VW Group owned German premium car maker Audi is working hard to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The car manufacturer recently unveiled the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron at the ongoing 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With
The new Audi promises a sporty performance with 204 hp of power and 350 Nm of torque. The A3 Sportback e-tron sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h. According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile). In purely electric mode, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron achieves a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) with a range of up to 50 km (31.07 miles).
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron makes use of the highly efficient concept of a parallel hybrid. The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI, which develops 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. The TFSI operates in tandem with an electric motor that generates 75 kW and 330 Nm (243.40 lb-ft) of power.
The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic transmission, which transfers the power to the front wheels. As with all electric motors, the new car’s electric motor develops peak torque from start to almost 2,000 rpm. TheTFSI’s max pulling power is available in a from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron’s energy store is a lithium-ion battery system installed in a space-efficient, crash-protected location in the floor, beneath the rear bench seat. The high-voltage battery, inside a housing made mainly from aluminum, has a capacity of 8.8 kWh. It comprises eight modules with a total of 96 cells.
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers a good acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time. When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily. In this way, engine braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.
At the Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron provides a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility.