Audi Q7 Hybrid - hybrid cars
October 1, 2008 Posted by: Lee Sibbald
Described as an engineering first, the Audi Q7 Hybrid has a huge billing to live up to. It aims to bridge the gap between a full-size luxury sports utility vehicle and a car that will actually hold appeal to drivers with an environmental conscious. If it proves successful, the Audi Q7 Hybrid could provide motorists with both sides of the coin – a large, powerful vehicle with a green edge.
Quick links:
- History of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
- Environmental credentials of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
- Audi Q7 Hybrid statistics
- Future of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
History of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
When the Audi Q7 was launched at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2006, few could have predicted its impact. Using a modified version of the Volkswagen Group 7L Platform, the Audi Q7 was designed more for on-road use than off-road use. Two diesel versions of the car were made available and Audi also began work on the Q7 V12 TDI Quattro, which is on track to be the most powerful diesel SUV in its class.
However, it’s not just in terms of power that the Audi Q7 has made a breakthrough – because now a hybrid version is on its way combining a FSI direct-injection petrol engine with an electric motor. As you would expect with an SUV there are no obvious signs of its green credentials as it has a 4.2litre eight-cylinder power unit visible beneath the bonnet.
In fact, the electric motor draws power from the battery system which is housed at the rear of the vehicle beneath the luggage compartment floor.
The Audi Q7 Hybrid was presented at the Hanover Show and is expected to be released soon.
Environmental credentials of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
Much like with the Lexus RX-400h, the Audi Q7 Hybrid has power and performance but much better fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than the majority of vehicles in its class.
There are three different operating states to the Audi Q7 Hybrid. It can be driven by the combustion engine or electric motor alone – or a combination of the two. As the electric motor can propel the vehicle to speeds of 30km/h it is well-suited to inner city driving. The capacity of the NiMH battery means it can be driven up to 1.2 miles on purely electrical power with regenerative braking feeding additional energy into the system.
The Audi Q7 Hybrid makes substantial improvements on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It makes an improvement in the region of 23 per cent compared to the Q7 3.6 FSI. Its fuel consumption is approximately 28.8mpg while its CO2 emissions are set at 237g/km – down from 309g/km.
Certainly these emission levels are still high and so this is hardly the green car of choice for most environmental enthusiasts. However, for anyone who still wants a powerful vehicle but wants to save money and have less of an environmental impact the Audi Q7 Hybrid should hold great appeal.
Audi Q7 Hybrid statistic
Here are some crucial statistics about the Audi Q7 Hybrid:
- 0-62 MPH: 7.6secs.
- CO2 emissions: 237g/km.
- Engine: FSI direct-injection petrol engine with an electric motor.
- MPG Combined: 28.8mpg.
Future of the Audi Q7 Hybrid
The Audi Q7 Hybrid is expected to be released before the end of 2008. We’ll let you know as soon as it becomes available here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
What hybrid cars are available?
The number of hybrid cars available in the UK is on the increase although they are still not as readily available as it is hoped they will be in the long term. Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars currently available in the UK – click on the links to find out more:
There are also several hybrid cars available in other markets:
Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars that are coming soon:
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