And to make sure diesels are here to stay, Audi is reworking their marketing strategy to pitch their diesel Q5 mid-sized crossovers as performance versions while their hybrid variants will be pitched for fuel economy here in America. This comes after a confusing discovery where Audi apparently found that their A8 hybrid achieves no better fuel economy than the competing BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class hybrids and that the A8 diesel achieves better fuel efficiency than any of the aforementioned.

“Our current A8 with the 4.2L gasoline V-8 gets the same fuel economy as hybrids from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes,” said Audi of America’s President Johan de Nysschen. He also attributed the reason for such a result was due to Audi’s extensive use of aluminum in the space frame chassis of the current A8. “Imagine now what happens when you put a diesel in the car. You have all the drivability and driving enjoyment with even better fuel economy.”

As a result, the A8 with Audi’s turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel achieves 39.2 mpg’s on the combined EU cycle whereas the A8 Hybrid only achieves 36.8 mpg, even when the hybrid system features the brand’s 2.0L turbocharged gas engine with a 54hp electric motor.

“We therefore have decided not to do the hybrid in the A8 for the U.S.,” added de Nysschen.

Mr. de Nysschen said there’s a similar equation with the Q5 and is the reason why the Q5 will be given two bigger turbodiesels rather than the normal 2.0L turbodiesel four-banger. The Q5 will be given the same 3.0L turbodiesel that found its way into the Q7 that we tested last year.

“The V-6 diesel already has been thoroughly developed for the U.S. for applications in the Q7, and it will be in the A6 and A8 as well, so we get economies of scale with that,” de Nysschen says. “And the hybrid’s specific consumption will be better. I think the case would be somewhat muddied if we had a 2.0L TDI (in the Q5), which tends to give the hybrids a run for the money.”

In other words, with the current technology, de Nysschen believes that its redundant to offer the Q5 with the 2.0L TDI four-banger because it would make the purpose of a Q5 hybrid completely irrelevant, which is counterintuitive with Audi of America’s plans. As a result, they’re giving the turbodiesel V6 to the Q5 and the byproduct of that move is that the Q5 V6 turbodiesel will get better fuel economy because that’s what happened when Audi gave the A8 the V6 diesel rather than the four-cylinder. That said, Audi of America is still adamant about introducing a Q5 hybrid, but because it’s not a priority for Audi of America, they’re going to weigh their bets on the V6 diesel until the Q5 hybrid achieves a better EPA rating.

“Customers are interested in efficiency, of course, but it is not the most important driver,” de Nysschen concluded. “They make that decision base on rational criteria – the cost of the technology vs. the benefit it brings. If it is not a positive answer, then it doesn’t make sense. And this is actually part of our concern (in marketing hybrids), because we believe our customers are behaving quite rationally.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WardsAuto

Audi, along with every other manufacturer out there, is in the process of R&Ding alternative power/drivetrains for their future automobiles in the latest crunches to increase MPGs and reduce pollution.

As a result, Audi has just unveled the details of their experimental !5 Hybrid Fuel Cell (HFC) system at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, Germany, which is an event that shows off the latest and greatest in mobility technologies.

These efforts are representative of Audi’s exploration in the potential technology of combining hydrogen fuel cells with hybrid powertrains in hopes to increase range and efficiency over a standard hydrogen-powered automobile.

Now for some really geeky stuff: the Q5 HFC uses two high-pressure cylinders rated at 700 bar or 10,153 psi to store hydrogen. The fuel cell itself is made of a high-tech polymer electrolyte membrane or PEM…sorry, had a brain fart for a second. Anyway, the cell is capable of 131bhp or 98 kW. It is accompanied by a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery and is connected to two electric motors mounted adjacent to the wheels for a combined power rating of 121hp and up to 309.78 lb-ft of torque.

Details in terms of range and fuel-economy weren’t released by Audi themselves as the prototype is still very much in its early stages. With this technology, hydrogen-powered cars for the public are getting much closer to reality. And it’s about time! I’ve always said that hydrogen was our future.

