Over the past decade, Audi developed an unfortunate tendency to equip some of its models with fake exhaust tips. The diesel S5 sold in Europe was likely the most egregious example, but the SQ5 and S6 were similarly afflicted. Fortunately, these faux pipes are now a thing of the past as Audi has committed to eliminating this controversial feature.
In a conversation with Auto Express magazine, an Audi spokesperson assured that future cars on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture will feature "hot tailpipes; functional tailpipes." This welcome news comes in response to "customer feedback," a polite way of saying that people loathed the fakery. We did too. The new A5 saloon and A5 Avant estate are leading the way, along with their high-performance S5 versions
If you haven't noticed, more and more cars are now designed with exhaust tips tucked away beneath the bumper. Audi aims to showcase them in its new PPC-based models. Whether smaller vehicles on the MQB platform will follow suit remains to be seen. If the German luxury brand desires a cohesive design across its lineup, the more affordable vehicles should also adopt real exhaust setups.
Several other PPC-based models are on the horizon, including the Q5, A7, and Q7. All three are expected to receive the S treatment and will forgo the gaudy fake exhaust tips. Additionally, a larger three-row SUV, tentatively named the Q9, is in development as a belated response to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. It is still uncertain whether the A8 will receive a next generation with combustion engines. If it does, it will be rebadged as the A9.
Audi, based in Ingolstadt Germany, is updating its nomenclature by designating all combustion engine cars with odd numbers and electric vehicles with even numbers. This is why the old A4 has been replaced by the new A5. The next-generation A6, with petrol and diesel engines, will become the A7. This change will allow Audi to introduce a fully electric A6, with a smaller, combustion-free A4 arriving later this decade, likely after the flagship A8 EV (electric vehicle).
Real exhaust tips, however, won't be around for much longer thanks to EVs taking over. Unless plans change, Audi still intends to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2033. Production of internal combustion engine cars could continue in China for some time, depending on local demand.
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