Audi chose the Los Angeles Auto Show to release its new prologue coupe. That’s not a typo. The name of the new car is written in all lower case letters. Sitting on a wheel base just 55 millimeters shorter than Audi’s top of the line A8 sedan, it is fair to say there is ample room inside.

Audi says the design of the prologue offers insight into its styling future. Head of design Marc Lichte said: “Audi stands for sportiness, lightweight design, and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In the Audi prologue, we are expressing this know-how in a new form – we have put the sportiest car in the luxury segment on wheels.” Compared to Audi’s current large cars, the prologue has several notches and creases chiseled into its flanks as well as a shorter, wider nose designed to announce it sporting intentions. Most observers believe the concept is actually the Audi A9 coupe scheduled to appear in 2015..

On the technical side, the Audi prologue introduces a new 48 volt “mild hybrid” system which uses a multi-purpose starter/generator to harvest energy under braking and add a bit of oomph to the engine under acceleration. In total, the Audi 4.0 liter TFSI engine delivers 605 hp and 553 lb ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, according to Ecomento. The engine is programmed to deactivate 4 of its cylinder during light throttle operation, helping the prologue get over 27 mpg on the highway.

Expect to see Audi and other manufacturers transition to 48 volt electrical systems in the very near future. Today’s cars are packed with power hungry components like electric steering, elaborate infotainment systems, and full time collision avoidance features that stretch 12 volt electrics systems to the limit. It so happens that government regulations require any system using 60 volts or more to have expensive safety shielding and significant safety warnings posted throughout the vehicle to protect passengers and emergency workers from risk. 48 volts avoids that regulatory burden while allowing manufacturers to add energy intensive features electric like electric superchargers.

MAKE SOLAR WORK FOR YOU!

Next, use your Solar Report to get the best quote!

Tags: 48 volt electrical system, Audi prologue, cylinder deactivation, Mild Hybrid

About the Author

Steve Hanley I have been a car nut since the days when articles by John R. Bond and Henry N. Manney, III graced the pages of Road Track. I know every nut, bolt and bullet connector on an MGB from 20 years of ownership. I now drive a 94 Miata for fun and the occasional HPDE track day. If it moves on wheels, I am interested in it. Please follow me on Google + and Twitter.

Related Posts