Audi Engines Naming Explained: What Do 35 TDI, 40 TFSI, and More Mean?

Audi has introduced a new engine naming system for all its models, which may seem confusing at first glance. If previously names indicating engine displacement were used, such as 2.0 TDI or 3.0 TFSI, now Audi uses numbers such as 35 TDI, 40 TDI, 45 TFSI, and others. This article explains in plain language what these new designations mean and how they can help you better understand which engine you choose when configuring your Audi.

Why did Audi change the engine names?

Audi decided to make this change to better reflect the engine’s power and performance rather than displacement. In an era where engine technology is becoming more and more advanced and efficient, engine displacement is no longer a clear indicator of performance. Smaller engines, equipped with turbochargers and other modern technologies, can produce similar or even greater power than the larger engines of the past.

How does the new naming system work?

The new Audi name is divided into two main parts:

• Digit: A number indicating the engine’s power range.
• Fuel and technology: A code indicating the type of fuel (TDI for diesel, TFSI for petrol) and engine technology.

What do the numbers in the name mean?

The numbers associated with an engine’s name represent its power range, expressed in kilowatts (kW). Here’s what the main numbers you’ll come across mean:

• 25: Engines with a power between 81 and 96 HP (approximately 70 – 80 kW).
• 30: Engines with a power between 97 and 116 HP (approx. 81 – 96 kW).
• 35: Engines with a power between 150 and 160 HP (approximately 110 – 120 kW).
• 40: Engines with a power between 170 and 204 HP (approx. 125 – 150 kW).
• 45: Engines with a power between 230 and 252 HP (approx. 170 – 200 kW).
• 50: Engines with a power between 285 and 313 HP (approx. 210 – 230 kW).
• 55: Engines with a power between 340 and 367 HP (approx. 245 – 275 kW).
• 60: Engines with a power between 435 and 462 HP (approx. 320 – 340 kW).
• 70: Engines with an output of more than 570 HP (approx. 400+ kW).

In general, Audi Q models (such as the Q3, Q5) tend to have higher-powered engines compared to equivalent sedans or hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 or A4. This is because Audi SUVs, such as the Q-series models, are heavier and require more powerful engines to deliver similar performance to lighter vehicles. That’s why you’ll often come across versions of the same engine, such as the 35 TDI, but with different power outputs (eg 150 hp on an A4 and 160 hp on a Q3).

What do “TDI”, “TFSI” and other suffixes mean?

• TDI: This is Audi’s name for diesel engines. “TDI” stands for “Turbocharged Direct Injection”, indicating that the engine is turbo-diesel with direct injection.
• TFSI: This is the designation for direct injection and turbocharged petrol engines. “TFSI” stands for “Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection”.
• e-tron: This indicates an electric motor or plug-in hybrid propulsion system, which combines a combustion engine with an electric motor.

Examples of Audi engines and what they mean:

• 35 TDI: A diesel engine (TDI) with an output between 150 and 160 HP.
• 40 TFSI: A petrol engine (TFSI) with an output between 170 and 204 hp.
• 50 TDI: A powerful diesel engine that produces between 285 and 313 hp.
• 60 TFSI e: A turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor (plug-in hybrid) with a combined output of over 435 hp.

Can these figures also represent the capacity of an engine?

No, the numbers in the new Audi engine designations, such as 35 TDI or 40 TDI, do not represent the cylinder capacity of the engine, but are used to indicate the engine’s power range (in kilowatts or horsepower).

Previously, Audi engine names indicated cylinder capacity, such as 2.0 TDI (2.0 liter engine). But with the evolution of technology, cylinder capacity is no longer an accurate indicator of power and performance, as a small engine (eg 1.5 liters) can produce the same power as a larger engine, thanks to modern technologies such as turbo-charging.

How the new names work:

• 35 TDI: Indicates a diesel engine (TDI) with an output of approximately 150-160 hp, but does not indicate the cylinder capacity (which could be 2.0 liters).
• 40 TDI: This indicates a diesel engine with a power between 170 and 204 hp, but the cylinder capacity may vary depending on the model (usually a 2.0 liter engine).

Thus, the numbers in these designations refer only to the engine power, not to the displacement. The cylinder capacity remains important, but it is no longer reflected directly in the name, but rather in the technical specifications of the car.

Conclusion

The new Audi moniker may seem confusing at first, but understanding it becomes simple once you realize that the numbers reflect the engine’s power. This system modernizes the way we describe engines, emphasizing performance rather than engine size. Whether you’re looking for an efficient diesel engine or a high-performance petrol engine, this system helps you make informed decisions.

So the next time you see an Audi with the name 40 TDI or 45 TFSI, you’ll know exactly what it means and how it relates to the car’s power and performance.