Audi Q5 Hybrid Fuel-Cell Prototype:

– By: Chris Chin

Audi Connect

For some reason Audi wasn’t notified of T-Mobile being bought out by AT&T. The automaker announced yesterday that T-Mobile, which is now a part of AT&T, will serve as the U.S. wireless carrier for its Audi Connect systems in the company’s newest Audi luxury vehicle lines.

Starting with the 2012 Audi A7 in April, the Audi Connect Service will include voice-activated Google Earth, Google Local Search, and Sirius Traffic information combined with Google Earth imagery. The service will also allow drivers to get real-time news, weather, and fuel prices from other providers.

But that’s not all folks. The Audi Connect Service  is also able to turn the vehicle into a secure mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Audi Connect services are enabled with a T-Mobile SIM card that is connected to T-Mobile’s network and is inserted into the advanced Audi MMI Navigation Plus system. To facilitate easy activation, T-Mobile SIM cards will be included with the vehicle, which will allow buyers to sign up for a service plan at the time of vehicle purchase or at any time during or after the six-month complimentary trial period.

“The launch of Audi Connect is part of a foundational strategy to help Audi lead with first-to-market, cutting-edge connected services,“ said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “We’re looking forward to a productivel relationship with T-Mobile USA as we give motorists and passengers the ability to access the most current information and enhance their enjoyment of their Audi vehicle.”

Following its debut on the 2012 Audi A7, the Audi Connect service will be available on the 2012 Audi A8,  and the 2012 Audi Q7. It will also make its way into future models like the Audi Q5 Hybrid.

- By: Omar Rana

Audi A1 e-tron Concept

Audi has really big plans for its electric vehicle segment, the e-tron lineup.

“By 2020, we want to be the leading premium seller of electric vehicles,” said Franciscus van Meel, Audi’s manager for electric mobility strategy. “We will successively bring out a variety of hybrid models and electric vehicles, such as our first plug-in hybrid in 2014.”

Early next year, the Audi Q5 Hybrid will hit dealerships, followed by a full-hybrid version of the A8 sedan, which will debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Audi also has plans to debut a A1 e-tron at the Geneva show. An A6 hybrid is likely to arrive in 2012 along with the e-tron version of the R8.

Audi’s e-tron division will compete head-to-head with BMW’s Megacity Vehicle, which is designed for urban commuting.

“Today we’re assuming that our sales of Audi e-tron electric cars will rise to a six-figure volume by 2020,” van Meel said. By 2020, Audi also wants to increase the efficiency of its internal combustion engines by 30 percent and wants 5 percent of the brand’s lineup to be electric.

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro:

- By: Zain Haq

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro

The Audi Q5 is one strong competitor in the luxury compact SUV market. The German automaker is now expanding the reach of the Q5 with a hybrid model known as the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro, which will hit dealerships starting next year.

Power for the 2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro comes from a 2.0L 4-cylinder TFSI unit making 208-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is hooked onto an electric-motor (fueled by a lightweight lithium-ion battery) that makes an additional 44-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. Together, the whole system pushes out 241-hp with a maximum torque of 354-lb-ft.

Mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission, the Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro goes from 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph. In terms of fuel-economy the Q5 Hybrid quattro averages more than 7.0 liters per 100 km (34 mpg in U.S. terms) and CO2 emissions under 160 g/km. Audi says that the “sportiest hybrid SUV” can drive 1.86 miles emissions-free at 37 mph and can drive up to 62 mph under electric-power alone.

The 2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro offers drivers three different driving models, which are selectable from a button on the center console or a selector lever. The modes include EV (for city driving), D (for optimal usage of the engine and the electric-motor) and the S mode for more spirited sporty driving.

How can you tell the standard gasoline powered Q5 from the Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro? The hybrid version features a tailgate, fenders and aluminum sill panels that bear the hybrid lettering – but that’s not all. The radiator is glossy black, the tailpipes are chrome-trimmed, 19-inch cast aluminum wheels and Audi offer a Polar Silver exclusive for the hybrid.

