No modern motor show would be complete without electric or gas-electric cars, and luckily Audi continues to deliver in that area – this time with the 2013 Audi A8 Hybrid in production form.
The latest luxury sedan to get the hybrid treatment will do so with the combined output of a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 54 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque electric motor – good for a net peak output of 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. This car is the production-ready Audi A8 Hybrid, not to be confused with the “design study” revealed in March of 2010.
Two things make this hybrid unique: the first is the way Audi addressed the transmission question, utilizing a permanent magnet synchronous motor that is mounted where the torque converter is typically found in front of a modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The result is a sporty, yet fuel-efficient alternative to CVTs often used in hybrids.
The second unique aspect of this hybrid – for a large luxury sedan – is the use of a front-wheel drive system, rather than all or rear-wheel drive typically found on sedans of this stature (but not uncommon for hybrids in general).
Impressively, Audi says the A8 Hybrid can travel up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone, with a range of up to 1.86 miles at speeds of up to 37 mph with no gasoline used at all. Drivers can select between three different modes: EV gives priority to the electric drive, D mode calls on both the electric and gasoline motors and S mode acts as a sport mode, emphasizing power over efficiency.
Exact fuel economy figures are not yet clear, particularly on the U.S. cycle, but expect fuel economy in the mid to upper 30 miles per gallon range.
Compared to a standard A8 sedan, the hybrid model is set apart visually with unique 18-inch wheels (19-inchers are optional), hybrid badging and the exclusive use of Arctic Silver for the exterior paint. Standard features include three-zone air conditioning, LED headlamps and a Bose sound system.
Look for the car to make its auto show debut next month in Frankfurt, later coming to market in 2012.
