Audi to develop new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain

Audi has revealed that it is planning a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for 2017. Company bosses have told our sister publication, Autocar UK that Audi is betting on the electrification of its future cars to improve real-world economy and reduce exhaust pollution.

The key to Audi’s move is the adoption of Integrated Starter Generators (ISG) which are large electric motors that act as the starter motor and alternator, but it can also assist the engine by sending torque through the drive belt to the engine’s crankshaft. The system is also fitted with a small lithium-ion battery.

The carmaker has also developed an ISG that works on an ordinary 12V electrical system, so it could be fitted to the current A1 and A3 models. According to Audi, the system allows the stop-start system to cut in below 14.48kph and also allows the engine to coast at high speeds, both significant fuel-saving measures. The first production version is expected in 2017.

The company is also planning to introduce a more powerful 48V ISG system, the first of which will be revealed before the end of the year, using a combined 12V and 48V set-up. The 48V system allows for a more powerful ISG (up from 1.5bhp to 16bhp) and engine coasting of
up to 30 seconds. However, the introduction of full-scale 48V electronics will also allow Audi to introduce electrically driven engine compressors, which will come in two forms. This 48V electrical system has also allowed Audi to develop three new suspension concepts.

Audi’s drive towards hybrids and electrification is part of a big move towards autonomous powertrain management.

This shift towards ‘mild hybrid’ systems and more conventional plug-in hybrids should result in Audi’s future line-up moving away from diesel engines, especially across the company’s smaller models, including the A1, A3 and A4. This move will also allow Audi to exploit its new ‘predictive efficiency assistant’ technology which will be launched on the Q7 e-tron. The system uses mapping information and live traffic reports to automatically switch between power sources, as well as taking advantage of downhill roads to ‘coast’ the engine.

Moving to petrol hybrid engines will also allow the company to usher in some highly advanced suspension innovations, as well as provide a degree of autonomy that goes beyond simple driving assistance.