Automotive

Audi shows petrol-electric A3 E-Tron Hybrid Concept in Shanghai

Audi shows petrol-electric A3 E-Tron Hybrid Concept in Shanghai
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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A fuel gauge at the plug of the e-tron makes life easier for motorists
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A fuel gauge at the plug of the e-tron makes life easier for motorists
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's hybrid A3 E-tron
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Audi's A3 e-tron concept to be shown at Auto Shanghai for the first time today, is a plug-in hybrid technical study based on the company's four-seat RS 3 Sportback. It uses a turbocharged, direct injection, 211 hp, 1.4 liter TFSI unit and a 27 hp electric motor to give the E-Tron a top speed of 144 mph plus exceptional frugality and energy efficiency.

Technical highlights abound, including a regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery system.

The 12 kWh lithium-ion battery is charged by the energy recovery system when in use, and by a household power socket when it is parked, offering an electric-only range of up to 34 miles – which means the A3 e-tron can be operated entirely emission-free in city driving.

A fuel gauge at the plug of the e-tron makes life easier for motorists
A fuel gauge at the plug of the e-tron makes life easier for motorists

The e-tron's seven-speed S tronic transmission is in effect, an automatic direct shift gearbox using two transmission structures, operated by two clutches, to shift gears so quickly that there is no perceptible interruption of power delivery to the driver. It can be operated in automatic mode or as a manual gearbox changing gears using the F1-style steering-wheel paddles. Completing the F1 mimicry is a launch control system which will ensure you never get smoked by Mrs Klump at the traffic lights ever again.

View gallery - 7 images
2 comments
2 comments
Michael Mantion
It would be cool if they pulled the whole electric side of the drive train.
mrhuckfin
Get rid of any vestige of the electric side and/or bigger gas engine options available and this would be a nice car! I would HATE to deal with any of the hybrid side of it by the time that car became 10 or 15 years old.