Audi A8 Hybrid

Audi’s brand new A8 Hybrid model will start series production in 2012, and the German car maker says it will combine the power of a six-cylinder model with the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version.

It’s petrol engine – a 2.0 TFSI – together with the electric motor, will reportedly develop peak output of 180kW (245hp) and 480Nm of torque. Average fuel consumption is expected to be below 6.4 litres per 100km.

Audi says the sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100km/h on electric power alone, and cover around 3km with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60km/h.

The Audi A8 hybrid will reach 100km/h in 7.7 seconds from a standing start, and has a top speed of 235km/h.

Drivers will get 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 36.7kg, is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk. It provides 1.3kWh of nominal energy and up to 40kW 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 Audi A8 hybrid is distinguished by subtle details, such as the 10 spokes of its alloy wheels, hybrid badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The metallic paint finish, threezone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.

The Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest sedans in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made entirely of aluminium, while the B-pillars are of hot-shaped, ultra-highstrength steel. Weighing just 231kg, it is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel construction.

See Audi A8 for sale.