The 2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro will debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show next week. Stay tuned for live images straight from the show floor.

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro:

Press Release:

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro

The First Full Hybrid in the Premium Mid-sized Class

Power like a V6, fuel consumption like a four-cylinder TDI – after three generations of the Audi duo, the Q5 hybrid quattro is the first hybrid model from Audi with two drive systems. Its gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, and its electric motor have a system output 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) for sporty dynamics – the mean consumption in the normal cycle (NEDC) is limited to less than 7.0 liters per 100 km (33.60 US mpg).

During the development process, Audi focused on a high share of electrically powered driving. The sportiest hybrid SUV on the market covers about three kilometers (1.86 miles) locally emission-free at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), and can drive up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power alone. With the equally powerful and lightweight lithium-ion battery and many other solutions, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro represents the state of the art.

Performance

The 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid are mounted directly behind one another as a parallel hybrid system – a straight-line concept with impressive efficiency. Together they have a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The new top model in the successful Q5 series sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 miles) in 7.1 seconds, while the interim sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) is accomplished in fifth gear in 5.9 seconds. The powerful propulsion ends at no less than 222 km/h (137.94 mph).

The consumption by the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro lies under 7.0 liters per 100 km (33.60 US mpg) in the normal cycle – that corresponds to a CO2 emission of less than 160 g/km (257.50 g/mile). The 75 liter (19.81 US gallon) tank yields a reliable range comparable to that of a TDI.

The Drive

The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a displacement of 1984 cc (121.08 cu in). Its output is 155 kW (211 hp), with the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) permanently available at 1500 to 4200 rpm. The 4-cylinder engine combines direct injection with turbocharging – typical for the Audi philosophy of downsizing, which replaces displacement by charging. The Audi valve lift system (AVS) further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and rpm.

The 2.0 TFSI has been overhauled in some respects for use in the Audi Q5 hybrid. The drive of the ancillary units has been dropped, and the crankshaft bearing and fine tuning of the turbocharger have been adapted to the specific demands. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the so-called hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor, combined with the multi-plate clutch operating in an oil bath – it couples and decouples the electric motor and the TFSI. The innovative decoupler operates with high precision, smoothly and quickly in any situation.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid gear unit contributes significantly to the efficiency of the Audi Q5 hybrid – its eight gears are widely spaced. When the 2.0 TFSI is turned off, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

The Power Electronics and the Electric Motor

The power electronics, connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cabling, is located in the plenum chamber of the engine compartment. In the form of a so-called pulse-controlled inverter, the power electronics serves as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor that operates on alternating current.

Innovative technologies keep the volume and weight of the power electronics low, with cooling provided by a separate low-temperature water-filled circuit. The component includes a DC/DC converter that couples the electric consumers in the 12 V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

A so-called permanently excited synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and – during deceleration – as a generator. It outputs up to 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft). The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the engine.

The Battery

A lithium-ion battery system, weighing merely 38 kg (83.78 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The compact unit with its 26 liter (6.87 US gallon) capacity is positioned in a crash-safe area under the loading floor, with hardly any detriment to the luggage compartment. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its output 39 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the main climate control system of the vehicle and uses a separate evaporator.

This heavy-duty active cooling system distinguishes the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro from many other hybrid vehicles, and makes a key contribution to the high electrical availability of the hybrid system.

The Operating Modes

With its parallel hybrid system the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can travel in five different operating modes. Driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

At a standstill, e.g. before starting or at a traffic light, both drive sources are deactivated. In this convenient start-stop mode the climate control system remains active. Once the driver releases the brake, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro starts rolling. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – with almost no noise or local emissions. At a constant 60 km/h the possible range is three kilometers (1.86 miles) – this high electrical share of the driving suffices for most residential areas and many urban centers.

The driver can change between three programs using a button on the center console or a selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive in the city, the D mode controls both motors for optimal consumption, and the S mode as well as the touch control gate of the tiptronic are designed for a sporty driving style.

