GENEVA — Saying it is on a quest for "future mobility," Audi said at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show that the Audi Q5 hybrid is expected to be launched in the U.S. by the end of 2011. The Audi A8 hybrid is expected to be launched by the end of 2011 as well.
Audi showed off the A8 hybrid in Geneva, calling it an "engineering study." It is powered by Audi's 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an electric motor for a combined 245 hp and 354 lb-ft. Average fuel consumption is 38 mpg, the German automaker said. The A8 hybrid has an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
"A U.S. confirmation or launch date is still TBD, but on a worldwide basis, it should be available by the end of calendar year 2011," said Audi spokesman Christian Bokich in response to an e-mailed query by Inside Line. "The 'regular' A8 launches in the U.S. in fall 2010 as a 2011 model year vehicle."
He said the Q5 hybrid, the automaker's first hybrid, will get the 2.0-liter TFSI engine, rated at 211 hp, and an electric motor. "U.S. launch timing is at the end of the 2011 calendar year," Bokich said.
Audi said it is committed to going beyond traditional internal-combustion engines.
"In [the] future, our customers will be able to choose from an increasingly broad range of driveline technologies," said Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG, in a statement. "The hybrid driveline will be followed by all-electric vehicles."
Inside Line says: Get ready for an influx of Audi hybrids, starting with the A8 and Q5. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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aacton says:
04:42 AM, 03/29/2011
An A8 getting 38 MPG? Impressive!
zelgrim says:
01:37 PM, 11/18/2010
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zelgrim says:
01:37 PM, 11/18/2010
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charlesb says:
07:45 PM, 03/03/2010
I seriously doubt that the A8 Hybrid will ever see these shores. I cannot see a 2.0 L luxury car, especially one selling at that rarified price, selling in the United States. Hell, people laughed in Honda's face because the RL doesn't have a V8 and now the Germans are going to move ultra luxury with a four banger.
jm1212 says:
01:47 PM, 03/02/2010
the Q5 hybrid makes sense and could be a real seller.
Im not so sure about the powertrain arrangement in the A8 hybrid though. Buyers looking in the large luxury sedan segmenr are going to look for a vehicle that is very quick. I think that Audi should consider swapping out the 211 hp 2.0T engine for the 265 hp unit found in the TTS. Then again, fuel efficiency may be compromised because of the nature of the TTS's engine. the 3.2L V6 from the Q5 should work as well or better, as that engine is actually very efficient and just as powerful as the 2.0T.
VW does also have the 3.0L supercharged system that is hooked up to the 8-speed and massive electronic motors that is going in the next generation Touareg and Cayenne that could be easily moved to the A8.
autoadviseorg says:
09:54 AM, 03/02/2010
I was anticipating the Q5 diesel to hit US shores. A hybrid is certainly a surprise to me.
tehnighthawk says:
09:10 AM, 03/02/2010
@ cr_driver
I agree, this is how a proper hybrid should be done. Smaller engine, plus electric motor for decent combined output and big jump in fuel economy. Besides the 2.0T is a great engine.
cr_driver says:
09:03 AM, 03/02/2010
Well, at least these A8 hybrid makes way more sense than the active hybrids from BMW.