Audi to bring hybrid-diesels to USA

Audi of America plans to launch its first diesel and hybrid vehicles in the States, later this year. Both powerplants will be on the full-sized Q7 sport/utility. The SUV is likely to be the first of several hybrid models. Audi has not said which other vehicles will get the parallel-hybrid system, which can run on either a gasoline engine or an electric motor or both at the same time.

Audi has been working on a hybrid engine with Volkswagen and Porsche. But Audi will be the first of the partners to the market. Porsche said its hybrid Cayenne SUV will be sold in the United States at the end of the decade.

Audi said the hybrid system is modular and can be adapted to different model ranges. Josef Bast, head of Audi AG’s powertrain electronics, said the electric drive easily integrates with existing drivetrains.

The Q7 will have a 3.6-liter, 280-hp gasoline fuel-injected engine mated to the electric engine. The hybrid system will get about 23 mpg, using about 23 percent less fuel than a Q7 running only on gasoline, said Bast

Audi also plans to bring in a turbo diesel Q7 with a 3.0-liter V6 producing about 230 hp and about 400 lb-ft of torque. It will be available for all 50 states at the end of 2008. The diesel is expected to have a 600-mile range on one tank of gasoline. The electric motor works at speeds of 12 to 15 mph and will go as fast as 31 mph. Audi also is working on an ethanol version of the A5 coupe for Europe, but no decision has been made for the States because of concerns about the limited availability of ethanol at fuel pumps. AutoWeek