theres a good thread on hybrids somewhere on here, i was semi-sure they used the longer rod.

it's not so much the length of the AU/BA rods that makes them weak either, i would guess they were probably trying to pull some weight out of the piston/rod for lighter rotating assembly and improvements in balance and hence NVH?
theres a pic somewhere with an E-Series rod next to an AU/BA rod, the difference in strength is fairly obvious.

Rods are not a distance durability problem..
Its rings, bearings and valve gear...
Durability of the std AU rods can be an issue over 270 / 330 rwkw..
Keep in mind A.U engines have higher compression...
So turbo engines are NOT going to take the same power / boost...
But with 10 to 15Lb they are very throttle responsive off boost due to
higher compression...