i've read that the next generation passat will come with a 3.6 liter V6 making around 280 horsepower. does anyone know whether this engine will make it into the A4 any time soon?

except the A3 and TT will only use Longitudinal engines in their car.
The Quattro will have to use Haldex if it is Transverse, where as it uses Torsen with a Longitudinal engine.
VW's new direction is transverse engine. (Passat used to be longitudinal)

that's unfortunate...it's going to be like how the 1.8T from the jetta generated more power than the 1.8 from the B6 A4. doesn't really make sense to me why VW/audi would do such a thing, for many reasons.

They will make the same horsepower and the Jetta will not have a V6 with the current body style.
It will be the 2.5 5 cylinder or the 2.0T but only with the GLi.
For now, all of this will be FWD only.