Audi A8 E-tron on the Way With New V6 Diesel-Electric Engine - Will Be Used In Future Models As Well

Audi will add a second more powerful e-tron drivetrain to its model range using the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel, appearing first in the Audi A8 e-tron.

The new model follows the smaller A3 e-tron Sportback, which uses a smaller 1.4-litre engine paired to an electric motor. The new set-up will be used to power larger models in the range, and Audi's board ember for technical development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg confirmed that the A8 would be the first car to get the tech.

There were no details on the size of electric motor, but Audi did confirm that the new system would have 368bhp and up to 700Nm of torque. The manufacturer also confirmed that it would have an all-electric range of 30 miles.

The new system will be presented at the beginning of 2015, before going into production. It will then rolled out across other cars in the range. Dr Hackenberg told us. "The 3.0-litre e-tron will be used in different cars. The plugin hybrid is an exciting combination." That means it's likely to turn up in things like the Q7 and A6, too.

Dr Hackenberg also revealed that the the A8 e-tron should boast some impressive figures when it does arrive. "It will go under the 100g/km barrier, especially in Europe," he explained.




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Vette71 - 7/18/2014 1:29:46 PM

0 Boost

Look out Tesla. Electric around town but still a great road car with no long recharging at sparsely located charging stations. Nice Audi interior to boot!

MattDarringer - 7/18/2014 6:42:30 PM

+2 Boost

The problem is that it is in Audi's interpretation of a damned CAMRY. The A8 is a boring underwhelming car. The Mercedes S is flashy and blingy. The next 7 Series is shaping up to be tailored art on wheels, but the Audi A8 may as well be a Volkswagen Impala for $40K because it is that boring and dismissible.

Yes this technology has the potential to be game-changing, but if it is not wrapped in something desirable to look at then why bother.

Car4Life - 7/18/2014 6:58:08 PM

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Ummm, Audi has trouble selling the A8 in traditional petrol form lol...this will maybe move about 10-15 units per month

MattDarringer - 7/19/2014 11:57:57 AM

-1 Boost

@Car4Life 10-15 units a month makes it not worth the effort of having to bring service technicians up to speed on it at the dealer level. While I commend Audi for pursuing technology, the A4, A6, and A8 trail embarrassingly behind their Mercedes/BMW counterparts in sales. Heck the Cadillac CTS outsold the A6--in a transition year--by 10K units.

Dealers would rather have cars the increase volume. Audi's sales gains look impressive as a %, but in the USA their bread and butter sedans just don't cut it.

Dexter1 - 7/18/2014 10:00:09 PM

-1 Boost

Hey -- is that a giant A3?

Vette71 - 7/19/2014 12:04:20 PM

+1 Boost

Flash is a matter of personal taste. Problem is it often "ages" faster than conservative designs. Why does a 1961 Continental still look classic while a 1961 Caddy is gaudy? Conservative elegance. Having looked closely at a Tesla I wasn't impressed with the interior. The materials, fit and finish wasn't up to the standard of an Audi or even less expensive vehicles. It felt a little "slapped together". The Audi e/diesel marries efficiency in fuel usage and time saving and conservative elegance. For some of us that is a winner.

MattDarringer - 7/19/2014 4:58:33 PM

-1 Boost

@ Vette71 the Conti sold and the A8 doesn't so the comparison doesn't hold up.