Audi’s future line-up exposed

Audi’s future model line-up has been sensationally exposed after an internal document revealed secret information regarding new models and their engine, gearbox and transmission combinations.The document, which is in Polish, provides extensive detail on the upcoming Audi A1, S4, RS4, S5, S5 Sportback, A7, A8 and R8 Spyder.

S4

Audi’s leaked document also confirms Autocar’s previous story on the S4, which launches at this year’s Paris motor show in October. It will definitely get a new, supercharged, 333bhp 3.0-litre V6.And although it’s supercharged, the new engine will be labelled the 3.0 TFSI, even though the T traditionally denotes turbocharging. The new engine replaces the current naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.

RS4

Audi’s supersaloon will hit the market in May 2010. It uses a tweaked version of the old model’s naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8, now delivering a Mercedes C63 AMG-matching 450bhp. It’ll also be fitted with Audi’s new seven-speed double clutch gearbox.

A5 Sportback

Also contained in the secret document is detail on Audi’s new A5 Sportback. This will be a radical shooting-brake style product, that will bolster the A5 coupe and upcoming A5 cabriolet.It’s due to go on sale in April 2009 and will be offered with a wide range of engines. These include 160bhp 1.8-litre, 180bhp 2.0-litre, and 211bhp 2.0-litre versions of Audi’s new turbocharged four-cylinder EA888 engine. There’ll also be a 265bhp naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 petrol.On the diesel side there will be 143bhp and 170bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder units, along with 190bhp 2.7-litre and 240bhp 3.0-litre V6 common rail units. Depending on the engine, the S5 Sportback will be offered in either front- or four-wheel drive.

S5 Sportback

This range-crowning model uses the same 333bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6 as the soon-to-be- launched S4, although it isn’t likely to see light of day until June 2010.

Q3

Audi’s high-end, small SUV that’s based on the Tiguan is coming in June 2010. It could be called the Q1, though, when it’s launched. We now know it will be launched with two version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine, offering either 170bhp or 200bhp. Two 2.0-litre diesel alternative with 140bhp or 170bhp will also be offered.

A8

A new generation A8 will launch in November 2009.

R8

The open top version of the R8, the Spyder, will launch in the same month.Audi will make no comment on the sensational leaked document, but sources say an internal investigation is under way to ascertain how it arrived in the public domain. The new or upgraded models are part of Ingolstadt’s push to increase sales by 50 percent, to 1.5 million cars per year, by 2015.