When it comes to alternative drivetrains and exhaust-spewing supercars, few manufacturers have the same kind of “go” as Audi. The company is currently producing some of the most exciting cars in its history. But there’s one thing that all of these models have in common: they use gasoline engines. This has been a problem for many manufacturers who are looking to keep their competitive edge and remain technologically relevant in a fast-paced world full of electric cars and hybrids. With virtually every other major car manufacturer switching their focus towards hybrid vehicles and electric supercars, Audi is left with an awkward dilemma. Do they follow suit or maintain their status as one of the premiere producers of performance cars? To answer this question, we will take a look at what makes the new RS6 so special and how it fits into Audi’s long-term strategy for staying at the front of the pack by making use of a 2030 engine.
The Future of Audi Sport
The first and most important thing to consider when discussing Audi’s future is the future of Audi Sport. For many, Audi Sport represents the pinnacle of German engineering and a symbol of German car-making. For this reason, it is essential to maintain the company’s image as a premier manufacturer of high-performance cars. This is especially important in light of recent announcements that other manufacturers are making regarding hybrid vehicles and electric supercars.
What is the Audi RS6?
The RS6 is currently the flagship model of the Audi Sport lineup. With a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V10 engine, it is capable of producing a massive 600 horsepower. In its current form, it can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.6 seconds using 8-speed automatic transmission. To make it a hybrid, Audi would have to remove the V10 engine and replace it with an electric motor and a battery pack. Doing so would undoubtedly place it in competition with the Tesla Model S and other hybrid supercars. However, there is an alternative. By making use of a 2030 engine, the RS6 can retain its position as the king of Audi Sport and a premier manufacturer of high-performance vehicles.
Why a Gasoline Engine?
One of the main questions that many people have regarding hybrid supercars is, “why to use a gasoline engine if you have an electric motor?” The answer to this question is twofold. First, hybrid supercars aren’t exactly “electric” in the sense that most people understand it. Instead, they use a gasoline engine to charge an electric motor and then send power to the wheels using the electric motor. Why not just use the electric motor to drive the wheels in the first place? Well, it’s a complicated formula, but the main reason is that it takes less energy to charge an electric car’s battery than it does to accelerate it. With this in mind, a hybrid supercar makes sense. A gasoline engine can accelerate the car from a standstill and then charge the battery while the car is cruising down the highway. This way, the car doesn’t use any energy while driving – which is the most efficient way for hybrid cars to operate.
Rebuilding the Audience for Electric Cars
Another reason why Audi might choose to keep the hybrid supercar concept is because of its potential to rebuild the audience for electric cars. Removing the gasoline engine from the RS6 and replacing it with an electric motor would undoubtedly disappoint many Audi fans. However, it would also send a strong message to the public that hybrids are the future. By switching to a hybrid drivetrain, Audi would be switching from a gasoline engine to an electric motor. This would be the easiest and most logical transition for the company to make. This would allow them to switch to hybrid supercars without disappointing the customers who love their gasoline engines. It would also allow for a smooth transition to a world where gasoline is no longer the fuel of choice.
Conclusion
Audi is currently in a difficult position. On one hand, they are one of the premier producers of high-performance cars and supercars. On the other hand, they are also one of the last bastions of gasoline engines. If they were to make the switch to a hybrid supercar, they would be joining their direct rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in making a big switch in strategy. By using a 2030 engine and keeping the car’s gasoline engine, Audi can avoid the rush and retain its status as king of the high-performance cars. By making the most of a 2030 engine, they can continue producing what they do best and stay technologically relevant in the process.
