2005 Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid Concept

Audi Electrifies Frankfurt Audience

I don't know about you, but I found it quite startling that Audi's all-new Q7 sport

With the price of fuel still north of the $2.50 per gallon mark, thethought of filling up the tank of the Q7 V8 with premium fuel is trulysobering. (Photo: Audi of America)

utility vehicle will only initially be offered with two engines, a turbodiesel that's unlikely to ever be sold in North America and the big, advanced (if not thirsty) 4.2-liter FSI V8. While 350 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque will prove itself more than useful when hauling a small yacht or while attempting passing maneuvers, as the price of fuel is still north of the $2.50 per gallon mark, the thought of filling up the tank of the Q7 V8 with premium fuel is truly sobering.

Like a shot of Novocain to ease such painful thoughts, Audi has come up with a solution to appease North Americans who have a negative disposition towards diesel while improving on the Q7's economy and performance. Those oh-so familiar words found as descriptors on the Lexus RX 400h can mean only one thing - a hybrid! That's right, Audi is jumping on the gasoline-electric bandwagon, this being its first concept vehicle to sport this particular type of alternative powertrain. It comes not a moment too soon; they've already produced a hydrogen-powered A2, and a '3L' (stands for 3L /100 km or 78 mpg) TDi-powered A2, so it's only logical that hybrids are the next step forward.
Pop the hood and there's no sign that the Q7 packs electric power; not even

The hybrid's components are mostly out of sight and out of mind, withthe electric motor wedged between the gasoline engine and the automaticgearbox, and the battery and voltage transducer stowed away beneath thefloor of the trunk. (Photo: Audi of America)

bundles. In fact, theany stickers, unlabelled black boxes or fluorescent colored wirere aren't any obvious signs anywhere on the vehicle's exterior that would give away any hints - other than the Q7 hybrid badge clipped onto the tailgate that is. The hybrid's components are mostly out of sight and out of mind, with the electric motor wedged between the gasoline engine and the automatic gearbox, and the battery and voltage transducer stowed away beneath the floor of the trunk. The 32 Kw (43 hp) motor donates up to 148 lb-ft of torque from 0 rpm and is operated via a separating clutch to allow the electric motor to function in sync, or in sequence with the internal combustion engine. Lightweight nickel-metal hydride batteries provide enough juice for two kilometers of pure electric operation.