The Audi CRTF is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2023 and 2026. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 Evo engine family, featuring aluminium construction, common rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts. Delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, it integrates a 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A6 (C8), A7 (4K), and Q5 (FY), the CRTF engine was engineered for responsive daily performance with improved real-world fuel economy. Its emissions compliance is achieved through a multi-stage aftertreatment system including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP standards across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended service intervals, highlighted in Volkswagen Group Technical Service Bulletin 2024-02-10. The issue stems from plunger wear due to low lubricity in lower-quality diesel fuels and infrequent highway operation. From 2025, revised HPFP internals and updated fuel specifications were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2023–2026 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10125).
The Audi CRTF is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for premium Audi models (2023–2026). It combines common rail injection with variable geometry turbocharging and a 48V MHEV system to deliver strong torque and emissions compliance. Designed for Euro 6d-TEMP, it supports both city and highway driving profiles with active regeneration and AdBlue dosing.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (variable geometry) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,750–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2,000–3,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT22) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; revised guide design post-2025) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo and 48V MHEV system provide strong mid-range torque ideal for responsive driving but require strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes to prevent HPFP and turbo degradation. VW 504 00 (0W-20) oil is critical due to its low-viscosity formulation supporting the MHEV belt-driven starter-generator and chain lubrication. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent high-pressure pump wear. Post-2025 models feature revised HPFP internals; pre-2025 units should follow VW TSB 2024-02-10 for inspection intervals. SCR system longevity depends on regular highway runs to maintain AdBlue dosing efficiency and prevent injector coking.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (0W-20) specification (Audi SIB 2025-02-12). Supersedes ACEA C5.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all CRTF models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10125). No Euro 6c or earlier variant exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output requires ULSD and full MHEV functionality (Audi TIS Doc. A17501).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A17201, A17341, A17411, SIB 2025-02-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/10125)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CRTF was used across Audi's C8/4K/FY platforms with longitudinal mounting and integrated MHEV control. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the Q5 and updated EGR calibration in the A7-and from 2025 the facelifted A6 adopted the CZJC variant with revised valve timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A17221). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for EA288 2.0 TDI). Pre-2025 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2025 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from CZJC: Original CRTF has Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 80-pin connector, while CZJC uses EDC17CP66 with 100-pin. Service parts require production date verification - HPFP and DPF assemblies for engines before 06/2025 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (VW TSB 2024-02-10).
The CRTF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip use. Internal Volkswagen quality reports from 2025 indicated a significant number of pre-2025 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to DPF saturation in frequently cold-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase HPFP and turbo stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2023–2026) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2024–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CRTF.
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