German car makers are dropping big engines

It’s the trend at the moment, and one that won’t go down very well with our American cousins, who are fond of saying that ‘There ain’t no substitute for cubic inches’, as the three big luxury German Car Companies - Audi BMW and Mercedes - are planning to move away from their big ‘V’ engines.

The news started last week, when Audi let it be known that their new S5 will not use the V8, but will instead use a supercharged V6. Earlier this week, news came from BMW that its next generation of ‘M’ cars will forsake the V10s so beloved of M owners, and will instead go for turbo versions of the V8. And now Mercedes is to get rid of the V12.

It’s easy to understand why these luxury car makers are going this route - Co2 targets. I won’t revisit that topic here, but it looks like the days of the ‘Big’ engine without forced induction are coming to an end. Turbocharged and Supercharged smaller engines tend to deliver the same power for less emissions, which is why this is happening.

But not competely, although that may change. The Mercedes ‘63′ engines are normally aspirated V8s, and have just taken over from the old ‘55′ engines, which weren’t. But maybe Mercedes will roll that back too on the next generation and stick a supercharged V6 in. I suppose it makes sense, but there is something glorious about these big engines. A silky-smooth V12 in a big Merc, or a barking V10 in an M5. Oh, well.

Audi S5 dumps the V8

I suppose it’s a sign of the times. Audi is going to dump the V8 in the S5 and replace it with supercharged V6.

Great engine though the V8 is, it’s getting pretty old. And it’s heavy. And it’s thirsty. So, this is actually a really good move by Audi. No more nose-heavy V8 with rotten fuel consumption. Instead, the same power from a light and nimble, more fuel effcient V6.

But what of the V8. Is it dead and buried? Oh no, it’s going to get a dose of Viagra.

It’s starting to look likely that the V8, with a suitable bit of forced induction, is going to find its way in to the upcoming R10 - the R8’s big brother. It also seems likely that it could supplant the V10 in the next round of S8/S6. Not sure that’s a good thing, but we’ll see.

And while we’re talking about the V6 going in to the S5, the rumour-mill is working overtime on the R4 - a neat fit between the TT and the R8. That seems pretty likely to become a reality before long, at least on the ‘going to happen’ list, if not on the forecourt.

You’ve got to admire Audi. While other car makers are drawing in their horns and looking to dig a hole to hide in, Audi are out there making it happen.