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Audi
Q7 SUV Hybrid Concept
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The Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid
Concept is due to rollout as a production vehicle for
the 2008 season. This high-performance luxury SUV combines
the styling and performance of the standard Q7 SUV with
hybrid technology garnering 13-percent better mileage.
The Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid
also has more power and performance than the standard
Q7 with 0 - 60 mph acceleration in only 6.8 seconds (standard
Q7 is 7.3 seconds). The 32 Kw (43 hp) electric motor adds
an additional 148 lb-ft of torque to the power of the
4.2 liter FSI V8 engine.
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Besides the hybrid technology, one of the most environmentally
friendly features of the Audi Q7 Hybrid is a set of solar panels
embedded into its "Open Sky" sunroof. The solar panels
provide power for the air conditioning system, so that when
it's hottest outside, the sun's energy can be converted into
a very cool inside. The air conditioning system on the Q7 hybrid
has been switched over from hydraulic to electrical operation.
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Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid Concept |
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The electric motor is positioned in-between the V8 engine
and the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission's torque
converter. Start-ups are quicker than the standard Q7 since
the electric motor doubles as a starter. Lightweight nickel-metal
hydride batteries are housed in the rear of the vehicle
beneath the cargo floor and provide enough juice for 1.5
miles of all-electric operation. The battery pack is recharged
by both regenerative braking and by the internal combustion
engine, if needed.
A separating clutch is linked to the electric motor and
allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only, gasoline-only
or combination modes. As in the standard Q7, the hybrid's
all-wheel drive is still the Torsen quattro system.
Similar to other hybrids, the Audi Q7 SUV Hybrid will shut
off its gasoline engine while coasting or decelerating.
Unlike the other hybrid models presently on the market,
the Q7 Hybrid will shut down its gasoline engine when it
has been idling for 3 seconds, saving more fuel.
With the introduction of the Q7 Hybrid, Audi is introducing
a vehicle that provides the best of all worlds to SUV enthusiasts.
Power, style and increased fuel economy is sure to make
this vehicle a show-stopper when it hits showroom floors
in the not too distant future.
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