For some time now, the German rumour mill has been buzzing, the rumour being that an Audi Quattro Coupe V-8 HYBRID was about to be shown with a view to bringing it to market. Well, the car will be at Frankfurt and its stats are fantastic. Using the Audi/VW developed system of deactivation of cylinders, the V8 can be shut down to 4 cylinders, for city work or economical cruising.
Additionally, a 150 bhp /110 kw electric motor runs in tandem with the petrol engine. The battery, a 14 kwh lithium-ion, is positioned in the rear of the car for balance. Combined torque of 589 pound foot and combined horse power of 702, assure mind-blowing acceleration, with a rumoured 3.7 seconds to 62 mph. Top speed is somewhat arbitrary at “over 190 mph”.
The V8, though, is also about economy, with claims of over 90 mpg. This is assuming you are travelling less than the range of the battery/combined battery engine system though, after that you are looking at something in the 40’s running on four cylinders.
No indications of production date have been given as yet, but as ever, response to the car at major shows will be monitored carefully and European emission rules may yet bring about the car in production. With some luck, we will be adding to our Eco-car leasing page by next summer.