Reports surfaced late last year that Audi had cancelled its Q5 hybrid plans, but it appears as though a gas-electric Q5 isn’t completely out of the cards. In fact, a hybrid version of the Q5 could be on U.S. shores by late 2010.
In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen group, revealed that a Q5 Hybrid is still in the pipeline. Hatz admitted that diesel is still the preferred green tech within Audi, but also said the company has “to do hybrids in order to show people that we are able to do them.”
The gas version of the Q5 will hit the market in March, but buyers wanting a little extra fuel economy will have to wait until late 2010 for the hybrid version. No specs have been announced for the Q5 Hybrid, but it will likely use nickel metal hydride batteries instead of lithium-ion batteries. The Q5 Hybrid will first launch in the U.S. market, but could be sold in Europe.
The Q5’s hybrid system will likely spread to other models to keep costs low, but the SUV’s larger brother – the Q7 – likely won’t see the fuel-saving technology.
02/02, 1:38 PM
posted by:
A4
ought to be sticking to TDI power.
02/02, 1:56 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
for audi, TDI sounds better! instead of audi doing a gas/hybrid, they should do a TDI/hybrid to go with their tdi heritage and make them stand out.
02/02, 2:00 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
Demand in the US in this segment must be heavily tilted towards hybrid technology for them to make a move like this. However, I think if you are going to push diesel like they have been doing, they need to go all out.
This should be the 3.0 diesel that would get 35+mpg
02/02, 3:01 PM
posted by:
Zcarsales
I’m suprised the idea of a TDI-hybrid hasn’t come in the Audi/VW line up. I hate hybrids on principle, but that seems like a logical choice from a culture that invented the concept with U-boats. Even today the germans use diesel-electric submarines, not nuclear.
02/02, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Ought to be making something more reliable that lasts more than 10k miles without a repair. A GM vehicle will last 100 times longer than ANY German pile of sh1t.
Buy American, Buy GM. It is your duty
02/02, 4:19 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
no, it’s actually not in my duty to buy GM! It is however my duty to spend my money wisely and not invest in a domestic which really has no guarantee on future survival!
02/02, 4:24 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
I for one will rather have a Diesel Audi over a Hybrid any day…
Now if they did, just think what the Diesel Tuners will do to thesis little diesel Audi motors…
02/02, 4:40 PM
posted by:
Borat
There were some documents signed upon surrender of Germany after WWII, that probably would not allow Germany to use nuclear powered subs or any other form of nuclear weaponry. I can’t imagine French or British citizens resting peacefully, knowing that Germany has full spectrum of military power.
However, from hybrid point of view, gasoline engine is probably better suited from cost perspective. The gasoline engine used in hybrid is not the same 4 cycle engine as in car. It is actually 5 cycle engine, which works on very lean mixture and produces very low torque. Electric motor has huge torque curve almost from 0 rpm. The beauty of diesel in not high HP but low end torque. Also, diesel is very precise and extremely high tolerant piece of machinery, ergo expensive. Coupling it with more expensive electronics, computing power and electrical motors powered by equally expensive batteries will make already expensive vehicle extremely expensive one. This is probably acceptable for Benz, I don’t know if it is acceptable for Audi. Perhaps it is, Audi knows it better then I.
02/02, 4:49 PM
posted by:
Zcarsales
Just a thought, Borat. Your point is very interesting. From someone selling TDI’s I understand what you’re saying.
But, can you imagine the what the MPG on a Diesel-Electric Jetta would be?
02/02, 4:50 PM
posted by:
maximus2
wow, i can’t wait to pay even MORE money for one of these.
02/02, 5:37 PM
posted by:
bimmer_mann_18
Bet I can’t go off-roading with it. By the way GM, If I had to buy “American”, then it would have to be a Honda or Toyota b/c I don’t buy Mexican or Canadian.
02/02, 5:54 PM
posted by:
Borat
Zcarsales, I don’t know, but theoretically speaking mpg on diesel may not be much better then on lean 5 cycle gasoline engine. Remember, diesel is efficient and has low rpm torque, something which is not needed in hybrid: electric motor does low rpm high torque work; and on highway at high rpm and lean cycle engines are remarkably alike.
02/02, 8:31 PM
posted by:
Zcarsales
good point.