The all-new Audi A8 is advancing electrification on a broad front. For the first time, this flagship model features an electrified powertrain as standard. The combustion engines are equipped with mild hybrid technology, which means refined running and enhanced performance, coupled with greater efficiency.
The mild hybrid drive comprises two main components: first, the water-cooled 48-volt belt alternator starter (BAS), which complements the conventional pinion starter. The latter is only required for cold starts in the new Audi A8. Second, the lithium-ion battery in the luggage compartment acts as the energy accumulator for the MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) with a 10Ah charge carrier capacity and a 48-volt system.
The advantage of the BAS becomes clear when the driver approaches a red light or a roundabout. If the traffic signal turns green during braking while the vehicle is coasting to a stop or if a gap appears for the driver to weave into, and the driver releases the brake, the combustion engine is then started immediately. The car accelerates without any delay, thanks to the belt alternator starter, which is permanently connected to the combustion engine.
The new drive combines efficiency with comfort in a very special way. The fourth-gen A8 can enter the noiseless coasting mode within the speed range of 55 to 160 km/h. The automobile can then coast with zero emissions for up to 40 seconds with the engine off. As soon as the driver steps on the gas again, the BAS prompts a swift, very smooth restart. In addition, start/stop operation is actually active from 22 km/h.
The convenient start/stop function in the new Audi A8 differs markedly from previous systems. The high-connectivity luxury sedan can distinguish between different traffic situations. When the road ahead is clear, the BAS starts the combustion engine conveniently and promptly, letting the Audi A8 drive off swiftly. After long standstill phases and if the customer wants to turn up the air conditioning, the combustion engine is started extra-smoothly and quietly.
There is the new feature of predictive convenient starting: As soon as the vehicle in front of the Audi A8 moves, the engine starts even if the brake is still pressed. In this scenario the control strategy concludes that the driver will spontaneously fall in with the flow of traffic.
To achieve the high standard of efficiency, the new Audi A8 comes with sophisticated powertrain management: It processes both route data and information from its highly networked set of sensors. The powertrain management uses this equipment to decide whether the A8 is in coasting or recuperation mode. It recovers energy not just from brake applications or when coasting; the Audi A8 also does so if it is in danger of getting too close to a preceding vehicle while coasting.
All these measures are beneficial not just for comfort, but also at the gas station: In the A8, the mild hybrid drive reduces fuel consumption during customer operation by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
For more information, contact Audi Philippines at 7270381 to 85 or visit any Audi showroom in Alabang, Global City, Greenhills and SM Seaside City Cebu.