Understanding the Audi quattro® Engines

Audi pioneered permanent all wheel drive (AWD) systems in passenger vehicles thirty-five years ago with the quattro® engine, tailoring the engine to their specific models for optimal driving performance and traction. 

You probably purchased your Audi with the benefits of AWD in mind, however, we as drivers sometimes fail to think about how our vehicle is actually functioning until something goes wrong. 

With this in mind, we at JA Autowerks wanted to share some insights into the Audi quattro® engines. From their benefits to common issues, we’ve put together the highlight to arm you with the knowledge to be the best driver you can be behind the wheel or while shopping for a new Audi.

2.0t 1st Generation

• First available in 2005 in the Audi A3 and A4 four cylinder turbocharged models

• The first generation of this engine had an FSI (direct injection) fuel system which marked the first manufacturer to produce a gasoline direct injection engine for mass production

• The 2.0 1st generation produces 200 horsepower and 207-foot pounds of torque

Common Issues:

• FSI camshaft follower wear

• High-pressure fuel pump failures

• Carbon build up on intake valves

• Intake camshaft wear

2.0 TFSI 2nd Generation

• The second generation became available in the 2009 Audi A4 then later in the A5 and Q5 turbocharged models

• Second-generation engines were timed with chains and offered the Audi valve lift System

• The first generation 2.0 TFSI produced 211 horsepower and 258-foot pounds of torque S3 model produces 290 horsepower and 280-foot pounds of torque

Common Issues:

• Excessive oil consumption

• Timing chain tensioner failures

• Carbon build up on intake valves

2.0 TFSI Current Update

• As of 2018, the newest Audi A4 and A5 will offer two 2.0 TFSI options

• The 2.0 TFSI engine was updated for the Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5 and Audi A6 The newest 2.0 "TFSI Ultra" will be an effective option with an estimated 47 MPG

2.5 TFSI

• The 2.5 TFSI was first introduced in the US in the 2012 Audi TT RS

• Turbocharged Direct Injected engine with 360 horsepower and 343-foot pounds of torque

• Very reliable

2.5 TFSI Current Update

• The newest version of this engine is found in the Audi RS3 and the Audi TT RS

• It has been made lighter and more powerful than before

• Current power output of the 2.5 TFSI is 400 horsepower and 354-foot pounds of torque

3.0 TFSI

• First introduced in the US in the 2009 Audi A6

• Supercharged six cylinder TFSI made 300 horsepower and 310-foot pounds of torque

• Replaced the 4.2l V8 in the Audi S4 and the A8 models

• Overall, one of the best Audi engines in years

Common Issues

• Sticking thermostats

• Carbon build up on intake valves

• Carbon buildup in the engine cylinder head secondary air ports

3.0 TFSI Current Update

• The new 2018 S4 and S5 will have a turbocharged version of the 3.0 TFSI engine

• More powerful, making 354 horsepower and 369 pounds-foot of torque.

• 30 pounds lighter than supercharged

• The new engine produces maximum torque at 1370 RPM (very low engine speed).

4.0t TFSI

• First introduced in the 2011 Audi S8

• Twin Turbocharged eight cylinder TFSI made 520 horsepower and 479-foot pounds of torque

• Many new technologies include:

• Twin-Scroll Turbochargers

• "Cylinder on Demand" system (cylinder deactivation)

• Active Noise Control system or “ANC"

• Today the 4.0 TFSI is found running the Audi A8L, Audi S6, Audi S7, Audi S8 and the RS7 rocket ship!

Common Issues

• PCV valve failures. Faulty PCV valves sound like a loud, constant, high-pitch sound

• Carbon builds up on intake valves

Experiencing an issue with your Audi? Contact our experienced team at JA Autowerks today by visiting www.jaautowerks.com or calling, 732-268-7381.