When the driver accelerates sharply, the combustion engine serves as a power source for the drive. The electric motor is then actuated by the operating strategy in order to achieve optimal efficiency and consumption. In quick acceleration, or “boosting,” the electric motor operates together with the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode the full system output is briefly available. The hybrid drive then supplies the propulsion power of a large naturally aspirated engine, but with far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor acts as a generator and recovers energy. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system so as not to cause any loss from towing. The electricity recovered by the electric motor here and in braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery. If the driver brakes only slightly, the electric motor performs the deceleration itself; in more forceful braking the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated.

Operation

The Audi Q5 hybrid comes with a new display concept, rendering the individual driving states of the hybrid drive clear-cut and tangible. Instead of the tachometer, the needle of the power meter in the dash panel insert indicates the total output of the system on a scale of 0 to 100 per cent. A second scale is divided into colored segments – their green and orange-colored sections show at a glance how the Q5 hybrid quattro is currently traveling – with a greater share of electrical power or combustion engine power. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the battery.

At the same time, the display of the driver information system and the large monitor of the MMI Navigation plus show the operating states and power flows in the hybrid system in elegant graphics with a three-dimensional effect. The MMI screen also displays differentiated consumption and recuperation statistics in easily understandable bar graphs.

The MMI Navigation plus is standard on the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro, and comes in the latest stage of evolution. The storage capacity of the hard drive is 60 GB, the menus can be selected via a state-of-the-art wizard, and the album tracks are displayed using the cover artwork. An external device such as a cell phone or player can be connected via Bluetooth, and the voice input understands town and street names in a single command. The resonant Audi sound system is also standard.

The quattro Drive and the Running Gear

The permanent four-wheel drive applies the power of both power units safely to the road in any situation. In the normal condition the sporty drive is emphasized at the rear; if need be, it transmits most of the power to the axle with the better traction. The sophisticated running gear includes many aluminum components for reduced weight. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro may pull trailer loads of up to 2000 kg (4409 lb).

An electro-mechanical unit serves as the steering system, with a small electric motor generating the power. The system operates at high efficiency, since it need not consume any energy in straight-ahead driving. The brake servo is additionally supplied by an electric vacuum pump. A complex rule-based strategy adapts the braking to the conditions of electric driving and energy recuperation.

The Exterior

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is distinguished by visual features on the outside. The tailgate, the fenders and the aluminum sill panel strips bear the hybrid lettering. The radiator grill is glossy black, and the tailpipes chrome-trimmed. Polar Silver, metallic is available for the exclusive paintwork.

The 19 inch cast aluminum wheels were specially designed for the hybrid – their ten spokes resemble turbine blades. The tires are size 235/55. On request Audi supplies other wheels with 19 and 20 inch diagonals, with an S-line bumper available from quattro GmbH.

The body is unusually light in weight; the tailgate and the engine hood are aluminum. The rigid body shell incorporates hot-stamped steel at numerous places, combining low weight with very high strength.

Despite the generous level of standard equipment, the Q5 hybrid quattro with its curb weight of less than 2000 kg (4409 lb) is the lightest hybrid SUV on the world market. All its hybrid components add less than 130 kg (286.60 lb) extra weight.

The Equipment

The climate control system of the Audi Q5 hybrid was adapted to the requirements of electric driving. The compressor of the air conditioning has a high-voltage based electric drive; demand-controlled for high efficiency, the compressor ensures AC operation even when the combustion engine is shut down. An electric auxiliary heater supports the interior heating.

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro offers almost the same equipment as its successful sister models – the model series leads the European market in the mid-sized SUV segment. The options also include sophisticated driver assistance systems. A new feature is connection to the internet via the optional Bluetooth car phone online. A UMTS model sets up the connection to special services from Google and the World Wide Web, bringing the latest news and weather information into the vehicle.

The driver can plan his or her travel route at home, save the information in an area of the internet site www.audi.com and from there download the data into the navigation system via UMTS at the start of the trip. Through the fast connection the hybrid SUV also downloads three-dimensional satellite images and aerial photos from Google Earth. They appear as bird’s eye views on the monitor; the computer draws in the roads.

