International Engine of the Year

Since 1999, an international panel of 65 motorsport journalists have voted on the ‘International Engine of the Year’, and for the eighth year in a row, the Audi five-cylinder engine has taken top honours.

Completely dominating the class for 2.0 to 2.5-litre engines, the 2.5 TFSI engine stole the show again this year, giving the powerhouse 2.5 TFSI its eighth win in a row andAudi its 13th win in the awards to date.The judges praised not only the outstanding performance of the five-cylinder engine, but also its unique sound in particular. Its characteristic tone is highly reminiscent of the Group B rally engine of the 1980s. The current five-cylinder is 26 kilograms lighter than the predecessor unit, primarily due to the switch to a lightweight alloy crankcase, allowing Audi developers to further optimise the axle load distribution for improved handling. 

“The award confirms that efficiency, good performance and great sound can be in perfect harmony,” said Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Peter Mertens of the 2.5 TFSI’s latest victory in the prestigious award.

“The five-cylinder has been indelibly linked to the Audi brand for over 40 years, and we continue to refine and develop it,” Mertens said. 

Currently used in the TT RS and TT RS Roadster, as well as the fire-breathing RS 3 Sedan and Sportback, those who have driven or even heard these vehicles will understand the judges’ enthusiasm for what is an extraordinary piece of engineering. In its current configuration, the 2.5 TFSI is the most powerful production five-cylinder in the world, delivering a unique blend of seemingly unlimited power and efficiency.