The new 2.5l R5-TFSI-Motor in the Audi RS3
What sets the new five-cylinder engine from Audi apart and what distinguishes it from its predecessor?
The five-cylinder engine has already achieved cult status. Nonetheless, the pros at Audi manage to just keep setting the bar higher: with the new 2.5L R5-TFSI engine from the EA855 EVO series. Here, we give you the rundown on what has changed since the predecessor (the 2.5L R5 TFSI of the EA855 series) and what makes this engine so special.
- 1. Tough, cult status: over 40 years of five-cylinder engines
- 2. What sets the latest model of the five-cylinder engine apart?
- 4. What are the differences between the 2.5L TFSI EA855 EVO and the 2.5L TFSI EA855 engine?
- 5. Conclusion: Audi is reaching a whole new level with the new five-cylinder engine
Tough, cult status: over 40 years of five-cylinder engines
Boasting over 40 years of tradition, the five-cylinder has already conquered the hearts of motorsport fans. But the engine has only been put to use successfully in racing sports. It is, of course, also part of the Audi series-production product portfolio. It was used for the first time in 1976 in the Audi 100 C2 (referred to as ‘Type 43’ in house at Audi) and been continuously further developed since then. The sound of the popular engine is particularly iconic and unmistakable: from throaty to furious to wicked, the five-cylinder engine has been described with all kinds of adjectives. It is also no secret that the driving experience is particularly emotional. These are just some of the reasons that the five-cylinder engine has been crowned the ‘International Engine of the Year’ in its category seven times in a row. You will find the new 2.5L TFSI EA855 EVO in the Audi TT RS FV for the first time. Fortunately, it is also already planned to be included in further models.
What sets the latest model of the five-cylinder engine apart?
Super lightweight and dynamic
Weighing in at 160 kg, the 2.5L TFSI inline, 5-cylinder engine is particularly light, which really thrills motorsport fans. This is mainly on account of the aluminium cylinder crankcase. It employs a DOHC valve control (two cam shafts facing upwards) and has four valves per cylinder. The valve lift adjustment is variable and, thanks to the Audi value valvelift system (AVS), the engine burns less fuel, with increased performance. The AVS acts on the outlet side and ensures more fresh gas in the cylinders especially in the lower speed range. When driving, you will notice this through the engine’s dynamic response and the big smile on your face!
Tons of power with turbo and perfect cooling
The exhaust turbocharging for the 2.5l R5 TFSI utilises direct charge air cooling, with a maximum charge pressure of 2.35 bar. Here, everything is designed for maximum air flow, short paths and low throttling loss. This enables perfect cooling for the charged air from the turbocharger. The two-part intake manifold features a pneumatic, switchable valve system in the lower part and the throttle valve control unit in the upper part of the intake pipe. The turbocharger is made of cast steel and is designed for exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1,000 °C. A sensor has also been installed in the predecessor engine, which Audi has done away with in the latest model. Here, a model-based exhaust temperature control system ensures that the thermal limits are adhered to. The direction of turbo rotation has been changed so that you can delight in more spontaneous response at low revs and very high medium pressures.
Exhaust system: sporty design and powerful sound
The dual exhaust system of the new five-cylinder engine consists of a primary catalytic converter near the turbo, thus fulfilling the EU6 exhaust gas standard. In addition, it features a continuous oxygen sensor before the primary catalytic converter and a discrete oxygen sensor after the primary cat. The air-fuel control is adaptive, constantly ensuring the correct ratio of air and fuel. This significantly enhances combustion quality and lends your engine enough power. With the RS Sport version, you get black tailpipe trim for the system. Switchable exhaust flaps ensure the great sound. If you step on the gas and speed up, first the right flap opens, and then at even higher speeds, the left one does. The sound is indescribable! In sport mode, the flaps open earlier and using the engine sound button, you can alter the sound. You can get a racing sport feeling even with a series-production vehicle!
What are the differences between the 2.5L TFSI EA855 EVO and the 2.5L TFSI EA855 engine?
26 kilos saved – with aluminium and magnesium components
For the latest model of the 2.5L TFSI engine (2.5L TFSI EA855 EVO), Audi has dug deep into its bag of tricks. Compared to the predecessor model, this model is a whopping 26 kg lighter. Above all, it is the aluminium cylinder block which significantly contributes to reducing the weight. But the optimised crankshaft, the upper part of the magnesium oil pan, the aluminium viscous vibration damper, and aluminium bolts help the engine cut down on weight. Since each gram counts in tuning, we are thrilled about this enhancement.
The best combo: low fuel consumption and top performance
In order to save space in addition to weight, Audi has shortened the length required to install the 2.5L TFSI. They have reduced the installation space in the rear chain drive and switched to a single-belt belt drive. A major advantage of the new model is lower fuel consumption, which is achieved in part by reducing friction. At the same time, the focus lies on increasing power and torque: More fun driving and lower fuel costs – an unbeatable instrument combo!
Improved combustion method
Fuel is injected in the 2.5L TFSI by means of a dual system: direct injection (FSI) and multi-point injection (MPI; cylinder-selective intake-manifold fuel injection) join forces here. This enables the free selection of injection parameters in conjunction with the intake manifold throttles. This not only complies with the statutory exhaust emission standards. Audi made it its goal to boost performance and reduce fuel consumption in comparison to the predecessor model. The combustion process has therefore been extensively improved. The power of the turbocharger has also been boosted and the design of the manifold has been optimised to reduce pressure loss.
Intelligent thermal management
So that you can delight in the full performance of this engine even faster, the 2.5L TFSI has intelligent thermal management (ITM), which is controlled via the engine control unit. This means the engine warms up as quickly as possible. During this phase, the switchable coolant pump ensures that the heat flows in the engine can be controlled. At the same time, two temperature sensors constantly monitor the temperature. An additional water pump prevents heat build-up when the engine is stopped.
Conclusion: Audi is reaching a whole new level with the new five-cylinder engine
With the 2.5l-R5-TFSI engine, Audi is once again hitting a new milestone. It boasts lower weight and greater performance. The low fuel consumption and compliance with future exhaust standards also delight motorsport fans. Not to mention the driving thrills and powerful sound. If you step on the gas here, you definitely won’t want to stop again!