For Audi->ke14, the Frankfurt Motor Show was not only about performance cars, but also about fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Next to the three S models released, the company's stand also included the luxury A8->ke1089 hybrid sedan. The new hybrid sedan will go on sale in 2012 and combines a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor for a total output of 245 HP and an impressive fuel economy of 36.75 US mpg.

The new Audi A8 Hybrid is one of the few large hybrids on the market, but unlike its biggest competitor - the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - the A8 features a much more elegant design. And thanks to its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body made entirely of aluminum, the A8 will also be lighter.

The Audi A8 Hybrid will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Updated 03/27/2012: Audi has unveiled a series of new images and new video for their A8 hybrid luxury sedan. Also, the car is now officially on sale in Europe, with prices starting from €77,700 for standard version and €85,400 for the L version.

Hit the jump to read more about the Audi A8 Hybrid.

2012 Audi A8 Hybrid

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid
• Engine/Motor: Hybrid
• Horsepower: 245
• Torque: 345
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior and Interior

Customers will distinguish the A8 Hybrid from a standard A8 thanks to its Arctic Silver exclusive paint finish, the illuminated hybrid badges on the rear hatch, and the fenders. The car will be offered with a standard set of 18" cast wheels in a ten-arm turbine design or optional 19-inch wheels with a two-color paint finish also in the ten-arm turbine design typical of hybrid models. These wheels will be wrapped around 245/45-series R19 tires.

The interior will also offer the same technology as any other standard A8, but the tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a power meter with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. It also gets a scale divided into colored segments - one gray and one orange - indicating the driving mode used by the sedan. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the lithium-ion battery.

The Hybrid Drive

The A8 hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system that combines a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor for a total output of 245 HP and a peak torque of 345.03 lb-ft. The sedan will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and is capable of hitting a top speed of 146.02 mph. The hybrid sedan covers around 1.86 miles with zero local emissions at a speed of 37.28 mph.

The electric motor takes its power from a lithium-ion battery system that weighs only 80 lbs and consists of only 72 cells. At 266 volts, its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its power goes up to 40 kW. The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan.

Three Driving Modes

By pressing a button on the center console, drivers of the new A8 Hybrid can choose between three driving modes: EV, D, or S. The EV mode gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode uses both the engine and the electric motor. The S, as you might have guessed, is exclusively for sports driving. All of these driving modes are deactivated when the car is stationary.

When the driver releases the brake, the A8 hybrid starts rolling. It can then travel at speeds of up to 62 mph, or at a constant speed of 37 mph, for 1.8 miles solely running on electric power. Once the driver pushes the acceleration pedal further, the internal combustion engine takes over the drive function.

In quick acceleration, or "boosting," both the combustion engine and the electric motor operate. In this case, the extra torque is sent to the electric motor, which then serves as a generator to recharge the battery.

Prices

The Audi A8 Hybrid will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The only car the new Audi A8 Hybrid will have to fear is the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The BMW's hybrid system uses a V8 gasoline engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor. The hybrid system delivers a total of 465 HP and peak torque of 516 lb-ft and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.

Performance Comparison