German carmaker Audi has finally confirmed the production of its Hybrid A8 luxury saloon. Combining a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine and an electric motor, fuel consumption will be in excess of 44mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of less than 148g/km. Currently the 3.0 TDI-powered A8 has the lowest CO2 emissions in the range at 174g/km, therefore the hybrid promises a reduction of some 30g/km over the diesel.
The parallel system combines the 211PS petrol engine with a 54PS disc-shaped electric motor and the manufacturer has also engineered the A8 to have the ability to travel purely on electric power at up to speeds of 62mpg. Electric range is up to 1.86 miles at a constant 37mph. Behind the wheel drivers will have the choice of three modes: EV setting gives priority to the electric drive, D optimises both the engine and electric motor for efficient usage, while S mode see acceleration take precedence over efficiency.
The hybrid saloon has five operating states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.
Visually the A8 Hybrid looks much the same as a standard A8, however it will come with special ‘turbine blade’ alloys, hybrid badges and an exclusive Arctic Silver paint job.
Thanks to the brand’s ultra-lightweight construction expertise, the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest saloons in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made almost entirely of aluminium, with ultra-high-strength steel used only for the B pillars to optimise rigidity. Weighing just 231 kilograms, it is roughly 40 per cent lighter than a comparable steel construction.
Production will begin in 2012, with the UK expected to see first deliveries in the middle of next year.
