LA’s Twin Electrification Assault by Audi

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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14th November 2019

Audi hopes to flaunt its electrification strategy with the debut of two of its range-topping models at next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Flying the BEV flag will be the series-production version of its Audi e-tron Sportback, which claims to combine the appeal of a large coupé with zero emissions from the tailpipe. It will feature digital Matrix headlights, which Audi says is a first for a series-production vehicle, using about one million micro-mirrors to pinpoint lighting.

It shares its powertrain with the Audi e-tron SUV and will be built at the same production location in Brussels.

Alongside the battery car will be the mild-hybrid powertrain of Audi’s new Q line range-topper, the RS Q8 claiming epic performance from an eight-cylinder twin-turbo TFSI married to the economy-boosting benefits of cylinder deactivation and mild hybrid drive based on a 48-volt main electrical system. With its belt alternator starter, the car claims to recover up to 12 kW of power to its lithium-ion battery resulting in ability to coast for up to 40 seconds on electric power only and with the engine switched off at speeds of between 34 and 99mph.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles