Audi released today the final specifications and details of the 2012 A8 hybrid and announced that they will put it into production next year. The powertrain of the 2012 Audi A8 hybrid features a 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, developing 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm, and an electric motor with an output of 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft). Adding the figures, you'll notice that the A8 hybrid has a total output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque.
The 2012 A8 hybrid has an average fuel consumption of less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). Audi says that the new A8 hybrid has an electric only range of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and that it can run for 3 kilometers
(1.86 miles) with zero emissions at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). The CO2 emissions of the new hybrid A8 sedan are rated at 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile).
If you decide to buy a hybrid, you'll get and efficient car, but you should also expect not to get a lot of performance. However, Audi managed to offer decent performance figures with the new 'green' A8. The Ingolstadt manufacturer's specifications say that the hybrid A8 is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds and that it can reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph).
Audi's hybrid A8 offers the driver a choice between three driving modes: EV, which makes the car run on electricity most of the time, the S mode, which is designed for sporty driving and gives priority to the internal combustion engine, and the D mode, which is a mix between the previous two modes.
The electric motor of the 2012 hybrid A8 is powered by a lithium-ion battery, weighing 36.7 kilograms (80.91 lb), and located in the boot, in a specially designed, crash-proof area. The A8 hybrid's battery 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and 40 kW.
To cool the battery down, Audi chose an air based system, which is incorporated into the sedan's air conditioning system.
To get the power from the hybrid system to the wheels, the A8 uses Audi's eight-speed tiptronic transmission, featuring a multi-plate clutch, which sends the power to the car's front wheels.
In terms of design, the distinctive features of the hybrid Audi A8 include the 18-inch (optional 19-inch) 10-spoke light alloy wheels, the exclusive Arctic Silver exterior finish and the various
badges scattered around the car. The standard equipment list of the 2012 A8 hybrid includes the metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system.
Audi will announce the price list of the 2012 A8 hybrid at a later date.
