This year Audi rolls out a number of hybrid models into its popular and well engineered lineup. For 2012 the Audi Q5 hybrid Quattro combines the performance of a six-cylinder with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder.
The Q5 powered by a 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine producing 211 hp and an electric motor producing 54 hp. This combination provides for a system output of 245 hp. The powertrain combination can deliver up to 34 mpg, Audi says. The Audi Q5 Quattro comes with permanent all-wheel drive standard.
During the development process, Audi focused on a high share of electrically powered driving. Thus the system can allow the Q5 to drive at a constant speed of up to 37 mph and up to a top speed of 62 mph on electric power alone.
Exterior cues identifying the Q5 hybrid quattro are badges on the sides and on the rear, the single-frame grille painted in high-gloss black, the exclusive body color Arctic Silver, 19-inch wheels in a ten-arm turbine design and chrome trims on the tailpipes.
The headlights are optionally available with xenon plus lamps and LED daytime running lights, in which case the rear lights also use LEDs.
The body of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro contains a high proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components. These reduce weight while simultaneously improving crash safety, rigidity and vibrational behavior. The front seat belt force limiters and airbags act together in a new, highly intelligent way.
Inside, the Q5 hybrid quattro presents a variation on Audi’s clear, elegant design language. The cockpit has a bias towards the driver; its controls can be operated with intuitive ease. The new display concept with the power meter shows the driver the overall output of the system on a scale from 0 to 100 percent. At the same time, the large MMI monitor also shows the operating states. Audi says the switch between electric and conventional drive is imperceptible.
Its ESP stabilization system incorporates new functions that the competition is unable to match. For instance, the ESP has a sensor that identifies when a roof rack is mounted and then knows that the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro’s center of gravity is higher.
The standard hill descent assist makes driving down steep slopes safer by holding the speed below 18 mph. The ESP and ABS have special mapped characteristics for offroad driving. The ESP emphasizes maximum traction in off-road conditions. The ABS automatically identifies the surface conditions and selects the ideal control strategy for sand, gravel or mud.
The Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro goes on sale in the 4th quarter in the EU and should follow in the US sometime shortly after that.
[Source: activityvehicle.com]
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