Audi has unveiled the Audi A3 e-tron, which is Audi’s next step towards sustainable mobility. The A3 e-tron is basically a natural-gas version of the electric-powered A3 e-tron that is going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Audi has unveiled the Audi A3 e-tron, which is Audi’s next step towards sustainable mobility. The A3 e-tron is basically a natural-gas version of the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid that is also going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
The A3 g-tron is powered by a 110-hp 1.4L turbocharged engine that gives the A3 g-tron a top speed of 118 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 11 seconds. The A3 g-tron also features two tanks that are under the luggage compartment floor that can each hold 15 lbs of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure. In tune with the ultra-lightweight construction concept, each tank weighs 60 lbs less than its conventional counterpart. The tanks consist of a new type of matrix. The inner layer consists of gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, while a second layer of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) gives the tank its extremely high strength; a third layer of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) provides rugged protection against damage from the outside. High-strength epoxy resin is used to bind the fiber reinforced materials.
A second highlight of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron is its electronic gas pressure regulator. This compact and lightweight component reduces the high pressure of the gas flowing from the cylinders down to around five to nine bar in two stages. It ensures that the right pressure is always present in the gas rail and at the injector valves – low pressure for efficient driving in the lower speed range, and higher when the driver calls for more power and torque. If the pressure in the tank drops below ten bar, the engine management system automatically switches over to gasoline operation. The Audi A3 Sportback g-tron is fully bivalent, i.e. its performance figures are identical in CNG and gasoline modes.
CNG provides a range 248 miles, with gasoline providing another 559 miles if necessary. Two displays in the instrument cluster provide the driver with up-to-date information on the fuel level in each of the tanks. The driver information system also displays the current fuel consumption based on the particular operating mode.
