Audi's flagship, which will be marketed in 2012, was designed as a parallel hybrid with high efficiency. The 2.0 TFSI, which has been modified in some components, an output of 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque available between 1500 and 4200 rpm. The internal combustion engine works in conjunction with an electric motor that develops 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm of torque. The permanent magnet synchronous motor is located in place of the torque converter, the first 8-speed tiptronic. A multi-plate clutch in oil bath is responsible for connecting and disconnecting the electric motor from the 4-cylinder TFSI petrol. The clutch works in a precise and comfortable in every situation. The motion comes to the front wheels through a transmission speed then and a spacing, which contributes to the overall efficiency.
The peak power of 245 hp and 480 Nm of torque ensure agility. The Audi A8 hybrid touches 100 km / h in 7.7 seconds and reaches 235 km / h. The consumption in the EU test cycle is less than 6.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are below average to 148 g / km (still provisional values).
With only the electric drive, the Audi A8 hybrid reaches 100 km / h or travel up to 3 km at a constant speed of 60 km / h. The driver can then choose from 3 modes of driving: the EV mode gives priority to electric traction in the D system combines thermal and electric motor in search of maximum efficiency, while the S mode and the manual shifting in favor of sporty driving . There are five operating modes: with only TFSI, with only the electric motor, and even in hybrid mode with energy recovery or boost mode. Two screens show the driver details of the operating mode.
The lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kg, is placed in a protected area in the rear and provides 1.3 kW of rated power and up to 40 kW of power. As needed, the battery is cooled in two different ways: with a jet of air coming from the passenger compartment, produced by a dedicated fan, or through a cooling circuit connected to the air conditioning system. In this way the battery is always kept in the range of optimum temperature, ensuring the best performance. The compact electric motor and power electronics are water cooled.
From the aesthetic point of view, the Audi A8 hybrid is recognized by some of the details. The 10-spoke alloy wheels, standard 18 "or optional 19", shape recalls the blades of a turbine, there are the inscriptions on the body and is available exclusively hybrid Arctic Silver color. They are part of the standard, 3-zone automatic climate control system, the headlights and LED technology BOSE audio system.
Thanks to the expertise of the brand in terms of lightweight construction, the structure of the A8 hybrid Audi Space Frame, made entirely of aluminum pillars in high-strength steel, weighs only 231 kg, making it lighter by about 40% compared to a 'similar steel structure.
