After Gutenberg

This blog previously noted that VW had placed an order for hybrid drives produced through a Conti / ZF joint venture. Autoblog Green now reports that propulsion for the front wheels of a new Audi model on display at the Tokyo Motor Show — the A1 Metroproject Quattro — will come from a 150hp 1.4L turbo-charged, gasoline direct injection (VW refers to it as Fuel Stratified), four cylinder engine by way of a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and, “to earn the Quattro badge, the rear wheels are propelled by a 41 hp electric motor.”

The electric drive can deliver 200 Nm of torque. The A1 has a lithium ion battery pack and plug-in capability. With plug-in capability in a “through the road” hybrid, Volkswagen definitely is showing signs of progress.

Nevertheless, like the latest iteration of the PSA Peugeot-Citroen Hybride HDi, which has a 107hp 1.6L diesel along with a 21hp electric motor and is capable of an all-electric mode, the A1 Metroproject Quattro demonstrates adherence to the ICE paradigm. It would seem to be what European car makers believe their consumers want.

Admittedly, the aluminum alloy engine is state-of-the-art. It has a water-cooled intercooler and the VW engineers have reduced frictional losses, optimized camshafts, added new intake ports and new high-pressure injector valves. Still, it is Big ICE — Little Electric, which is contrary to the Frank axiom.