Audi took the wraps off their near-production version of the new A8 Hybrid at Geneva Motor Show. Designwise it is identical to the normal A8s, only it’s painted in “Prism Silver” with “Spectra Flair” and comes with 21-inch, two-colour wheel rims styled with highly three-dimensional surface areas. As for powertrain though, it has a small four-cylinder engine!
Don’t despair! It’s a hybrid so that small engine is backed by an electric motor. Unfortunately that electric motor is not that big either. The petrol unit is a 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft), while the synchronous motor develops 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque.
So this car has a combined power of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. That’ enough for doing zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). As for fuel consumption, the A8 Hybrid averages 6.2 liters (37.94 US mpg) per 100 km while emitting 144 grams of Co2 per km (231.75 g/mile).
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. Since an electric motor also develops heat, its housing is furnished with cooling ducts. Interposed between the electric motor and the wheelset of the eight-speed tiptronic, which is controlled entirely by electronics, is an additional cut-out clutch. In conjunction with the electric unit, this functions as a torque converter. 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. It is protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range. Yet the A8 hybrid also provides ample luggage space of 400 liters (14.13 cubic feet)
Several subsystems that operate on engine power in a conventional car have been modified right from the start for use in the Audi A8 hybrid. The compressor in the climate control system runs entirely on electric power. The steering system is electromechanical as well. The brake booster too is supplied by a demand-controlled electric vacuum pump. During electrical – i.e. recuperative – braking actions, a sophisticated control system ensures that the ABS and ESP functions operate properly.
The power electronics unit manages the interaction of the 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 power electronics unit, which is connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cables, is located in the engine compartment.
The smooth interaction of these components and their high level of integration attest to the specialized know-how Audi has accumulated. The technology architecture already provides a glimpse of a future production model – the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.
Driving experience
The Audi A8 hybrid, which weighs 1,885 kilograms (4,155.71 lb), drives as if it had a big six-cylinder gasoline engine or a TDI under its hood. From zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) the vehicle accelerates in 7.6 seconds, and it can continue to accelerate up to 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Yet its fuel consumption according to the EU cycle is only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 mpg), corresponding to 144 grams CO2/km (231.75 g/mile). In city traffic, the hybrid drive uses about 20 percent less fuel than a conventional drive. Both the car’s performance and its fuel economy benefit substantially from a major advantage of the A8 model series – its lightweight aluminum body based on the Audi Space Frame principle (ASF).
The hybrid drive is designed for fully electric-powered driving up to 65 km/h (40.39 mph) and for a distance exceeding two kilometers – especially well-suited for driving in the city or residential suburbs. When conditions permit, the driver can also select the electric mode by actuating a separate e-key in the cockpit. Both the display screen of the instrument cluster and the large monitor of the MMI operating system on the dashboard present all momentary power flows in brilliant graphics.
When the Audi A8 hybrid starts moving, both of its engines interoperate closely to suit varying power demands. Above 65 km/h (40.39 mph) the combustion engine alone does all the propulsive work, while the electric motor supplies onboard users and recharges the battery.
When the driver lets up on the gas, the combustion engine is disconnected from the drivetrain, so the Audi A8 hybrid ”sails”. In braking and slow-down phases, the e-motor functions as a generator – recuperating energy efficiently and feeding it into the battery.
When the driver floors the pedal, the engine management temporarily controls the entire system power, and now the electric motor is boosting power. 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) endow the big sedan with enormous thrust. The intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 to 74.56 mph) in fifth gear for instance is accomplished in 7.5 seconds. The Audi A8 hybrid is an extremely dynamic car – with a fuel efficiency that is setting new standards. This is especially true in everyday user activities. Even its looks betray the power of this near-production concept car with its big 21-inch wheels and their 265/35 tires. Efficiency and sportiness are no paradox at Audi – they go hand in hand.
