Winning Performer

International Engine of the Year – Again

In what has become almost a formality each year, Audi’s exceptional 2.5 TFSI engine has again been awarded ‘International Engine of the Year’

Presented annually since 1999, the coveted award is voted on by an international panel of  65 motorsport journalists who select the best engines of the year in a number of different categories. In the hugely competitive 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre category, Audi’s powerhouse 2.5 TFSI has completely dominated with this, its seventh straight win, and for Audi, this also marks the 12th time the brand has won the award.

The engine’s tremendous power output and flexibility have impressed judges and the buying public alike, with vehicles such as the Audi RS 3 Sportback and RSQ3 proving, both of which are powered by the engine, proving to be enormously popular vehicles for the brand because of their outstanding power and tractability.

The judges were unanimous not only in their praise of the engine’s power, but in its distinctive sound and strong motorsport roots, saying:

“There are only a few engines around with such a strong character, but this five-cylinder power unit brings back memories of the unique sound of the Group B rally engine from the 1980s. The 2.5 TFSI from Audi is not just impressive in terms of its superb performance, it also has a high recognition factor. Through this five-cylinder engine, Audi is allowing the 1980s dream to live on.”

Commenting on the award, Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, said that Audi’s 2.5 TFSI had a long tradition within the company, but was also continually being refined to remain at the very pinnacle of performance.

“In the Audi RS Q3 performance, the 2.5 TFSI puts on an impressive show with its tremendous pulling power, enhanced revving ability and characteristic sound,” he said.

“To get us fit for the future, we will be equipping the new Audi TT RS with a newly developed five-cylinder engine made of aluminium.” 

Indeed, further enhancements to the 2.5 TFSI which will power the coming RS Q3 performance, has seen power increased by 20kW and torque go from 450 to 465Nm, making the RS Q3 performance 0 to 100km/h time of 4.4 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the standard RS Q3 model.