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Will TDI engines soon be a thing of the past?

3.6K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Stu  
#1 ·
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a3/62 ... n-unveiled

Audi has revealed the A3 e-tron, a plug-in hybrid concept, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Despite its concept label, Audi has already expressed an interest in having an e-tron badged model in every segment and has said that the A3 e-tron provides "a realistic glimpse in to the future of mobility as Audi is planning it".

Power comes from a combination of 1.4-litre TFSI engine and electric motor. Together, the two power sources produce 201bhp and 350Nm of torque. Those figures are good enough to make the A3 e-tron the most powerful model in the line-up.

All drive is delivered through a six-speed e-S tronic gearbox to the front wheels, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 138mph. The extra weight of the battery pack and electric motor means that despite being the most powerful A3 in the current range, it's actually half-a-second slower from 0-62mph than the 1.8 TFSI car.

But the A3 e-tron really stands out for its efficiency; Audi claims that the A3 e-tron is capable of 188.3mpg and emits just 35g/km of CO2, which is far better than the next most efficient model - the 74.3mpg 1.6 TDI.

Drivers can select between three different driving modes: the engine alone, the electric motor alone or a combination of the two. In electric-only mode, the e-tron can be driven at speeds of up to 81mph and has a maximum range of 31 miles.

A production version of the A3 e-tron is expected late in 2014.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a3/62 ... z2O6NehRgj
 
#2 ·
That is pretty impressive. Viable, efficient, yet not lacklustre in aesthetics or performance.
 
#3 ·
I bet the price will be high or you will have to rent the batteries like some have started doing.

Thats the only current downside i think.

Looks good if it really does do 188mpg on the road.
 
#5 ·
I saw an A1 E tron at Ingolstadt last year, got some pictures somewhere.
 
#6 ·
188mpg may be relying on battery only. And that has a range of 31 miles.
 
#8 ·
Demic said:
I wonder where the electricity is going to come from given the grim forecasts of the UK seeing blackouts of the like not seen since the 70's due reduced power generation capacity.
I would chalk that up as government driven propaganda to ease through the next generation of nuclear facilities.