Another high-end feature is the WLAN hotspot, allowing connection to the internet via up to eight terminal devices. Communication occurs via the roof antenna, the connection is very stable and the reception quality excellent. Thanks to a special modulation process, UMTS data transfer occurs at speeds up to 7.2 MB per second. Encryption follows the WPA 2 standard – a very secure method.

The use of the WLAN hotspots is as easy as can be – the driver need merely insert a data-capable SIM card. At the same time the driver can pair a cell phone with the system via Bluetooth, if the phone has the SIM Access Profile. The existing mobile phone contract with a data option suffices in most cases with the result that no additional charges or separate contracts are necessary.

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro will arrive at dealerships during 2011.

- By: Omar Rana

Audi confirmed today that it will be showing a concept version of A8 Hybrid and the A1 e-tron at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show this week. Audi also confirmed that the “e-tron” name will play important part in distinguishing the brand’s electric-mobility lineup.

“In future our customers will be able to choose from an increasingly broad range of driveline technologies,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi. “To accompany our high-efficiency TDI and FSI engines, we shall offer electric power in the best possible forms for a wide range of mobility needs. The hybrid driveline will be followed by all-electric vehicles. The ‘e-tron’ name will have an important part to play. Just as ‘quattro’ has become a synonym for all-wheel drive, so ‘e-tron’ is to be the Audi brand name for electric mobility.”

The Audi A1 e-tron will be shown as a design study (a fancier way of saying concept) at the Geneva Motor Show this week. It is powered by a 102-hp electric-motor that has a range of more than 31 miles. After battery supply is depleted, it is recharged by a compact “range extender” engine consisting of a single-rotor Wankel engine and an electrical generator with a charge rating of up to 15 kW. That allows the A1 e-tron to travel an additional range of 124 miles. Audi says the A1 e-tron is capable of averaging 124 mpg. The German automaker did not confirm the A1 e-tron for production.

Audi also confirmed today that the A8 Hybrid, which will be shown in concept form at Geneva, will be available to order by late 2011. Power for the A8 Hybrid comes from a 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder engine and an electric-motor with a combined output of 245-hp and a peak torque of 354 lb-ft. That will allow the A8 Hybrid to average a combined fuel-economy of 38 mpg. Audi says that the A8 Hybrid is also capable of running on electric-mode at speeds of up to 40 mph for more than 1.2 miles.

At the end of 2010, the 2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid will hit dealerships. Audi also said that at the end of 2012, it will produce the e-tron electric-vehicle seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It said that small series will be built as the brand’s first electric-car.

Read the press release below for more details.

2011 Audi A8:

2011 Audi A1:

Press Release:

AUDI AG: driveline strategy for the future ““ electric mobility as an integrated concept

* Q5 hybrid to be unveiled in 2010, A8 hybrid can be ordered from late 2011
* World premiere for A1 e-tron study at Geneva Motor Show
* “e-tron” to be Audi”s brand name for electric mobility

Audi is working intensively to answer questions of future mobility. In late 2010/early 2011 the Q5 hybrid will reach the market, the first Audi with a combination of gasoline engine and electric motor. In Geneva Audi is exhibiting the A8 hybrid for the first time as a concept car: Its CO2 emissions of 144 g/km (231.75 g/mile) are the best figure in the full-size category. Another world premiere in Geneva is the A1 e-tron design study, which shows that Audi”s expertise in electric drive systems extends down into the compact car segment. At the end of 2012 Audi will launch the e-tron electric car that was seen last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). A small series will be built, and will be the first electric car to reach the market.

When developing alternative drivelines, Audi is pursuing a strategy of introducing each technology where it is appropriate for specific model lines and markets, in other words where it will offer customers significant benefits.

