Just the other day AutoCar brought us the updated info on the next-generation Audi A3, which will be offered in the U.S. with a sedan variant in early 2011. The UK publication is now reporting that the next A3 will also get a hybrid model that will be a part of Volkswagen’s TwinDrive program.
Last year, Volkswagen announced that it is testing a fleet of plug-in hybrid Golfs in Berlin, which should be ready for market launch in 2010 as a 2011 model year. The Volkswagen TwinDrive Golf plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0L turbo-diesel making a total 122-hp. Mated to an electric motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack (made by Sanyo), the TwinDrive golf can get 30 miles on a full charge.
Volkswagen says that the production model will have a 1.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine making 100-hp.
As for the hybrid A3, AutoCar says it will get a slightly larger 1.6L 4-cylinder unit making 105-hp. Unlike the TwinDrive Golf, the Audi A3 hybrid will get a 30kW electric-motor in the front and two 30kW electric-motors powering the rear wheels. This will allow the A3 to have all-wheel-drive capabilities.
The Audi A3 hybrid should arrive sometime in 2012.
Full Story Via eGMCarTech.com
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