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:

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
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