Look Out Lexus! 37 MPG Audi A8 Hybrid To Best Mileage Of LS 600h By 45%

The power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version: Audi will be starting series production of the A8 hybrid in 2012. Its gasoline engine – a 2.0 TFSI – and an electric motor develop peak output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Average fuel consumption is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).

The Audi flagship model is designed as a highly efficient parallel hybrid. The 2.0 TFSI, which has been modified in some areas, generates an output of 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The combustion engine works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which develops 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).

The permanent magnet synchronous motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic. A multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine. The clutch operates ultra-precisely and gently in all situations. The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides the torque to the front wheels; with its wide gear spread it contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.

The short-term system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and the system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) ensure highly agile performance. The Audi A8 hybrid reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds from a standing start and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Its fuel consumption in the EU cycle is less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg), and CO2 emissions are below 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile). Please note that all figures are provisional.

The Audi A8 hybrid can drive at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) purely on electric power and has a range of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph). This gives the driver the choice of three modes: The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.

The lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.91 lb), is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk. It provides 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and up to 40 kW of power. Two different methods are used to air-cool the battery, depending on need: with air blown from the passenger compartment by a fan and via a separate cooling circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning system. The battery is thus kept within the temperature window required for it to perform to its full potential over a wide range. The electric motor and the compact power electronics which serve as a controller between the electric motor and the battery are water-cooled.

In visual terms, the Audi A8 hybrid is distinguished by subtle details. The ten spokes of its alloy wheels – which have a diameter of 18 inches as standard and 19 inches as an option – are reminiscent of turbine blades. The body features hybrid badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.

Thanks to the brand's ultra-lightweight construction expertise, the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest sedans in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made entirely of aluminum, while the B-pillars are of hot-shaped, ultra-high-strength steel. Weighing just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), it is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel construction.



2012 Toyota Camry Photo Gallery

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Photo Gallery

Concours d'Elegance 2011 Photo Gallery

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG Photo Gallery

The Quail Event 2011 Photo Gallery

Concours d'Elegance Weekend 2011 Photo Gallery

2011 Concorso Italiano Photo Gallery

Agent009 - 8/24/2011 1:59:32 PM

+1 Boost

EU ratings quoted

2011 LS600h is 9.3 liters/100km or 25.29MPG
2012 A8 Hybrid is 6.4 liters/100km or 36.75MPG

About a 11.46MPG difference in the EU cycle or a 45% gain in mileage.

As a reference for argumentative purposes

0-100 Performance

LS does 0-100KM in 5.7 seconds
A8 does 0-100KM in 7.6 Seconds

Power

LS 280KW and 473NM of torque
A8 180KW and 480NM of torque

ghosthunter - 8/24/2011 4:44:22 PM

+10 Boost

you know, 2012 camry hybrid offers 43 mpg city, 39 highway EPA (which will be about 49.4 in EU cycle) , 200 HP. and if the old camry with 187 HP can do 0-60 in 7.7, the new one is surely going to beat 7.6.

so back to your question, is A8 that much bigger than camry hybrid? or faster? or economical? are you going to change the title to
"Look Out Audi! 49 MPG Camry Hybrid to Best Millage of A8 by 34%"

i said it before and i will say it again. Hybrid is the way to go, it can be coupled with any engine. German cars are great in many things but no in the electronic department (actually they sucked). it took them forever to develop a viable hybrid system which is why they focused on century old diesel engine in the mean time and kept bashing Toyota's effort on hybrid to keep them afloat (that is before they finally catch up to the speed on hybrid). unfortunately fan boys like you really fail in that trap and thought diesel was superior in the past 10 years and produced countless of post of how diesel would be the future (again some BS propaganda from makers like MB, BMW,AUDI, VW, in other words, German car makers).

now we see they finally have their hybrid system mature enough, then all of sudden, you get MB hybrid, you get BMW hybrid, you get audi hybrid, you get VW hybrid, ALL WITH GAS ENGINE. what happen to the toyota bashing? what happen to the 8 speed tran bashing? what happen to auto parking bashing?

this is truly pathetic.

Monopoly - 8/24/2011 8:27:03 PM

+4 Boost

@ - ghosthunter


Spot On!

Willis - 8/25/2011 5:24:08 AM

-5 Boost

@ghosthunter

Silly little kid and your misinformed views. Truly pathetic.

Willis - 8/25/2011 8:58:13 AM

-6 Boost

@PatriotNation

So Toyota brings out a brand new hybrid on a Tuesday and you expect a European brand to bring out a competitive rival model the very next day?

GET REAL.

These cars have to be tested, adjusted, refined and improved and that process doesn't happen overnight. It takes years, especially with something as complex as an automobile.

The Germans are now offering their own hybrids because Toyota/Lexus has shown that there is a market for these cars in North America (not so much in Europe). If it took seven years, so what? Lexus only recently offered buyers an IS Convertible for example. It took them over a decade to respond to the Audi A4 convertible, BMW 3er convertible and Mercedes CLK convertible. That's the nature of the car business.

