Next to the standard A6, Audi->ke14 has also revealed today details on the A6 hybrid, the company's second hybrid model after the Q5 hybrid quattro. However, the hybrid version will be available at a later date.

Its hybrid system combines a 211 HP 2.0 TFSI engine with an electric motor that delivers 45 HP and 211 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a modified 8-speed tiptronic transmission that sends torque to the front wheels. It will deliver an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg).

For the A6 Hybrid the equipment list will include: Audi drive select dynamic handling system, sporty ESP with electronic limited-slip differential on board, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is available as an option and a dynamic steering will be available soon, also as an option.

Hit the jump to read more about the future Audi A6 Hybrid.

2012 Audi A6 Hybrid

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Audi A6 Hybrid
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The Exterior and Interior

Like the standard A6, the hybrid version will be defined by a high-gloss black, the large, low single-frame grill and wide, low air intakes. Both headlights and taillights feature LED technology, with the rear lights forming a visually continuous band in the form of a wide, U-shaped curve. The car’s rear is defined by a subtle spoiler edge and a matte black diffuser insert that envelopes the two large, round tailpipes for the exhaust system. Of course at the rear there will be a "hybrid" to help us making the difference from a standard A6.

The hybrid system

The A6 hybrid employs an efficient parallel hybrid concept: Its combustion engine, a 211 HP 2.0 TFSI, works together with an electric motor that delivers45 HP and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor sits directly behind the TFSI, occupying the space of the torque converter upstream of the modified 8-speed tiptronic. The transmission sends torque to the front wheels.

A crash-protected area of the luggage compartment houses a light, compact lithium-ion battery that provides 1.3 kWh of nominal power and generates 39 kW. Depending on requirements, it is air-cooled in two ways – by means of a blower from the interior or by means of an internal refrigerant circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning system. This technology largely maintains the rechargeable battery within the appropriate temperature range, thereby ensuring that the vehicle operates on electric power a comparatively large percentage of the time.

The Audi A6 hybrid can achieve speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) purely on electricity; at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), it has a range of 3 km. It can also operate with the combustion engine only or in hybrid mode; in the deceleration phases, it recovers power and activates both the engine and the electric motor together when accelerating quickly. Special indicators on the instrument cluster and on the MMI monitor provide of detailed display of the different driving conditions.

The Audi A6 hybrid provides the power of a V6, combined with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder engine. It accelerates in 7.3 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), top speed is 238 km/h (147.89 mph) and the average fuel consumption is 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg), a CO2 emissions level of 142 grams per km (228.53 g/mile) (performance and fuel consumption figures are provisional).

The competition

Until BMW will offer a hybrid version for the 5-Series, sometime in early 2011, and Mercedes a hybrid E-Class, the new Audi A6 Hybrid will have to face models like Infiniti M hybrid or Lexus GS 450h. It will be a battle between German hybrids and Japanese hybrids.

The 2012 Infiniti M hybrid combines a naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter V6 and an efficient electric motor. The models offers lots of safety technologies and an interior that will make everyone jealous. It is no doubt a model that will give lots of head aches to the new A6 hybrid.

And while both of this models are new on the market, the Lexus GS 450h can already talk about a history on the market. But what does it offer that makes it better than the other two? It combines combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor that both delivers a total of 340 hp. You can notice this is way better than the A6, but is it enough? We believe that the real competitors will be the Infiniti M and the Audi A6. Why? Well, the A6 is an Audi and that says it all, but the Infiniti comes with a fresh and younger design.

When Can I buy one?

Expect the new A6 Hybrid to go on sale a few months after the standard A6. However, you will be able to buy one by the summer f 2011.