The all-new Audi A8 range, which makes its debut next month, will be the first in the brand’s history to feature an electrified drivetrain as standard.
The combustion engines powering the next generation of Audi's flagship luxury saloon will be equipped with mild hybrid technology based around a 48-volt electrical system which features as the primary electrical system for the first time.
Audi say the technology will work in favour of the running refinement and performance that are so crucial at this level, and also in the interest of greater efficiency.
The mild hybrid drive comprises two main components: first, the watercooled 48-volt belt alternator starter (BAS), which complements the conventional pinion starter.The latter is only required for cold starts in the new Audi A8.
Then there is the lithium-ion battery in the luggage compartment to act as the energy accumulator for the MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) with a 10 Ah charge carrier capacity and a 48-volt system.
Audi say the advantage of the BAS becomes clear when drivers approaches a red traffic signal or a roundabout.
If the traffic signal turns green during braking while the vehicle is coasting to a stop or if a gap appears for the driver to move into, and the driver releases the brake, the combustion engine is started immediately.
The car accelerates without any delay. This is all thanks to the belt alternator starter, which is permanently connected to the combustion engine.
The fourth-generation A8 can enter the noiseless coasting mode within the speed range of 55km/h to 160km/h, and can then coast with zero emissions for up to 40 seconds with the engine off altogether. As soon as the driver depresses the throttle pedal again, the BAS prompts a swift, smooth restart.
The convenient start/stop function in the new Audi A8 is said to differ markedly from previous systems. The new saloon can distinguish between different traffic situations. When the road ahead is clear, the BAS starts the combustion engine conveniently and promptly, letting the Audi A8 drive off swiftly.
After long standstill phases and if the customer wants to turn up the air conditioning, the combustion engine is started.
There is also a new feature of predictive convenient starting - as soon as the vehicle in front of the Audi A8 moves, the engine starts even if the brake is still pressed.
Audi say in this scenario the control strategy concluded that drivers will 'fall in with the flow of traffic'.