Hybrid A8 Coming in 2012 with 245hp and Using Less than 6.4l/100km

When considering the most efficient engines that come from the Volkswagen Audi Group, the mind immediately goes to some of the best diesel engines in the world. You do not usually think about hybrids, but that will be an option on the A8 next year alongside the various petrol and diesel engines that are already available.

The hybrid A8 will use VW/Audi's tried and true 2.0 TFSI, which makes it 211hp, with an electric motor that produces a maximum of 54hp. However, the full hybrid system makes 245hp  and 345lb-ft of torque in the A8 Hybrid because the two power plants do not have overlapping power bands. 

The system is designed to maximize use of the electric motor. The A8 Hybrid is capable of accelerating up to 100km/h using just the electric motor, and it can drive three kilometers using just electric power. 

It takes a lot of engineering to transfer power to the wheels when using two power plants. The A8 Hybrid uses a electronically-controlled, multi-plate clutch mounted between the power plants and the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The clutch allows for smooth distribution of power between the motors and the transmission. The A8 Hybrid will be available only from front-wheel drive for the time being. 

All of this engineering and multiple power plants make for an A8 capable of getting to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. Audi promises that it will consume less than 6.4l/100km in the European cycle and produces less than 148g/km of CO2. 

To compare this to other A8s, the 3.0 TDI-powered A8 with front-wheel drive makes 201hp, accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, uses 6.0l/100km of diesel and produces 158g/km of CO2. 

Audi did not announce a price for the A8 Hybrid, but if it can get close to the €69,600 starting price of the 3.0TDI, front-wheel drive A8, then it could be a decent alternative. 

The A8 Hybrid also gets some slight body changes compared to other A8s. It comes with 10-spoke, 18in wheels, hybrid badges and Arctic Silver will be available only on the hybrid model.