Earlier, it was reported that the upcoming, D5-generation Audi A8 will feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and now we have a bit more information on how the electrified setup will assist in propelling the German flagship model which is set to make its debut at the inaugural Audi Summit next month.
The 48-volt mild hybrid drive setup is comprised of two main components: a watercooled, 48-volt belt alternator starter, which complements the conventional pinion starter, along with a 10 Ah lithium-ion battery in the luggage compartment which acts as an energy accumulator for the A8.
The belt alternator starter is permanently connected to the engine, which Audi says allows the A8 to accelerate without delay in situations such as stop-start traffic, when a traffic light turns green while the car is slowing down, or when a gap in traffic appears for the driver to slot into.
The D5-generation A8 can thus coast with its engine switched off at speeds between 55 km/h and 160 km/h, which can be sustained for up to 40 seconds. The belt alternator starter will restart the engine as soon as throttle is applied again, while stop-start operation takes place from 22 km/h upwards.
The upcoming Audi A8’s stop-start system is made more intelligent by the integration with its suite of sensors, which helps it distinguish between different traffic situations. It includes a new predictive starting feature. In a standstill, when the vehicle in front of the D5 A8 moves off, the A8’s engine will restart even with the brake pedal pressed, in order to better keep up with the flow of traffic.
Reported to arrive with Level 3 autonomy, the Audi A8’s energy recuperation takes place not just when its driver applies the brakes while coasting; this is also done when the the car autonomously slows down if it gets too close to the vehicle in front of it. Collectively, these measures reduces fuel consumption by 0.7 l/100 km, according to Audi.
GALLERY: 2018 D5 Audi A8 spyshots
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Wow… all these extra tech can save RM1.6 per 100km… what a bargain..
I like your Sarcasm. Cheers
They are more focus on CO2 emission. Later if not meet cannot sell. Here whatever emission still can sell.
Do you understand how quiet the interior can get in this, already quiet car?
If you want to enter inner London by car, you’ll have to pay toll (London congestion charge / £11.50 daily). The toll won’t be collected if you’re driving electric.
In Oslo/Norway, you are allowed to use bus lanes if you’re driving electric.
To save even more petrol, the car will come with auto headlight flashing when detect cars in front that travels <160kmh.
Waiting for the P1 bashers……
Quite like this compared to a plugin hybrid, which has very heavy batteries. Since it’s only a mild hybrid, the weight penalty is minimal, and you won’t be a carrying a heavy empty (almost empty anyways) battery around when you run out of juice.