New Sport Car

At the Swiss international auto show Audi has introduced its new A8 Hybrid. According to the producers, though the vehicle is designed as a concept of the gasoline-electric hybrid version, it is scheduled to enter the mass production next year. Audi revealed today the details of the upcoming A8 Hybrid Concept, set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi fits its largest sedan with a familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and then mates it to a 45-horsepower electric motor for a combined 245 system horsepower. A lithium-ion battery pack is stored in the rear. According to Audi, this efficient flagship will accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph. Best of all, the 5-passenger full-size luxury sedan earns the equivalent of nearly 38 mpg on the EPA cycle.

Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit - Audi presents the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept as a technology concept at the 2010 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 combustion engine of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept 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. 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 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft); the torque value remains constant from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.

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.

The energy storage system of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept 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 Audi A8 hybrid Concept 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 Concept. The compressor in the climate control system runs entirely on electric power.

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.

The engine compartment cover with its high-gloss finish and the glass cover of the battery in the trunk also provide visual links to hybrid technology. And the illuminated doorsteps bear the "hybrid" insignia as an elegant touch to underscore the electric aspect whenever the doors are opened - using LED technology to minimize energy consumption.

The passengers also see the prominent hybrid logo displayed on the dashboard. Some of the most significant features of the hybrid vehicle include 21-inch, two-color alloy wheels, a special paint job and the so-called “Powermeter”.