If you didn't see this coming, we recommend a trip to the optometrist. Audi is about to swap the V8 engine in the S5 with the same supercharged V6 going into the new S4 sedan. Inside Line is reporting that the dulcet-but-dated 4.2L V8 is on the way out. The new 329-hp supercharged V6 engine will take its place. Call it the S-engine-elect.

With nearly the same power and much better fuel efficiency, the lighter V6 will be the cure for what ails the current S5. While its styling is superb, its powerband and porkiness have been criticized. Fans of the 4.2L V8 should know, however, that the engine might still live on, perhaps in twin-turbo form, replacing the V10 in the next-gen Audi S6 and S8. That V10 could also get the twin-turbo treatment and wind powering the upcoming R8-based R10. Got that? Good.

The base R8 will probably get that same updated V8, while the supercharged V6 might also work its way into the all-but-confirmed R4 engine bay. While that covers most of the R and S models, know too that Audi has big plans for its RS models as well, hoping to make them lighter and more powerful in its quest for Porsche blood. We're dizzy with anticipation.
Source - Autoblog

 

329hp isn't enough jam...

 

It has more torque than the V8 - that's the kicker. Plus, change the pulley and chip it = NICE. Just ask Mustang Cobra owners...

I am really curious what the RS4/RS5 will get.

 

Sweet, makes it easier to pull some more ponies out of it

 

We've beaten this one to death in some of the other forums, but I'll restate that I feel like the V8 is still the right motor for the car, and I'd rather take the effort to get more juice out of it (via upcoming VF-Engineering s/c or other mods) than go down to a smaller displacement boosted V6.

I'm a big fan of boosted 6's and all, and I understand that a modded V6T will be a faster and more efficient car, but there's something about a GT cruiser having a V8 that seems 'correct'. Plus nobody is going to argue that the 4.2 will definitely have a better exhaust note.

 

yeah it should be v6T...instead of V6sc...sc just doesnt do it right unless you have a v8 under there.

 

You're preaching to the choir - look at my avatar...