Audi A8 hybrid

Audi has just released official details on a new hybrid version of its A8 luxury flagship sedan.
The basis for the A8 hybrid is the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Sporting direct injection and variable valve timing and lift, output is the same as in the A4: 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Connected to the crankshaft via a wet-plate clutch is an electric motor that puts out 44 hp and 156 lb-ft. Another clutch is slotted between the electric motor and the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is routed to the front wheels only, and total system output is quoted as 241 hp and 354 lb-ft.
The operation of the hybrid system is pretty straightforward. The electric motor assists at speeds up to about 40 mph and the car can also travel just over a mile in full-electric mode. A power meter in place of the tachometer on the instrument panel displays how much electric assist and charge is provided by the electric motor. The motor can also act as a generator to recapture energy during braking; the stored energy resides in the A8 hybrid’s compact lithium-ion battery pack, which sacrifices four cubic feet of trunk space, with 14 remaining. The battery also powers an electric A/C compressor and the electric power-steering system.

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.



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.