And I have every right to become annoyed at the many idiotic comments here. They indicate the lack of maturity and knowledge of certain posters.

Willis - 8/25/2011 3:09:03 PM

+1 Boost

And the Lexus SC didn't compete with the A4/3er/CLK convertibles.

It competed with the SL, XK8 and was barely a contender in terms of styling (subjective) and performance/fun (also subjective).

Lexus - 8/24/2011 2:38:47 PM

+12 Boost

How many horsepower does the Audi has again? The Lexus LS600 hl has way more horsepower, faster, better looking, more reliable, and has been out for awhile now and the generation LS about to come out anyway.

Agent009 - 8/24/2011 2:40:22 PM

-7 Boost

But isn't the whole point of a hybrid in this case is to SAVE fuel and emissions?

If not then what is the point of a hybrid in a vehicle this big?

Monopoly - 8/24/2011 8:59:35 PM

+7 Boost

But Agent 009, I think that in this case because we're discussing high end luxury sedans first and foremost there are other factors to consider besides just gas mileage savings from hybrid technology alone. Thoughts?

Lexus - 8/24/2011 2:54:00 PM

+7 Boost

@Agent009,

yes and no. The point of Lexus LS600 hl Hybrid were to offer V8 or 10 performance but with a V6 fuel efficient and emissions which I think Lexus LS600 hl has accomplish. And do you seriously think most people that have $100,000 to blow on a car worry about $4-5/gallon Gas price? LMAO

mpls - 8/24/2011 3:40:17 PM

+8 Boost

The current LS is due to be replaced and if the economy of the latest Prius over the current Prius is anything to go by, watch the ratings of the new LS..

Rectifier - 8/24/2011 3:45:13 PM

+11 Boost

One more advantage for the Lexus - it has the ultimate smooth drivetrain - constant acceleration from zero to V max. Pretty much like a jet plane. No other car in the segment offers that.
This Audi will also not offer it - it still uses gears.

JUGNU - 8/24/2011 5:22:42 PM

+10 Boost

LS600hL is a performance hybrid, tuned more towards performance and also got AWD. All New LS should offer more and improved hybrid variants. Maybe this time will also offer the V6 hybrid from the GS450h and V8 hybrid. I am sure Toyota/Lexus hybrids will have the best numbers at least for some more years. Toyota is quite ahead in this department.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/24/2011 9:18:22 PM

-8 Boost

Not sure both vehicles are aimed at the same buyer.

This particular A8 Hybrid buyer would { I Assume} be Chauffeur Driven CEOs and other who could not care less what powered the vehicle as long as it is quiet and smooth.

Also in the UK as well as europe those Carbon Dioxide numbers makes a helluva lot of difference to Tax and if correct at <150g per KM means it would be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

There are a lot of Chauffeur Companies in the Uk and Europe that this vehicle would suit perfectly.

A8 drivers who wish to drive and want a bit of performance as well as good mileage will opt for the 4.2 TDi which manages 0-62mph in 5.5secs.

Willis - 8/25/2011 5:31:35 AM

-7 Boost

I agree with you. This car makes perfect sense for people who want a roomy and comfortable luxury car and great gas mileage as well.

Of course we will never see this car in the US. Just look at the dumb comments from the delusional Lexus fan(boy)s here.

The LS600h is an overrated and underperforming car. I remember how we were told that it was supposed to offer V12 performance and V6 fuel economy - and it does neither. Now it's all of a sudden a "performance hybrid". What performance is there in an LS600h? A quick 0-60 time is all of a sudden "performance"? LMAO. What about handling? Steering feedback? Non-mushy brakes? The LS600h is a joke and the only people falling for it are blind Lexus loyalists who bash anything that isn't adored with an overpriced Toyota badge.

MeanVulcan - 8/24/2011 9:23:39 PM

-16 Boost

LOL. All the brainwashed Toyota Ls600 fanboys are out protecting their DYING breed. Lexus and Toyota are on a nosedive...yea, well before the earthquake / tsunami. Sales have been tanking for 2 years now with no end in sight. People that buy hybrids do it to rave about their mileage, the A8 is a brilliant idea compared to the much less efficient Camry LS600SH*T. For performance aficionados get the standard A8 which beat the class leaders, BMW and MB in the latest compare. These are facts backed by sales and astonishing sales performance by Audi.

I like to use the word, JEALOUSY. LOL. Keep on living in your made up worlds, blind fanboys. Maybe one day Toyota will sell more than 1 Prius in China!!! HaHaHa..

KeyserSoze - 8/25/2011 12:18:54 AM

+13 Boost

@ Meanvulcan, you sir are suffering from delusions of grandeur!

chewy - 8/25/2011 1:31:09 AM

-3 Boost

The regular V8 A8 offers more performance and about equal fuel economy (much better on the highway and a little worse in the city) compared to the LS600h. Audi maximized the fuel economy on the A8 so as not to end up with another luxury hybrid that doesn't improve fuel economy or performance by much if at all.

