Hybrid versions of all sorts of cars - even sports cars like the Nissan 370Z - are in the works or on their way, and now Audi is adding to the list with reports of an A3 hybrid confirmed for production. The hybrid hatch is expected to use an Audi-adapted version of Volkswagen's TwinDrive hybrid powertrain.
The TwinDrive project will be at the heart of a future hybrid Golf, and is also being trialled in a Seat Leon plug-in as well. The TwinDrive system produces about 40hp (30kW) - half the power of the TwinDrive system in the concept Golf revealed last year, and meager by U.S. standards, but the system, once depleted, is backed up by either small petrol or diesel four-cylinders rated at a more typical 105hp (78kW) or more, according to Autocar. Top speed will reach about 105mph (168km/h).
Inside the TwinDrive system lies a 12kWh battery pack of lithium-ion batteries that should be enough to give the car a 30mi (48km) electric-only range. That's enough to rival the Volt plug-in hybrid, and at the Audi's higher market point, hints at a price closer to $50,000.
Efficiency for the combo will be very high, with estimates placing the car's combined electric and regular operating at more than 113mpg. The car is expected to reach commercial buyers in 2012 with retail sales sometime after that, though Audi hasn't yet confirmed any dates.
Related report:
There were previous reports that came out suggesting that a sedan version of the 2011 Audi A3 was already set to hit markets in the US. However, the carmaker did not confirm these reports, but said that a four-door variant of the car is a possibility.
The company is currently considering the cabriolet, sedan and Sportback variants for sale in the US and is still in the process of deciding which will be ideal for the consumers of America. Furthermore, the company stands by its commitment to the A3 lineup and rules out the possibility of a three-door A3 in the US. There are talks going abroad that suggest that if Audi will manufacture the A3 it will come with similar dimensions as the VW Jetta. Clearly, nothing is certain with regards to the future of the A3 model at this time. So, for the moment, speculations will remain just that.
The TwinDrive project will be at the heart of a future hybrid Golf, and is also being trialled in a Seat Leon plug-in as well. The TwinDrive system produces about 40hp (30kW) - half the power of the TwinDrive system in the concept Golf revealed last year, and meager by U.S. standards, but the system, once depleted, is backed up by either small petrol or diesel four-cylinders rated at a more typical 105hp (78kW) or more, according to Autocar. Top speed will reach about 105mph (168km/h).
Inside the TwinDrive system lies a 12kWh battery pack of lithium-ion batteries that should be enough to give the car a 30mi (48km) electric-only range. That's enough to rival the Volt plug-in hybrid, and at the Audi's higher market point, hints at a price closer to $50,000.
Efficiency for the combo will be very high, with estimates placing the car's combined electric and regular operating at more than 113mpg. The car is expected to reach commercial buyers in 2012 with retail sales sometime after that, though Audi hasn't yet confirmed any dates.
Related report:
There were previous reports that came out suggesting that a sedan version of the 2011 Audi A3 was already set to hit markets in the US. However, the carmaker did not confirm these reports, but said that a four-door variant of the car is a possibility.
The company is currently considering the cabriolet, sedan and Sportback variants for sale in the US and is still in the process of deciding which will be ideal for the consumers of America. Furthermore, the company stands by its commitment to the A3 lineup and rules out the possibility of a three-door A3 in the US. There are talks going abroad that suggest that if Audi will manufacture the A3 it will come with similar dimensions as the VW Jetta. Clearly, nothing is certain with regards to the future of the A3 model at this time. So, for the moment, speculations will remain just that.
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