2005 Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid Concept

I dont know about you, but I found it quite startling that Audis all-new Q7 sport utility vehicle will only initially be offered with two engines, a turbodiesel thats 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 Q7s economy and performance. Those oh-so familiar words found as descriptors on the Lexus RX 400h can mean only one thing - a hybrid! Thats 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; theyve already produced a hydrogen-powered A2, and a 3L (stands for 3L /100 km or 78 mpg) TDi-powered A2, so its only logical that hybrids are the next step forward.

Pop the hood and theres no sign that the Q7 packs electric power; not even bundles. In fact, theany stickers, unlabelled black boxes or fluorescent colored wirere arent any obvious signs anywhere on the vehicles exterior that would give away any hints - other than the Q7 hybrid badge clipped onto the tailgate that is. The hybrids 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.

Nevertheless, this full hybrid system doesnt change any of the dynamic or structural features of the Q7; the all-wheel drive is still the Torsen quattro system, while the gearbox is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Start-ups are slightly quicker thanks to the high-power electric motor that doubles as a starter. Intelligently, the car automatically shuts the gasoline engine off when coasting or decelerating to provide maximum energy recovery. If the vehicle is stopped for more than three seconds, the engine will also shut off - a slightly better method than the five or six requirements that Hondas hybrids must meet before shifting into Idle Stop mode.

If Audi chooses not to wedge the W12 under the hood of the Q7, the Hybrid version will be the quickest Q7. While figuring out the total output of gasoline and electric motors together isnt quite as simple as it would be for a single power source, the electric components provide a credible benefit. Sixty mph from standstill whips by in a mere 6.7 seconds, impressive for a seven-seat sport utility vehicle. For comparisons sake, a regular Q7 V8 takes 7.3 seconds to do the same task. Despite the fact that the battery, motor and all other necessary electric-related components actually make the Q7 Hybrid 309 pounds heavier than its conventionally power sibling, it uses an average of 19.6 mpg on the mixed cycle, a 13 percent improvement.

Added to all the creature comforts, gizmos and power-toys, the Q7 Hybrid is definitely one of the most lavish hybrid vehicles weve come across in recent times. Only fellow premium SUV-maker Lexus and new arrivals from Mercedes-Benz could tip the tables. The Q7s driver-focused interior makes the transition to hybrid without any impact whatsoever, aside from a new screen which allows passengers to watch the power flow of the hybrid system, similar to the interface featured in the Lexus 400h, Toyota Highlander and Prius. In order to ensure that the cars power steering and air condition (its very important to stay comfortable) remain operational when the car is running in full-hybrid electric mode, these systems have been switched over from hydraulic activation to electric.

With the exception of the green and beige painted exterior, this mostly stock looking Q7 has one clever touch which is sure to catch on with other manufacturers. Solar panels have been embedded into its "Open Sky" sunroof, which provide power to the HVAC system so that it can operate even when the vehicle is not running. This is a feature previously offered in the brands A8 sedan, but it might even be more fitting in the new hybrid. Surely, itll be needed on hot summery days with all that glass overhead. While Audi might very well be the only manufacturer to currently harness the sun in an automobile, its not the first. Such technology was previously featured on the Mazda 929.

So far, the Q7 Hybrid is a one-off test bed for Volkswagen-Audi technology, and a guide for gauging market interest. But like Mercedes-Benz, with its new-shape M-Class hybrid, it will maintain its concept status until the green light has officially been given. Of course, the fact that Porsche has announced that it will be producing a hybrid Cayenne, co-developed with Volkswagen and Audi, should help doubters accept that this electrified Q7 is no fantasy project.

Interestingly, Audis new hybrid sport utility vehicle actually marks the return of the four rings to hybrid technology. In 1989 an experimental Audi 100 Avant was created, while several TDI-powered Audi 90 Avants were fitted with hybrid powertrains in 1997 for a limited scale production run. Audis Q7 shows that the brand has come a long way since then, even if its "just a concept".