Audi A3 e-tron Coming To America

April 1st, 2013 by Important Media Cross-Post

Reposted from sister site Gas2:

German automakers have been cautious about hybrid vehicles, including Audi, which in America offers just one hybrid vehicle, the Q5 SUV. But a new hybrid will be joining the U.S. Audi lineup next year, the Audi A3 e-tron, which was confirmed at the New York Auto Show.

At launch, the Audi A3 sportback will have four engine options, including a 2.0 liter turbodiesel. But for those who really want to save some gas, the Audi A3 e-tron will be a plug-in hybrid with a 1.4 liter gas engine in conjunction with an electric motor.

On pure electric power, the A3 e-tron will go up to 31 miles. The combined output for this powertrain is 204 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque, more than any other plug-in hybrid currently available, including the Cadillac ELR. Audi claims this setup will deliver 156 MPGe.

Power will go through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the A3 sportback body style should appeal to a younger, “hipper” buyer. This millennial certainly likes the look, as well as the combination of hybrid fuel economy and plenty of power. Look for the Audi A3 e-tron to hit dealerships starting next year.

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Tags: audi, Audi A3 e-tron, Audi A3 sportback, audi electric cars, NY Auto Show

About the Author

Important Media Cross-Post -- CleanTechnica is one of 18 blogs in the Important Media blog network. With a bit of overlap in coverage, we sometimes repost some of the great content published by our sister sites.

http://twitter.com/joneill55 Jim O’Neill

Yea, Who buys an Audi that isn’t a Quattro! Come’on Audi NA….. Bring a 184 hp TDI Quattro A3 Sportback to the US!
- Ross
  
  They’re going to make an electric Quattro that will eliminate the need for a transmission tunnel down the middle and reduce the weight.
http://xeeme.com/MrEnergyCzar MrEnergyCzar

AWD option? That would be huge…

MrEnergyCzar