Geneva Motor Show: Audi A3 e-tron

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 21, 2013

Audi isn't what you call a major player in the hybrid marketplace, but that could be changing with the showing of the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid.

The A3 e-tron uses a 1.4L engine and a 75-kW electric motor proving a total output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A3 e-tron can reach 60 MPH in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 138 mph. Even more impressive is the A3 e-tron can travel 31 miles on electric power alone and get 156.81 MPG on the U.S. cycle.

Audi says the A3 e-tron gives the world a "realistic glimpse into the future of mobility," so its unknown if Audi will put this model into production. We'll likely find out when the A3 e-tron makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Source: Audi

Album: Audi A3 e-tron

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William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

The Audi A3 e-tron

• Highly efficient plug-in hybrid with 150 kW (204 hp) system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) system torque
  
• From 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds
  
• 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg)
  

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

The Audi A3 e-tron is a true Audi. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). 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, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km. In electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 km (31.07 miles).

The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI producing 110 kW (150 hp). A clutch links the TFSI to an electric motor with an output of 75 kW. The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. The two powerplants complement one another. The electric motor delivers its peak torque from start to around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI's maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

The Audi A3 e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers powerful acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time ("boosting"). When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily ("gliding"). In this way motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.