A8/S8 2010 Geneva Motor Show Debut For Audi A8 Hybrid

[HighestOfHigh]

Both of its closest rivals are on the verge of launching hybrid versions of their flagship sedans but for German luxury automaker Audi and its A8, a hybrid model is still some months away.

Speaking with reporters at this week’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Audi chief Rupert Stadler revealed that a hybrid version of its new A8 will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Audi sees hybrids as a stepping stone towards full electric vehicles, which is why the hybrid A8 will be a full hybrid rather than a mild one. This means that the vehicle will be able drive on electric power alone, only utilizing its internal combustion engine during high loads or when the vehicle’s batteries get depleted.

The A8 won’t be the platform for Audi’s first hybrid vehicle, however. That title will go to the Q5, which will appear in hybrid form early next year. Expect the hybrid version of the A8 to appear in showrooms shortly after.

- 2010 Geneva Motor Show Debut For Audi A8 Hybrid - MotorAuthority

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Hybrids are rapidly shaping up to be the hot topic among luxury carmakers at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, but not in the way you might expect. Porsche is dabbling in ultra-high-performance hybrids, and Audi is entering the game with the 2012 A8 sedan, a luxury executive limo with performance and green cred.

It's set to be available from late 2011, promising CO2 emissions of 231.75 grams per mile, which Audi claims will make it the greenest in its full-size class. “We regard the full hybrid as we know it today primarily as a very specific technology for reducing fuel consumption. In due course plug-in hybrids will demonstrate their strong points when drivers expect to cover longer distances in the pure electric mode, in combination with a conventional engine,” says Michael Dick, member of the board of management for technical development at Audi.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter TFSI engine paired with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 245 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Audi says this delivers the same performance as the six-cylinder A8, while managing a solid 38 mpg. Either the 45-horsepower electric motor or the 211-horsepower four-pot can propel the A8 Hybrid design study separately or together, making it a "full hybrid." Pure electric mode is good for up to 40.4 mph, and up to 1.2 miles, making it somewhat analogous to Lexus' LS 600h drive system, though at a much smaller and more efficient power/fuel consumption point.

Audi's new hybrid plans are set to lay alongside its upcoming line of e-tron electric vehicles, which will also see a world premiere at Geneva in the form of the Audi A1 e-tron design study.

- 2010 Geneva Motor Show Preview: 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid - MotorAuthority

 

[Giannis]

Hybrid on this type of cars is as pointless as a *insert something sufficient funny*

It's just a better idea to buy a diesel.

 

[Centurion]

Finally a hybrid for the people. A 2.0l engine is exactly the sort of petrol engine that should be paired with an electric motor. Seems like a promising car, I look forward to long term tests.

 

[vabboud]

Finally a hybrid for the people. A 2.0l engine is exactly the sort of petrol engine that should be paired with an electric motor. Seems like a promising car, I look forward to long term tests.

100% true, but not an A8, if it is t have any real eco advantages it needs to be placed in an A4, or an A3, to be both accessile and capable of high volume impact.

all the german offerings, on flagships or premium cars are designed to provide a high premium for the manufacturer and do not provide any real world eco advantage.

 

[Centurion]

^^
True. They want to cover R&D costs before the gift the A4 with hybrid technology. Hopefully that will be in the near future.

 

[darkop]

first pics of A8 hybrid...
Audi A8 Hybrid 'design study' being shown in Geneva — Autoblog

 

[Merc1]

PRESS RELEASE

The efficiency standard – the Audi A8 hybrid

Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit – Audi presents the A8 hybrid as a technology concept at the 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 technology of the Audi A8 hybrid

The combustion engine of the Audi A8 hybrid 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.

In the crankcase of the four-cylinder unit, which has a displacement of 1,984 cc, two balancer shafts offset second-order inertial forces to ensure virtually vibration-free and pleasantly quiet operation that goes well with the luxurious character of the A8. All components are optimized to minimize friction. The flow-rate-regulated, pressure-controlled oil pump further reduces fuel consumption.

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.

The design of the Audi A8 hybrid

This near-production concept car has 21-inch, two-colour wheel rims styled with highly three-dimensional surface areas. The exterior paint job of the A8 hybrid is in "Prism Silver" with "Spectra Flair" as an accent color – a rainbow effect that's accentuated in reflected light along creases and seams on the body. The prominently located "hybrid" lettering on both front fenders leaves no doubt about what kind of car this is. The accentuation of its width by a prominent low horizontal spoiler edge and a chrome strip conveys the vehicle's solid stance on the road.

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. The "Powermeter" in addition shows the energy flow in the instrument cluster.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.


Audi A8 Hybrid 'design study' being shown in Geneva — Autoblog


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[HighestOfHigh]

38 MPG sounds pretty good. Looks nice in that photo as well.

 

[bmer]

Looks like it's going to be (another) hybrid boom at Geneva. Toyota executives would be happy if they didn't have their own problems to mind...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Well said. I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Centurion]

Looks like it's going to be (another) hybrid boom at Geneva. Toyota executives would be happy if they didn't have their own problems to mind...

Yep. They are outside their own sandpit on the playground.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

2010 Geneva Motor Show: 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid Live Photos

 

[aleks_16]

^^^^^That last pic look terrible. The previous generation was thousand times better......

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^What I'm suprised about is the Hybrids interior...

 

[Mockenrue]

^That's a picture of the A1 e-tron's interior.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Oh Ok...I was worried for a minute. They had it with the article on the A8.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

 

[Centurion]

Those must be the first moderately attractive hybrid-esque rims at Geneva.

 

[Sayyaaf]

There is hope for the A8, I liked the side profile in the above pics.