What Is It?
Audi Q7 Hybrid
What's Special About It?
Audi surprised the media today when it unveiled its new study in hybrid vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Shown alongside the all-new Audi Q7 SUV was the Q7 Hybrid, a concept vehicle that's slated for 2008 production.
Although it's powered by a retuned version of the 4.2-liter V8 engine that drives the regular Q7, the hybrid also carries an electric motor that's been integrated into the drivetrain between the engine and the six-speed transmission's torque converter. Pop the hood and you'll see nothing except the standard V8 engine, while the battery system hides beneath the cargo floor. The addition of the hybrid system increases the Q7's weight by just 7 percent over the standard model.
The electric motor is linked to the engine by a clutch that allows the vehicle to be powered by the engine or electric motor individually, or by both at the same time. In electric-only mode, the Q7 can move at 18 mph, just quick enough to navigate residential neighborhoods. The charge only lasts up to 1.24 miles, but regenerates during braking.
With its extra hardware in place, Audi says the Q7 Hybrid provides the same 345 hp as the standard gas version, but torque has been increased by an additional 145 pound-feet. Audi also says the hybrid SUV travels from zero to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and gets 13-percent better fuel mileage than the regular Audi SUV.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With gas prices at an all-time high, present luxury-hybrid SUV shoppers have only one choice, the Lexus RX 400h. The Q7 Hybrid, however, which makes the scene in 2008, may be worth the wait. — Kelly Toepke
Audi Q7 Hybrid
What's Special About It?
Audi surprised the media today when it unveiled its new study in hybrid vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Shown alongside the all-new Audi Q7 SUV was the Q7 Hybrid, a concept vehicle that's slated for 2008 production.
Although it's powered by a retuned version of the 4.2-liter V8 engine that drives the regular Q7, the hybrid also carries an electric motor that's been integrated into the drivetrain between the engine and the six-speed transmission's torque converter. Pop the hood and you'll see nothing except the standard V8 engine, while the battery system hides beneath the cargo floor. The addition of the hybrid system increases the Q7's weight by just 7 percent over the standard model.
The electric motor is linked to the engine by a clutch that allows the vehicle to be powered by the engine or electric motor individually, or by both at the same time. In electric-only mode, the Q7 can move at 18 mph, just quick enough to navigate residential neighborhoods. The charge only lasts up to 1.24 miles, but regenerates during braking.
With its extra hardware in place, Audi says the Q7 Hybrid provides the same 345 hp as the standard gas version, but torque has been increased by an additional 145 pound-feet. Audi also says the hybrid SUV travels from zero to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and gets 13-percent better fuel mileage than the regular Audi SUV.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With gas prices at an all-time high, present luxury-hybrid SUV shoppers have only one choice, the Lexus RX 400h. The Q7 Hybrid, however, which makes the scene in 2008, may be worth the wait. — Kelly Toepke
Add A Comment »