Audi shows A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid prototype

Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid
Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid

Audi has been working on a hybrid system that doubles as an all-wheel drive conversion kit. Just recently they demonstrated a prototype after resorting to Peugeot and Citroen (PSA) for some engineering consultation.

They start off with a normal A5. It’s given a 2.0L TFSI four banger good for about 208hp and is given an additional two electric motors with a 9.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, one at each axle, allowing for an all-electric capability. The end result is the A5 e-tron Quattro…sounds like something to come from the Decepticons.

The motor at the front provides roughly 40hp whereas the motor in the rear provides 80. The rear motor is actuated when the car is under heavy acceleration or when the stability and traction control sense a loss of traction. With the new hybrid powertrain, the A5 e-tron Quattro can travel up to 25 miles on electric power and can reach speeds of 62 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 2.7 liters/100 km with a 0-60 time of about 5.9 seconds with flat out top speed of 145 mph.

Unfortunately though, the e-tron is only a prototype and there was extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum parts to keep the A5 from becoming too heavy from all of the electrical equipment. All the efforts lead to a not so shabby 3,527 lbs, which is roughly the same as a standard 2.0L A5.

But this isn’t the only project as Peugeot just announced a new concept of bringing the 3008 Hybrid4 AWD diesel-electric hybrid later in the year.

Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid:

Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid Audi A5 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Audi (via MotorAuthority)