Coming to Audi South Burlington for 2012, a hybrid variant of the powerful and luxurious Audi A8 produces just as much horsepower as the fully gasoline variant. The German auto maker claims their new A8 hybrid has "The power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version…"1
Audi's flagship, and even a movie star thanks to The Transporter series, its 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, combined with an electric motor, develops an output of 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Average combined fuel consumption is under 37 US mpg. The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 62 mph on electric alone, and cover around 2 miles with zero local emissions at a speed of about 37 mph.
The exterior of A8 is almost identical to the regular diesel or gas version, with the exception of a charging port and "hybrid" insignia on the trunk lid.
Inside, an instrument cluster, which looks like it belongs on the USS Enterprise bridge, informs you of all internal and external atmospheric changes. Computerized gauges tell you when (and how much) the battery is charged, and just how long you can drive on it alone.
The Audi A8 hybrid is without a doubt a marvel of modern automotive engineering. Will you decide to try it for yourself?