Who said the Hybrid is dead? Even if the Prius is going through hard times, the trend of the hybrid powertrain remains very strong. Like the Lexus LS600hL and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (do all these names need to be such a mouthful?) before it, the A8 hybrid is aimed at those wanting to feel big in their britches without making a big negative impact on the environment. Big difference here is that it uses a 4-cylinder engine and not a V8!
As reported by Audi
Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit – Audi presents the A8 hybrid as a technology concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Its two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor – develop a total output of 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the Audi A8 hybrid to accelerate in 7.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and to achieve a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption amounts to only 6.2 liters (37.94 US mpg) per 100 km – the CO2 equivalent is 144 grams per km (231.75 g/mile).
The technology of the Audi A8 hybrid
The combustion engine of the Audi A8 hybrid is the 2.0 TFSI – a high-tech powerplant. This four-cylinder unit, which has been named “Engine of the Year” five times in a row since 2005, is an example of Audi’s downsizing philosophy. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system, which regulates the valve lift in two stages.
Electric motor with ample propulsive power
A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the 2.0 TFSI with the electric motor. Its control requires the utmost precision, and a great deal of know-how has been expended to achieve its smooth, precise and swift operation. The synchronous motor, which is continually excited, also serves as a generator that develops 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. Its full power is available practically right from standstill and contributes to a sportily powerful start-up. The propulsive power of both drive systems is applied to the road through the front wheels.
Lithium-ion technology – the battery
The energy storage system of the Audi A8 hybrid is mounted in the rear section. This state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is more compact and weighs less than other types but is substantially more powerful. Yet the A8 hybrid also provides ample luggage space of 400 liters (14.13 cubic feet)
The power electronics unit manages the interaction of the braking, steering and climate control systems. Its pulse control inverter regulates the interplay of the battery and the electric motor. The DC-DC converter supplies power to users on the onboard network. The technology architecture already provides a glimpse of a future production model – the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.
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| photo: Audi |
As reported by Audi
Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit – Audi presents the A8 hybrid as a technology concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Its two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor – develop a total output of 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the Audi A8 hybrid to accelerate in 7.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and to achieve a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption amounts to only 6.2 liters (37.94 US mpg) per 100 km – the CO2 equivalent is 144 grams per km (231.75 g/mile).
The technology of the Audi A8 hybrid
The combustion engine of the Audi A8 hybrid is the 2.0 TFSI – a high-tech powerplant. This four-cylinder unit, which has been named “Engine of the Year” five times in a row since 2005, is an example of Audi’s downsizing philosophy. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system, which regulates the valve lift in two stages.
Electric motor with ample propulsive power
A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the 2.0 TFSI with the electric motor. Its control requires the utmost precision, and a great deal of know-how has been expended to achieve its smooth, precise and swift operation. The synchronous motor, which is continually excited, also serves as a generator that develops 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. Its full power is available practically right from standstill and contributes to a sportily powerful start-up. The propulsive power of both drive systems is applied to the road through the front wheels.
Lithium-ion technology – the battery
The energy storage system of the Audi A8 hybrid is mounted in the rear section. This state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is more compact and weighs less than other types but is substantially more powerful. Yet the A8 hybrid also provides ample luggage space of 400 liters (14.13 cubic feet)
The power electronics unit manages the interaction of the braking, steering and climate control systems. Its pulse control inverter regulates the interplay of the battery and the electric motor. The DC-DC converter supplies power to users on the onboard network. The technology architecture already provides a glimpse of a future production model – the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.
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| photo: Audi |