Audi Reveals A3 E-Tron for Geneva
by admin on Mar.04, 2013, under Audi Car Specs, Auto Review Specs
Audi Reveals A3 E-Tron for Geneva
The Geneva Motor Show will not be without its hybrids and EVs this year, and Audi is coming with one of its own. Technically dubbed a concept, the A3 e-tron appears almost ready for production. If you’re confused by the e-tron designation, that’s because Audi has used it for both hybrids and pure EVs. This A3 bridges the gap as a plug-in hybrid, pairing a 150-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo four to a 100hp electric motor. When operating together, they can deliver 204 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. If the math doesn’t add up, remember that electric and internal-combustion motors seldom peak at the same levels. Torque from the electric motor has actually been limited to protect the six-speed dual-clutch transmission in which it is housed and through which it drives to the front wheels. Still, 0-62 is quoted at 7.6 seconds – not too shabby for a hybrid – and top speed at 138 mph. Audi has also fitted the A3 e-tron with a free-wheeling function that disengages the drivetrain to reduce friction while coasting down the highway, and internal instrumentation adapted to display charge levels and such.
Based on the A3 Sportback, the e-tron has a few styling tweaks as well, namely in the grille (bisected by 14 horizontal slats), the hidden exhaust pipe (it does, after all, still have a gasoline-burning engine) and unique 19-inch wheels. Hybrids and EVs typically run smaller rolling stock for lower resistance, so that bit will likely change when the A3 e-tron reaches production, with US availability considered a strong possibility Source: carbuzz.com 304AudiA3