Audi AG (Germany} officially unveiled its new Audi Q7 SUV, which combines a 4.2 L V8 petrol engine incorporating FSI injection technology with an electric motor that helps to minimize emissions and reduce overall fuel consumption by almost 13 percent compared with a conventional equivalent. The production-ready concept of the Q7 hybrid could become a reality by 2008.
Acceleration from rest to 62 mph can be covered in 6.8 seconds, and the fifth gear overtaking increment between 50 mph and 75 mph takes exactly 7 seconds. The 2,410 kg Q7 is able to cover up to 23.5 mpg. Located between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission's torque converter, the motor draws its power from a nickel-metal hydride battery system concealed beneath the luggage compartment floor. A separating clutch links the FSI engine and the electric motor, and enables the two power sources to operate individually or in unison, meaning that at any one time the Q7 hybrid can be propelled by the combustion engine or electric motor alone, or a combination of the two.
The electric motor can operate alone at speeds of up to 18 mph. While doing so, it can also feed the extra kinetic energy produced during braking and engine overrunning back into the system to recharge the battery. During this "recuperation" phase, the unit switches its function to act as a generator. When battery capacity drops to a minimum, the combustion engine also cuts in seamlessly to recharge it. If the Q7 hybrid is stationary for more than three seconds, or is coasting without the accelerator pedal depressed, the combustion engine is automatically switched off to conserve fuel. Releasing the foot brake and depressing the accelerator restarts it. The electric motor also assumes the role of the starter-alternator unit.
The Q7 hybrid also harnesses the power of the sun. Solar cells integrated into the open-sky system through the large glass sunroof allow the ventilation and air-conditioning systems to be operated when the vehicle is parked and switched off.
