New 2.0 4 cylinder petrol A8

Leonard Hofstadter

Audi revealed a hybrid A8 at Geneva today - with just such an engine.

I think it is rather pointless to be honest - a little 2.0 4 cylinder in a supposed "flagship" car from a brand that is meant to be taking on BMW and Merc?

While I can see the appeal of hybrids, I can't figure out who would want an A8 with a little engine like that.

If they're aiming it at the European market - why doesn't it have a diesel engine, especially as Audi bang on about their TDI technology?

If they are aiming it at the American market or even the rest of the world where diesel just doesn't matter, why such a small engine, especially one with only 4 cylinders?

BMW's 7 series hybrid has a 4.4 twin turbo V8. Even Merc's S class hybrid has a 3.5 V6.

More damming is the CO2. 144 g/km may sound good but Lexus can get that from an SUV with a 3.3 V6 (hybrid) FFS! Audi have a 3.0 TDI A8 with FWD coming that does 159 g/km.

Imagine what Audi could have done if the hybrid system was linked up with the 3.0 TDI, plus you'd actually have a car that would work in Europe, even if the 3.0 supercharged petrol was used I would say that the CO2 difference would be very small, there is a reason why small cars use small engines after all and big cars have bigger engines.

Anyway, here's the link: http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2011-Audi-A8-hybrid.html

EPM

probably brings the CO2 of their range as a whole down a bit to meet regulations. Also nice little marketing toy.

Also reckon if we were still in boom times they'd be everywhere

Leonard Hofstadter

True but I suppose my point is that engine in that car is very silly.

I think a V6 diesel hybrid in the A8 would be a great idea, and would probably bring the CO2 down more(if they can get a 3.0 non hybrid TDI down to 159 then they should surley be able to go below 140 for a hybrid?), even a V6 petrol would be a good idea because it would provided an alternative to the V8s that the rest of the world likes and even the V6 diesels we in Europe like in these big cars.

I would have no problems with such a combo in an A4(or even an A6) FWIW, in fact I would very much welcome it in the A4/A5, it would really make things in that segment interesting.

EPM

captainspeed wrote: »

True but I suppose my point is that engine in that car is very silly.

You wont know until you drive one. If they isolate it enough and gear it right it could be fine. The hybrid motor would provide extra punch. Might miss out on a nice sound of a V6 or V8 but I doubt they'd release a complete dog

Matt Simis

This news angers me greatly! :pac:
Its also Front Wheel Drive!!! :eek:

Im confused over its crappy specs too:

2011 A8 2.0TFSI Hybrid
1885kg
0-62 in 7.6sec
"211hp" ICE + 45bhp Electric Motor, giving a combined 245bhp (the figures dont cleanly add together it seems)
45mpg (Imperial)
0.26Cd Drag Coefficient

2009 A5 2.0TFSI
1610kg
0-62 in 6.9sec
Same "211bhp" (208ps) engine lump.
42.8mpg
0.29Cd Drag Coefficient (ie less aero dynamic than the A8)

With a remap the 208bhp A5 would be in the 250bhp range and likely outputting similar MPG. Yeah, the A5 is lighter, but it indicates to me that the Electric motor is "providing" major diminishing returns... how much of that weight difference is purely down to the Electric Motor + Battery? Bear in mind the A5 is 2years older and on an older platform too.
Without the Electric motor and battery what would the MPG be? Googling suggests the Electric bits weight about 50kg... yet its benefit is extremely dubious.

Random musings:
-This new A8 chassis was/is rumoured to have a target weight of 1700 - 1800kg, not too dissimilar to the the A5.
-Its also got a drag co-efficient the same as a Prius (0.26Cd).
-The V6 3.0TDI A8 (out in 2010) gets the same MPG as the Hybrid, much faster to 60, more BHP and more Torque all the while being a proper All Wheel Drive model too.
-In an Apples to Apples comparison, a proposed FWD (ewww) 3.0TDI beats the Hybrids MPG handily. Even the 4.2TDI if offered in FWD (torque steer would make it undriveable me thinks) would likely match the Hybrid.
-The 4.2FSI Petrol model weighs 1800kg according to Audi.ca , ie less than the Hybrid 4pot. :rolleyes:


Like captainspeed I wonder what would a Hybrid TDI be like. Electric power around Cities (minimising Diesel smog) and TDI power on motorways. Its a perfect union and would even boast incredible tax pleasing C02 levels.

Leonard Hofstadter

The fact that the hybrid is FWD makes it even more pointless, I assumed it was Quattro.

voxpop

Im guessing a diesel engine would be too heavy to give good results with the electric motor


Hybrids are generally just a marketing tool - every manufacture has to have some sort of hybrid even though a diesel car can usually out perform a hybrid and is overall more environmentally friendly

JHMEG

A8 hybrid or LS600h(L)... think I'd take the Lexus.

Saab Ed

Is this you Matt Simis...Crazy Inventor number cruncher

JHMEG

bazz26

First the 1.6d Volvo S80 now this, there seems to be a trend starting here. Are the luxo barges days numbered?

Padraig Mor

Don't mind the little 4 pot - when are Audi gonna stick the 6.0 V12 TDI from the Q7 into the A8?! S8 TDI anyone?

Matt Simis

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Don't mind the little 4 pot - when are Audi gonna stick the 6.0 V12 TDI from the Q7 into the A8?! S8 TDI anyone?

Interesting idea, they could spin it as a new-age Economical/Environmental S-car. It gets 25mpg in the Q7 (2600kg, 0.35Cd), should get 30mpg a nuvo-S8..

rabbitinlights

If it annoys you so much, don't buy one.

I'm sure thousands will though.

S.