Photo: Audi
Audi's arsenal of efficient plug-in hybrids is about to grow from a single production car and a bunch of studies to a whole family of e-trons. No, it's not something from Kevin Flynn's grid, but the name the Germans have chosen for their family of plug-in vehicles.
The only e-tron right now is based on the A3, which is the second smallest car Audi offers. However, we have a report that states even their largest and most imposing will get a charging socket. British magazine Autoexpress says the A8 e-tron is coming and will be the first to use a new V6 diesel-based plug-in hybrid system.
Not too many details are available, but Audi usually bases its hybrid systems on higher output versions of particular mills, which means the current 3.0 TDI is their starting point. In its strongest single-turbo form, this produces 272 PS, but there's also a twin-turbo version with 320 PS.
What we do know is that according to British magazine, the A8 e-tron would deliver a combined output of 368bhp (373 PS) and up to 700 Nm of torque. That's basically suggesting the 3.0 TDI will be paired to an electric motor producing 100 PS. Other models, such as the A6, A7 and Q7 could also receive the same powertrain.
The purpose of all this hybridization is to lower fuel consumption and emissions. It's expected that the A8 e-tron will be able to run in pure electric mode for up to 30 miles (50 kilometers) and produce well under 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer. It's not just about saving money on fuel though, as Audi's own numbers suggest an average A8 3.0 TDI driver spends €1,700 per year on fuel. That's only a fraction of what he/she actually spends to buy, tax and service the car. Caring for the environment and enjoying lower taxation are just as important for premium car buyers as power these days.
Unfortunately, while some news outlets interpreted the A8 e-tron as a current generation car, we're not so sure. Audi launched a the mid-life facelift more than a year ago and has already begun work on the replacement mode. Not a single A8 e-tron has yet been spotted, which means the launch is at least a couple of years away. If we're right, that means the full-size e-tron sedan will not be ready until 2016.
Not too many details are available, but Audi usually bases its hybrid systems on higher output versions of particular mills, which means the current 3.0 TDI is their starting point. In its strongest single-turbo form, this produces 272 PS, but there's also a twin-turbo version with 320 PS.
What we do know is that according to British magazine, the A8 e-tron would deliver a combined output of 368bhp (373 PS) and up to 700 Nm of torque. That's basically suggesting the 3.0 TDI will be paired to an electric motor producing 100 PS. Other models, such as the A6, A7 and Q7 could also receive the same powertrain.
The purpose of all this hybridization is to lower fuel consumption and emissions. It's expected that the A8 e-tron will be able to run in pure electric mode for up to 30 miles (50 kilometers) and produce well under 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer. It's not just about saving money on fuel though, as Audi's own numbers suggest an average A8 3.0 TDI driver spends €1,700 per year on fuel. That's only a fraction of what he/she actually spends to buy, tax and service the car. Caring for the environment and enjoying lower taxation are just as important for premium car buyers as power these days.
Unfortunately, while some news outlets interpreted the A8 e-tron as a current generation car, we're not so sure. Audi launched a the mid-life facelift more than a year ago and has already begun work on the replacement mode. Not a single A8 e-tron has yet been spotted, which means the launch is at least a couple of years away. If we're right, that means the full-size e-tron sedan will not be ready until 2016.
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