Not DOA: Audi Q5 hybrid coming in 2010
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5
Last year, Audi announced it was killing off plans to offer a hybrid Q7 in the U.S. and several months later the automaker exacted the same fate on its little brother the Q5. Now, word comes from Wolfgan Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen Group, that Audi will begin offering a hybrid version of the Q5 in the States late next year.
Hatz makes it clear in his interview with Automotive News that the Audi Q5 hybrid aims to compete with the Lexus RX450h and the forthcoming BMW X6 hybrid, but it's not part of a full-scale assault on the luxury gas-electric CUV set. According to Hatz, diesel technology makes more fiscal sense due to the costs associated with developing a hybrid system -- somewhere between three to four times more -- when compared to adapting a standard drivetrain to accommodate a diesel. Naturally, Hatz hopes that once development of the hybrid setup is complete it can proliferate throughout the Audi lineup. The 2011 Q5 will initially be launched in the U.S. and if it proves to be a success, hybrid Q5s could be sold in Europe.
Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5
Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 9:14AM (2/02/2009)
So a diesel hybrid Q5? Nice. I wonder what the all the numbers mpg/hp/torque are.
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zamafir 9:49AM (2/02/2009)
No. It'll be a hybrid Q5 for north america, and a diesel Q5 for north america. Audi confirmed this months ago, I'm beginning to think autoblog never reads CAR or EVO or their interviews with all the major players in the industry... like ever.
Rick 9:58AM (2/02/2009)
Oh well, thanks for clarifying and I hope we still get some numbers soon. The Q5 is hot.
zamafir 12:34PM (2/02/2009)
Yup, esp the TDI. 400lb ft of torque, almost 40mpg on the highway with quattro, 0-60 in a little over 6, very hot indeed.
Rick 1:51PM (2/02/2009)
Those are hot numbers. Wow.
MikeW 9:51AM (2/02/2009)
How about a Q5 with the TT-S engine?
Show Honda turbos done right.
Double clutch or 8 speed auto for future US Q5s?
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rsfourever 9:46AM (2/02/2009)
i still say - A6 Avant baby!!!! hahah
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P.V. 6:11PM (2/02/2009)
I thought the Q5 was based off of the A4, in which case, A4 Avant, baby!