2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid,According to a new report, Audi will offer the hybrid Q5 in 2011. It was originally thought the Q5 hybrid would hit the market in late 2010, but it remains possible the hybrid Q5 could still launch next year with a 2011 model year designation.It remains unclear what powertrain Audi will mate to the hybrid system.Audi will launch a diesel version of the Q5 sometime after the hybrid model hits the market.
Audi has followed the recent German tradition of slotting the electric motor between the engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox and using it to replace the torque converter. There's no starter because the electric motor does that job, along with generating 12-volt power to power up the a/c, water pump and power steering.
Audi is anticipating cities adopting "green zones" where you won't be able to drive on internal combustion power, so the "Q5 Hybrid has a full electric mode using the 211Nm, 33kW electric motor".
Audi insists it can hit 100kph as a pure electric car and, at a steady 60kph, the Q5 will run for 3km. Usually, the car's brain turned on the petrol motor far sooner
The Sport mode sees the electric motor team up with the turbo petrol engine to add more urge to the surge on hard acceleration. Hybrids need an imperceptible switch between electric power to petrol power, but the Q5's petrol motor gave a significant shudder when it fired up. It's also quick when both motors are at work. The petrol engine needs to wait until the engine revs build up to its torque peak; the electric doesn't and is like flicking a switch to "Maximum Torque".
The ride quality and interior are virtually unchanged, and the handling doesn't lose anything because there's the extra weight of the battery pack at the back balancing the electric motor up front.
For the first time for the North American market, Audi will offer a gasoline/electric hybrid in the form of the 2011 Q5 Hybrid. Presumably, the Hybrid will come with Quattro all-wheel drive.
Though "Lexus "long ago started offering a "hybrid luxury crossover in the form of the RX 400h, the 2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid" should stand out thanks to a sporty driving experience.
6/21/11
2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid
