Audi recently unveiled its brand new Crosslane Hybrid Coupe concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The Crosslane concept is the first vehicle to feature the automaker’s new dual-mode hybrid system, and it is powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine and two electric motors, which Audi estimates will get around 200 mpg on the European cycle. The plug-in hybrid system generates a total 177 horsepower and accelerates the Crosslane concept from 0-62 mph in 8.6 seconds and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds.
The dual-mode hybrid concept features different operating modes. Up to 34 mph the hybrid is driven solely by a single electric motor. In serial mode, the second electric motor switches on and the three-cylinder engine kicks in to produce electrical energy to charge the battery. Starting at about 34 mph the drive system combines the three-cylinder engine with the electric motor to optimize both efficiency and performance. Above 80 mph the three-cylinder engine provides most of the power, but the electric motor can support it if needed.