Audi had planned to end production of its famous five-cylinder engine for Europe, but electric assistance is under consideration to prolong its life.
Unable to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations in its current form, Audi's five-cylinder petrol engine had been tipped to be discontinued in Europe.
Now reports claim the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine – and the RS3 hot hatch it's associated with – could be thrown a lifeline in the form of hybrid technology.
"We are open to every possibility. The thoughts [on how to do that] will continue at our end. I can tell you we are still thinking in different technological possibilities," Audi Sport chief Rolf Michl told UK publication Autocar.
"At the end of the day, the most important thing is the maximum amount of emotional driving experience for the compact segment."
The much-loved engine is now used in only two models, the Audi RS3 and Cupra Formentor VZ5, and Autocar reports the engine would require significant changes to meet Euro 7, even with hybrid tech added.
Citing inside sources, it says keeping the five-cylinder on sale in Europe would require a new particulate filter, more sensitive nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensors, recalibrated fuel injectors, and upgraded emissions catalysts.
"We are absolutely aware of the DNA of a five-cylinder engine and we are open to every possibility," said Michl.
In its current form, the 'EA855' five-cylinder produces 294kW/500Nm, and meets a current European emissions target of 188 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre – a figure due to drop to 93.6g/km towards the end of the decade.
Update aside, the engine is planned to remain on sale in markets with less stringent emissions laws, such as the US, but it is unknown where it will be built, and if Australia will benefit.
According to Autocar, it could be used to power a special-edition Volkswagen Golf R, if its life is extended.
