It looks like Audi is the latest automaker to equip a car
with technology that makes humans look plain ol' dumb by comparison.
In this case, the German automaker is developing a so-called
"coasting" hybrid, which is a variation of the stop-start feature
being included in an expanding stable of vehicle models. In fact, the system is
similar to what we saw on the Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive in 2008, but Audi uses
a three-cylinder gas-powered TFSI engine instead of the four-cylinder diesel
that was found in the Golf. A version of Twin Drive was developed for the Audi
A3, as well.
The iHEV (Intelligent Hybrid Vehicle) is now being developed
for the Audi A7 sedan, though the automaker hasn't said anything about
timeframe, cost or availability.