Europe or the Americas, where both the R8 and the Huracán will continue to use the current naturally aspirated 5.2 V10, which in the Audi produces 540 CV in the “standard” version and 610 CV in the Plus variant. In the Huracán, the only option is the most powerful variant, at 610 CV.

Via | Car&Driver