First unveiled in March 2010 as a concept, Audi has now confirmed that the A8 hybrid will enter series production in 2012.
The luxury saloon features a 2.0 litre engine in addition to an electric motor which combined develops 245 horsepower. While the A8 hybrid is able to reach just over 60mph on electric power alone, range is restricted to just 1.86 miles at a constant speed of 37.28mph.
In order to optimise performance, the driver can differentiate between three modes: EV mode gives priority to the electric drive, D mode makes use of both motors while S mode is for petrol power only.
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Audi has been working hard to accommodate the extra technology and features needed for a hybrid vehicle but has also been careful not to compromise on the essential A8 features.
“The permanent magnet synchronous motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic,” notes Audi.
“The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides the torque to the front wheels; with its wide gear spread it contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.”
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