It appears as though Audi is looking to tech up its legendary quattro all-wheel drive with a jolt of electricity. That’s the word coming from a recent report issued by British motoring publication CAR, which outlined the new system to include three total powerplants: one petrol-powered, 292-horsepower internal combustion engine, one 54-horsepower electric motor installed in the transmission housing, and another 116-horsepower electric motor to power the rear wheels. While it is possible those figures could combine additively to form around 460 horsepower, it is more likely they will work in parallel. CAR speculates total output to be closer to 408 horsepower.
The system, which is currently labeled e-Quattro, would allow for variable drive modes to suit a range of conditions, not to mention improved torque vectoring for better handling. High-speed freeway travel would employ gas power at the front wheels only, while electric power in the rear would better suit stop-and-go city cruising. Of course, a hybrid, all-wheel combination would be used when grip levels drop, as well as for those times that call for maximum performance.
In addition to the new hybrid system, rumors persist that the marque is investigating the use of inductive charging to power it. Utilizing powerful magnetic fields, inductive charging tops off batteries without the use of wires, similar to the technology currently used on mobile phones.
It’s believed that the new A4 and a possible up-and-coming TT coupe crossover will be the first models to pioneer these new features for Audi.
Click past the jump to read more about Audi’s Future e-Quattro System.
Audi's Future e-Quattro System Could Deliver up to 460 HP originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 January 2015 09:00 EST.
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