“We regard the full hybrid as we know it today primarily as a very specific technology for reducing fuel consumption. In due course plug-in hybrids will demonstrate their strong points when drivers expect to cover longer distances in the pure electric mode, in combination with a conventional engine,” says Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

According to Dick: “The strength of the electric car clearly lies in the urban mobility area, where the demand for emission-free local transportation will strongly increase.” In addition to hybrids and electric cars, Audi continues to develop its long-term competence in the development of basic propulsion concepts using fuel cells and hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Every year Audi invests around two billion euros in development projects, with the focus on continued progress in internal combustion engine design and associated areas. Electric mobility is a further priority: In this area the e-tron show car seen at the IAA was a dramatic signal. At the same time, the various activities are being grouped together strategically. Audi has established the e-performance project house to deal with electric mobility topics. Since the autumn of 2009 a team has been at work on the research project of the same name, with support from the Federal German Ministry for Education and Research. Members of the team, consisting of AUDI AG development staff and scientists from various universities, are working on the development of a new overall electric vehicle concept, including the body, battery and power electronics.

Audi A1 e-tron
Audi will be expanding its “e-tron” model family step by step: the A1 e-tron design study that the company is exhibiting at the Geneva Motor Show is an innovative Mega City Vehicle (MCV). Like the sports cars in the same family, it is electrically propelled and has a range of more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) in city traffic. With a peak power output of 75 kW (102 hp), the A1 e-tron is also fun to drive.

When the battery”s energy supply is exhausted, it is recharged by an exceptionally compact “range extender” consisting of a single-rotor Wankel engine and an electrical generator with a charge rating of up to 15 kW.

This device gives the A1 e-tron an additional range of 200 kilometers (124 miles). According to the draft standard for determining the fuel consumption of range-extender vehicles, the mean fuel consumption is 1.9 liters per 100 kilometers (123.8 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of only 45 g/km (72.42 g/mile).

Audi A8 hybrid
Audi is displaying the A8 hybrid as an engineering study at the Geneva Motor Show. Its two power units ““ the 2.0 TFSI engine and the electric motor ““ have a combined output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). They give the car the same outstanding performance as a large-capacity conventional six-cylinder engine. This systematic downsizing demonstrates its fuel-consumption advantages in combination with the electric driveline: the average fuel consumption is only 6.2 l/100 km (37.94 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of 144 g/km (231.75 g/mile).

The Audi A8 hybrid uses the parallel hybrid configuration ““ a highly efficient principle that avoids unnecessary friction and power losses. The powerful electric motor integrated between the 155 kW (211 hp) four-cylinder petrol engine and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission can supply a further 33 kW (45 hp) to the driveline, as well as a vigorous 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. The A8 design study is a full hybrid, that is to say the gasoline engine or the electric motor can propel it either separately or together. In the pure electric drive mode the car can reach 65 km/h (40.39 mph) and cover a distance of more than two kilometers (1.2 miles).

- By: Omar Rana

The on and off again reports of an Audi Q5 hybrid for the U.S. are on again today after Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for Volkswagen, said that the hybrid Q5 will come to the U.S. in late 2010. Speaking at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show yesterday, Hatz said that in order to stay competitive, Audi will have to offer the Q5 Hybrid to compete with rivals such as the Lexus RX 400h. BMW is also planning a hybrid version of the X6 for the U.S. later this year.

However, echoing previous reports, Hatz said that he believes diesel has a greater potential.

“If you look at what you have to spend to get the advantage of the hybrid and what you have to spend on other technologies like diesel, the diesel is much more cost-effective,” Hatz said. “We have to do hybrids in order to show people that we are able to do them.”

The gasoline powered Audi Q5 will arrive on U.S roads March.

Source: AutoWeek

After killing plans for an Audi Q7 Hybrid earlier this year, Audi has decided to put plans for a Q5 Hybrid on hold – indefinitely. Audi says that it would rather focus on diesel technology for now until it can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer.

“Audi won”t produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations, and hybrid technology more efficient overall,” a senior source told AutoCar. ”Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis.”

Audi’s Q5 will now be fitted with a stop/start technology and other features that will further reduce fuel-consumption. Audi recently showed off its Q5 3.0 TDI which averaged 38 mpg on a trip from New York to Washington.

Source: AutoCar