Powertrain Guru to Head Tech Development for Audi Sport

Audi AG has appointed Oliver Hoffmann to succeed Stephan Reil as head of technical development at its Audi Sport performance unit.

A long-time Audi engineer, Hoffmann most recently was a senior member of the company’s powertrain development operations. His credits include leading the development of the V-10 engine that powers the R8 supercar. He also previously worked for Lamborghini SpA.

In his new position, Hoffmann will oversee the planned expansion of the Audi Sport line-up from 11 models today to 16 by 2020. New models are expected to include several sports-tuned crossover/SUVs, including RS variants of the Q5 and Q8.

Reil is being reassigned to an unspecified role within Audi. He had headed tech development at Audi Sport (formerly Audi Quattro) since 1999.

Previous reports indicated that Audi Sport Chairman Stephan Winkelmann will move to Bugatti to succeed Wolfgang Durheimer as CEO. Durheimer, who also heads Bentley, is expected to retire next year. Audi, Bentley and Bugatti all are part of Volkswagen Group.