[RavenAvi]

Audi's all-new V8 engine, which has just made it's debut as a diesel in the Audi SQ7, may be the last of it's kind according to a company source.

Since all future investments have been shifted towards all-electric and hybrid powertrains by Audi's top brass, another all-new V8 engine family might not be on the cards anymore.

The (possibly) last V8 engine is equipped with two conventional turbochargers and an electric ‘blower’ that spools the turbochargers up to operating speed regardless of the engine speed. This unit will also be produced in petrol form for powering future Audi, Bentley and Porsche models.

The source said: “By 2025, the plan of Audi management is to have between 25% and 35% of Audi’s output as battery-electric vehicles. It would be very difficult to justify the huge investment in another new V8 because of the cost of developing electric drivetrains and battery packs. You have to ask what is the best use of investment money.”

Autocar UK