Audi’s is all about demonstrating its future at the LA Auto Show were besides the Prologue Coupe Concept that announces the firm’s new styling DNA, it also brought along the A7 Sportback h-tron quattro.
While it may look no different or just a little bit different than your typical A7 Sportback, it’s what’s underneath the sheet metal that separates the concept from the production car.
This emission free study pairs a hydrogen-powered electric motor at the front with a hybrid battery and an additional electric motor in the rear, borrowed from the A3 e-tron, with both units delivering a combined system output of 228hp (170kW or 231PS) and a driving range of more than 550km (341 miles).
There’s no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. Instead, the concept gets a fully electronic management of torque distribution.
“The A7 Sportback h‑tron quattro is a genuine Audi – at once sporty and efficient. Conceived as an e‑quattro, its two electric motors drive all four wheels,” explained Audi boss Ulrich Hackenberg. “The h‑tron concept car shows that we have also mastered fuel cell technology. We are in a position to launch the production process as soon as the market and infrastructure are ready.”
When using the fuel-cell system, the h-tron consumes about 1kg (2.2 pounds) of hydgrogen to cover more than 100km (62 miles), with the 5kg (11 pound) tank allowing for a range of over 500km (311 miles). The car’s range is boosted by another 50km (31 miles) through a 8.8 kW/h battery that is recharged by recuperation or alternatively from a power socket in two to four hours, depending if it’s an industrial or a domestic plug.
Audi says the A7 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 miles) in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
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