Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid

The Audi A3 e-tron could be a direct competitor for the likes of the Toyota Prius, providing that it enters production.

Due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the e-tron is a plug-in hybrid that combines a specially modified 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.4 litre petrol engine with a 100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) electric motor.

Audi A3 E-tron Plug-in Hybrid (2013) Front Side

Together, they give a total system output of 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS), while peak torque is 350 Nm (258 lb/ft). As a result, the A3 can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h).

But the point of the e-tron is efficiency, not performance. Accordingly, its ECE fuel consumption figure is an astounding 188.3 mpg imperial (156.8 mpg US / 1.5 l/100km) and carbon dioxide emissions are rated at just 35 g/km. In full-electric mode, the maximum range is around 30 miles (50 kilometres), which should be enough for many drivers’ commutes.

However, Audi is remaining coy about the A3 e-tron’s prospects as a showroom model, saying only that it ‘will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility’.

Related post:
2013 Audi S3 revealed

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Honda WSB team launch

Image
Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.
Read more

BMW Concept M135i

Image
Next month’s Geneva Motor Show will see BMW unveil the latest addition to its new ‘M Performance’ line-up. Although not quite as hardcore as full-on M cars like the M3 and M5, the M Performance models are nevertheless designed to offer sharper handling, sportier styling and a powerful engine. The M550d xDrive, X5 M50d and the X6 M50d have already been announced as the first of the breed, but now it’s the turn of the F21 three-door 1 Series to get the M Performance treatment. Powering the Concept M135i is a six cylinder petrol engine with Twin Power Turbo technology. For now, all BMW is saying is that it generates ‘more than 300 horsepower’, which makes it sound as if it could be very similar to the three-litre, 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) motor that’s currently used in the 1 Series M Coupé . As well as upgraded suspension, the Concept M135i also features 18” double-spoke alloy wheels, a sports braking system and bespoke aprons front and rear. The visual effect is completed by
Read more