2011 Audi Q5 Hybrid news, pictures, and information

Audi Q5 hybrid quattro

The 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid are mounted directly behind one another as a parallel hybrid system – a straight-line concept wîth impressive efficiency. Together they have a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The Audi Q5 hybrid sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds, while the interim sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) is accomplished in fifth gear in 5.9 seconds. The propulsion ends at no less than 222 km/h (137.94 mph).

In the normal cycle, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro consumes 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (33.60 ÚS mpg) – that corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of 159 g per km (257.50 g/mile). The 75-liter (19.81-ÚS gallon) tank yields an impressive range comparable to that of a TDI.

Drivetrain

The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a displacement of 1984 cc. Its output is 155 kW (211 hp), wîth the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) permanently available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder unit combines gasoline direct injection wîth turbocharging. The Audi valve lift system (AVS) further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and rpm.

The 2.0 TFSI has been overhauled in some respects for use in the Audi Q5 hybrid. The drive of the ancillary units has been dropped, and the crankshaft bearing and fine tuning of the turbocharger have been adapted to the specific demands. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the so-called hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves as the power transmission without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor, combined wîth a multi-plate clutch bathed in oil, which couples and decouples the electric motor and the TFSI. The innovative decoupler operates precisely and smoothly in any situation.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid gear unit contributes significantly to the efficiency of the Audi Q5 hybrid – its eight gears are widely spaced. When the 2.0 TFSI is deactivated, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

Power electronics and electric motor

The radiator tank in the engine bay houses the power electronics. The so-called pulse-controlled inverter serves as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor that operates on alternating current. Innovative technologies keep the volume and weight of the power electronics low, wîth cooling provided by a separate low-temperature water-filled circuit. The component includes a DC/DC converter that couples the electric consumers in the 12 V electrical system wîth the high-voltage network.

A permanently excited synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and – during deceleration – as an alternator. It delivers up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power and 210 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor is integrated in the engine's cooling circuit.

Battery

A lithium-ion battery system, weighing merely 38 kg (83.78 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The compact unit wîth its 26-liter (6.87 ÚS-gallon) capacity is positioned in a crash-safe area under the loading floor, wîth hardly any detriment to the luggage compartment. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its output 39 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the main climate control system of the vehicle and uses a separate evaporator. This efficient, active cooling mechanism is a major factor in the hybrid system's high electric availability and sets the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro apart from many other hybrid vehicles.

Operating modes

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 245 hp Torque: 354 ft-lbs
8-speed Automatic

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be driven in five operating modes. Driving wîth the combustion engine alone, wîth the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting. At a standstill – before starting or at a traffic light, for instance – both drive sources are deactivated. In this 'comfort' start-stop mode, the climate control system remains active. Once the driver releases the brake, the Q5 hybrid quattro begins coasting. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – wîth almost no noise or local emissions. At a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), it has a range of 3 km – enough for many residential areas and city centers.

The driver can change between three programs using a button on the center console or the selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive in the city, the D mode controls both motors for optimal consumption, and the S mode as well as the touch control gate of the tiptronic are designed for a sporty driving style.

If the driver accelerates quickly, the combustion engine takes over and delivers traction. Now the electric motor's main job is to power the on-board consumers and keep the accumulator battery charged. In quick acceleration, or 'boosting,' the electric motor operates together wîth the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode the full system output is briefly available. In such cases, the hybrid drive supplies the propulsion power of a large naturally aspirated engine, but wîth far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor acts as an alternator and recovers energy. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system so as not to cause any drag losses. The electricity recovered by the electric motor here and in braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery. If the driver brakes only slightly, the electric motor performs the deceleration by itself; in more forceful braking the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated.

Vehicle operation