Audi Q5 Hybrid

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? This really is Audi's first production hybrid car and It‘ll continue sale over the world 'during 2011'. Beneath the otherwise unchanged exterior of the pre-production machine, the Q5's running gear is substantially re-engineered. An electric motor is fitted involving the engine and also the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Audi has dropped the transmission's torque converter and replaced it having a multiplate clutch operating inside an oil bath. This clutch pack couples and de-couples the engine and electric motor. The Q5's engine is Audi's familiar 2. 0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection petrol unit. It‘s also been modified for hybrid operation. See pics from the Audi Q5 hybrid in action Ancillaries for example the air-con system are now driven by electric motors instead of mechanical drive belts. It will with no starter motor, by using the electric motor to spin into life. The ability electronics module, which switches the battery's direct current to alternating current to the motor, sits on top from the engine. In the rear from the car, a slim battery pack (a modest 1. 3kWh, 38kg in weight and proficient at powering the car for 1. 9 miles at 38mph ) is fitted above the rear axle. To feature towards the complexity, this battery, the ability electronics and motor all require their very own cooling circuits. What is it like? Audi says the Q5 offers five different running modes and also the driver also can select three running modes. EV, which prioritises battery-only running inside the city, 'D' which switches involving the engine and motor for maximum range and 'S' mode for the entire 354 lb ft torque from both motors. The secret for an efficient parallel hybrid drivetrain is really a seamless integration involving the engine and electric motor, since the software will swap frequently and quickly between the 2 power sources. Sadly, the Q5 test car suffered from occasional, but noticeable, transmission shunt like the engine was cutting in after an electric-only start. Other demerits include an engine which was a surprisingly vocal under acceleration and really poor steering feel coming from the straight-ahead position. Should I buy one? Although this Q5 had lots of pace, rode well and it is nice spot to sit, it hardly makes an instance for itself in Europe, even when the motor integration troubles are solved by launch time. Although under hard acceleration it features a power and torque advantage, It‘s forget about economical and hardly more refined compared to the Q5 TDI 170 diesel. It may also be more costly. And though this petrol hybrid puts out much lower levels of air pollutants than even an EU5 diesel engine (a significant consideration upon the US market ) even that advantage will certainly be overcome by future 'clean diesel' versions from the Q5’s 170 engine. This can be a car aimed at Orange County, instead of Oxford. Hilton Holloway Audi Q5 hybrid quattro Price : £35, 000 (est ) ; Top Speed : 138mph ; 0-62mph : 7. 1sec ; Economy : 40. 4mpg ; CO2 : 159g / km ; Kerb weight : 1998kg est ; Engine : 4 cyls, in line, 1984cc, turbo petrol ; Power : 208bhp at 6000rpm ; Torque : 258lb ft at 1500-4200rpm ; Gearbox : Eight speed auto, integrated electric motor, 44bhp 156lb ft EXTRACT#EANF# Audi Q5 Hybrid