Audi will simplify its naming system by dropping the numbers related to a given powertrain’s output, in line with a current report. The choice comes because the model plans to streamline the variety of powertrains in its portfolio as a part of a gradual shift towards electrical fashions.
Rolled out in 2017, the outgoing system provides a two-digit quantity between the core nameplate and the engine sort. For instance, patrons available in the market for a 2024 Q5 have three variations to select from: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e. The primary one denotes a 201-horsepower variant, the second corresponds to a 261-horsepower engine, and the third one goes on a 362-horsepower hybrid. Not each member of the Audi vary makes use of this technique; the A3 is simply supplied with a single engine, for instance, with the S3 positioned as the following mannequin up.
In the US, the change will not make an enormous distinction as a result of Audi of America selected to not put these numbers on its vehicles. Nevertheless, most European-market fashions have worn a powertrain-specific emblem on the again finish since Audi launched the naming system.
The recently-unveiled Q6 E-Tron will start the transfer away from a quantity linked to the drivetrain’s output.
“After we speak about simplicity, we do not simply speak concerning the choices and the configuration course of. We’re actually pondering of getting the leanest engine program for the Q6, Florian Hauser, Audi’s head of gross sales and product advertising for EVs, informed British journal Auto Categorical.
Hauser added that, wanting forward, two-wheel-drive fashions will not get a drivetrain-specific designation and all-wheel-drive fashions will put on the historic Quattro badge. The Q6 will likely be two-wheel-drive and the Q6 Quattro will likely be all-wheel-drive, for instance. “And, if it is a efficiency mannequin with Quattro, then it is SQ6,” Hauser clarified. He famous {that a} suffix, like “Efficiency,” may set aside the completely different battery sizes.
It is cheap to imagine that the “RS” prefix will proceed to indicate high-performance fashions within the foreseeable future, although Hauser did not particularly point out it. And, there isn’t any phrase but on when the powertrain-based numbers will disappear from the Audi vary.