Another concept car making its debut in the petrolhead-packed Swiss city of Geneva this week is the Audi A8 hybrid. It has two engines – a 2.0 TFSI and an electric power unit – which together develop 245PS and deliver 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque, enabling them to provide the driving performance of a large six-cylinder engine. And combined with the advantages of electric power there are great benefits when it comes to fuel economy – up to 45.6mpg is possible, corresponding to a CO2 value of 144 grams per km.
The Audi A8 hybrid utilises a parallel hybrid system which the car maker says is a highly efficient principle that avoids any unnecessary friction and power losses. A powerful electric motor develops 45PS of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. The two power units together develop a system power of 180 kW and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). This enables the Audi A8 hybrid to go from zero to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 146mph.
The combustion engine of the Audi A8 hybrid is the four-cylinder unit, the 2.0 TFSI. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system, which regulates the valve lift in two stages. In combination with the adjustable intake camshaft, the Audi valvelift system improves cylinder charging and ensures spontaneous and powerful torque build-up. The 2.0 TFSI delivers 211PS and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft); the torque value remains constant from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.
The A8 concept car is a full hybrid which means it can be propelled by either the petrol engine, the electric motor or by the combined power of both. During coasting or braking, the electric motor acts as a generator that converts kinetic into electric energy and recharges the battery. The hybrid drive can propel the car on electric power at up to 40mph with a range of over two kilometers, making it suitable for urban driving.
The energy storage system of the Audi A8 hybrid is mounted in the back of the car. The state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is compact, light but powerful and it is protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range. There’s still plenty of room for your shopping too, as the A8 hybrid also provides ample luggage space of 400 litres (14.13 cubic feet).
This near-production concept car has 21-inch, two-colour wheel rims. The exterior paint job of the A8 hybrid is in “Prism Silver” with “Spectra Flair” as an accent colour – a rainbow effect that Audi says is accentuated in reflected light along creases and seams on the body. A low horizontal spoiler edge and a chrome strip boosts the look of its solid stance on the road.
This car provides a sneaky glimpse of some of the aspects of a future production model – the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.