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I like this concept of a very small engine, coupled with a powerful electric motor. Most cars, when you think about it, are ridiculously overpowered.
What does a car require to cruise at 80 mph? I believe even a large one uses maybe 30-40 hp.
I would guess that this A8 will cruise comfortably at 100 mph with this little TDI and the electric motor will give it very nice acceleration for short stretches. 400hp engines are nice for sustained 140 mph runs, but wasteful otherwise.
I think we are going to see hybrid systems go more in this direction in the next few years. What size is the current prius engine? Pretty sure it is at least a 1.2, maybe more. Give it a bigger electric motor, a little more battery and drop it down to about 750 cc. It will lower max sustained speeds, but, you don't buy a prius to cruise the autobahn/
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