Saturday, September 20, 2014
Audi A8 Hybrid
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What‘s it?
This really is new Audi A8 hybrid, which combines the familiar 208bhp 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine by having an 53bhp electric motor backed up by 1. 3kWh battery pack.
It’s an unusual mix for any range-topping saloon, joining a relatively hum-drum four-cylinder engine having a hybrid electric transmission. During this rarified segment, the hybrid cars are often V6 (the Mercedes S400, not currently sold inside the UK ) or V8 (BMW 7-series, also not sold here ).
Just the V8-engined Lexus LS 600h hybrid is in a similar sector, but its engine is twice the dimensions and it is economy - 30. 4mpg and 218g / km - is well behind this A8’s 44. 8mpg and 147g / km.
The battery – which sits inside the boot – is tiny by EV standards and offers just 3km of battery-only range, although the A8 can manage a high speed of 62mph upon the battery. The electric motor is squeezed straight into the bell housing from the transmission casing, in which the torque convertor would otherwise sit. It rotates all around the clutch pack that connects the 8-speed gearbox towards the dual-mass flywheel.
On the exterior, this car is likewise distinguished by its own 19in wheels, unique silver metallic colour. Inside, its gets a special instrument pack, using the rev counter replaced using a ‘power meter’ that shows the energy flows involving the engine, motor and battery pack.
Audi has also fitted an active noise cancellation, which uses four microphones inside the headlining, and sends out ‘anti-phase’ sound with the sound system. The corporate claims noise levels could be reduced by around 75 per cent.
What’s it like?
Pretty good. Although this can be a humble four-cylinder engine, you hear it greater than feel it. Under acceleration, the engine’s note is dull and droning, but any harshness is damped away before it reaches the driver’s contact points.
Otherwise, this car is smooth and swift enough. Using the electric motor assisting the engine under acceleration, there’s lots of smoothly delivered torque, therefore the car does quite a reasonable impression of having greater than four cylinders.
Once the car is coasting, the engine stop and de-couple coming from the transmission. However when the driver re-applies the gas, you are able to nearly sense a slightly clunk inside the transmission like the engine re-starts and re-engages. Otherwise, the transmission is pretty seamless.
On German roads it rides pretty well, although the 19in wheels will drop heavily into potholes. It encourages the driver to relax and steer along with a moderate pace, which is perhaps appropriate for any car of the size and type. It’s a challenge to pinpoint once the noise-cancellation is working, however the cabin is unquestionably very quiet.
The remainder of the car is pretty standard A8, aside coming from the different instrument pack and includes adaptive air suspension, double glazing, Valcona leather is standard, 3-zone climate control, Sat-Nav having a hard drive and also a 630w Bose Hi-fi.
Should I buy one?
In Europe the A8 Hybrid costs 77, 000 Euros in standard spec and it also arrives inside the UK to begin with quarter of 2013. The standard-issue 3. 0 V6 front-drive diesel A8 returns 158g / km, therefore the hybrid promises better economy. Additionally it is marginally more economical compared to the 3. 0-litre V6 diesel quattro, and that is similarly priced.
However, the serious downside is boot space is greatly compromised from the battery pack, a significant downside for any car of the size as well as for one that is usually employed for shuttling VIPs.
The large markets for that car, says Audi, is in China and also the US. Inside the UK, It‘s a bit more than an eco-curio if you don‘t don’t need the boot space, want the absolute best economy available inside an A8 and really dislike diesel.
Audi A8 Hybrid
Price : TBA ; 0-62mph : 7. 7sec ; Top speed : 146mph ; Economy : 44. 8mpg ; CO2 : 147g / km ; Kerbweight : 1870kg ; Engine type, cc : 4cyls, 1984cc, petrol, turbo, electric motor ; Installation : Transverse ; Power : 208bhp at 4300-6000rpm, 53bhp electric motor ; Torque : 258lb ft at 1500-4200rpm, electric motor 155lb ft ; Gearbox : 8-spd tiptronic auto
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Audi A8 Hybrid
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