Ingolstadt - The luxury sedan with
hybrid drive is on its way in 2012 245 hp system output, fuel
consumption under 6.4 liters per 100 km Four-cylinder gasoline
engine, powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery The
power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a
four-cylinder version: Audi will be starting series production
of the A8 hybrid in 2012.
Its gasoline engine – a 2.0 TFSI –
and an electric motor develop peak output of 180 kW (245 hp) and
480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Average fuel consumption is
below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel
at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone,
and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local
emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).
The Audi flagship model is
designed as a highly efficient parallel hybrid. The 2.0 TFSI,
which has been modified in some areas, generates an output of
155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is
available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The combustion engine
works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which develops
40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).
The permanent magnet synchronous
motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque
converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic. A
multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or
disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine. The clutch
operates ultra-precisely and gently in all situations. The
highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides
the torque to the front wheels; with its wide gear spread it
contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.
The short-term system output of
180 kW (245 hp) and the system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft)
ensure highly agile performance. The Audi A8 hybrid reaches 100
km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds from a standing start and has a
top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Its fuel consumption in the
EU cycle is less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg), and
CO2 emissions are below 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile). Please
note that all figures are provisional.
The Audi A8 hybrid can drive at up
to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) purely on electric power and has a range
of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant 60 km/h
(37.28 mph). This gives the driver the choice of three modes:
The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive,
while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the
electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed
for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating
states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or
in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two
displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.
The lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7
kilograms (80.91 lb), is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk. It
provides 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and up to 40 kW of power. Two
different methods are used to air-cool the battery, depending on need:
with air blown from the passenger compartment by a fan and via a
separate cooling circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning
system. The battery is thus kept within the temperature window required
for it to perform to its full potential over a wide range. The electric
motor and the compact power electronics which serve as a controller
between the electric motor and the battery are water-cooled.
In visual terms, the Audi A8 hybrid is
distinguished by subtle details. The ten spokes of its alloy wheels –
which have a diameter of 18 inches as standard and 19 inches as an
option – are reminiscent of turbine blades. The body features hybrid
badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The
metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED
headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.
Thanks to the brand’s ultra-lightweight
construction expertise, the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest
sedans in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made entirely
of aluminum, while the B-pillars are of hot-shaped, ultra-high-strength
steel. Weighing just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), it is roughly 40 percent
lighter than a comparable steel construction.