JustaCar - 8/25/2011 7:08:33 AM

-10 Boost

Just don't try taking an exit ramp too fast in the Lexus or worse yet, don't count on the brakes stopping you in time to avoid the driver that just cut in front of you.

If I want luxury, performance and good fuel economy I'll get the regular A8. If I want luxury and economy with a good dose of performance (not just 0-60), i'll take the A8 Hybrid.

MercedesSL - 8/25/2011 8:24:55 AM

+9 Boost

You also have to consider the less than par build quality of recent Audis, plus who knows the Audi will leak fuel and spontaneously combust. Lexes is the better choise here.

JustaCar - 8/25/2011 4:40:48 PM

0 Boost

I think it's time for you to step out of the 80s. This is 2011.

Bill - 8/25/2011 8:41:52 AM

-3 Boost

With the many narrow-minded comments displayed here, it's no wonder that some of the interesting European models are and will never be sold in the US.

I am what you would call the target market for an A8, S-Class, 7er, LS etc. I'm in my late fifties and my priorities have changed over the last decades. I'm no longer as crazy for power and performance as I was when I was younger. Now I look for comfort, design, status, safety and fuel economy in a future luxury. This A8 Hybrid appeals to me because it satisfies what I am looking for in a vehicle of this class.

The gas mileage sounds incredible and the performance is completely sufficient for my needs. This isn't a performance car, keep that in mind. What's not to like?

The Audi 2.0 TFSI engine has gotten great reviews. It's a proven and superb engine and I have absolutely no problems with a 4-cylinder motor under the hood of this car (my previous car was a Mercedes S550 by the way).

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/25/2011 9:07:21 AM

-4 Boost

Sensible comments Bill

Unfortunately this site is now populated by High-School kids { Stupid ones at that } who have no clue about business, automotive design and r&d, profitability..........

They just join the herd in spouting whatever nonsense they feel sounds good.

JUGNU - 8/25/2011 9:58:23 AM

+6 Boost

What is nonsense is that people are comparing a 4 cylinder hybrid with a 8 cylinder hybrid and than saying it gives 45% better fuel economy. Okay it gives 45% better mileage than a 5 year old car but is also 2 seconds slower to 60mph.
One is tuned towards fuel economy and is most likely a middle variant compare to the other which is tuned towards performance and is a flagship 440BHP 8 cylinder AWD fully loaded car.

Okay now when all are comparing why not compare the all new 4 cylinder Camry Hybrid rated at 43/39 with this 4 cylinder hybrid A8.

What is nonsense is this comparison and than claiming A8 hybrid gives 45% better mileage.

Willis - 8/25/2011 11:24:08 AM

-3 Boost

"Okay it gives 45% better mileage than a 5 year old car but is also 2 seconds slower to 60mph."


It's two seconds slower to 60 mph.

So what?

Where does this matter? Will this be the deciding factor for someone shopping between these two cars?

"Hmmm, which one shall I buy? The Audi is newer, gets better fuel economy but is two seconds slower to 60 mph than the Lexus. I'll go for the Lexus because it's faster and so my friends won't make fun of me..."

^Yeah right.^


I don't even use 0-60 in my daily driving. 0-60 is a completely irrelevant aspect in daily driving. A sub-8 second 0-60 time is more than adequate for safe merging unto freeways etc.

It annoys me how people make such a big issue out of 0-60. 0-60 is IRRELEVANT TO MOST PEOPLE.

Car A does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. What an awesome car. Car B does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. What a completely underperforming POS.

^SARCASM^

Willis - 8/25/2011 11:25:20 AM

-2 Boost

By the way, why is Bill being deboosted? I didn't see any negative comment in his thread. The Lexus lovers are out in full force today (aka multiple accounts). PATHETIC.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/25/2011 11:37:51 AM

-1 Boost

JUGNU

Which is why i stated that the two vehicles are not aimed at the same type of buyer, also explained that there is an A8 4.2 TDI with 0-62mph time of 5.5 secs for those who want more power.

Not one reply to my comment.

Yet i am currently at 8 de-boosts which confirms my and willis views that there are lots of retards on this site.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/25/2011 8:41:58 PM

+1 Boost

BTW for all the Idiotic Lexus fanboys i will repeat what i said years ago about the LS600h.

I was not rendered obsolete by the Diesels of the German 3. It was defeated by IT's OWN OLDER BROTHER the LS460.

The performance and mileage advantages of the 600h was almost non-existent compared to the 460 and that was before you added the price difference.

If i wanted V12 Performance i would have gone for an S600 or S65 or 760 or Flying Spur because there is an unmistakeable Rumble and sound from a V12 that no Hybrid powertrain could EVER duplicate.

If i wanted fuel economy i would go for a diesel as it provided the best economy FULL STOP.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/25/2011 8:43:12 PM

+1 Boost

Correction.......
2nd paragraph should start with "It" not "I"