Audi 2010 Annual Report Download - page 59

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the overall output of the system
on a scale from 0 to 100 percent.
Colored segments visualize the states
effi ciency, boost and recuperation,
plus the range possible with electric
driving. An analogue display indicates
the charge status of the lithium-ion
battery.
At the same time, the display of the
driver information system and the
large monitor of the standard MMI
navigation plus system use 3D graphics
to show the operating states and
power fl ows in the hybrid system. The
MMI monitor also shows how much
energy is currently being consumed
or recovered. In practice, all of this
information makes a valuable
contribution to effi cient driving.
While driving, it quickly becomes
clear why the Audi Q5 series is
enjoying such great success in the
premium mid-size SUV segment
in Europe. The quattro all-wheel
drive system guarantees superior
road characteristics in virtually
any situation, the seating position
just “fi ts,” all-around visibility is
outstanding, and you get the feeling
of driving one of the sportiest SUVs
in its class.
Measuring 4.63 meters in length,
1.88 meters in width and a mere
1.65 meters in height, the propor-
tions of the Audi Q5 play a role here,
as does the intelligent lightweight
construction, which Audi rigorously
pursues in the hybrid version, as well.
The tailgate and the engine hood
are made of aluminum. The rigid body
shell incorporates hot-stamped steel
at numerous places, combining low
weight with very high strength. With
a curb weight of less than 2,000 kg,
the Q5 hybrid quattro* is one of the
lightest hybrid SUVs on the global
market. All its hybrid components
add less than 130 kg extra weight.
The Q5 hybrid quattro off ers the same
generous level of standard equipment
as its sister models, although some
components such as the air conditioner
have been adapted to the requirements
of electric driving. The compressor for
the air conditioner features an electric
drive that maintains the climate control
function even when the combustion
engine is switched off .
Options available for the hybrid
version also include advanced driver
assistance systems normally found only
in full-size models. One new feature is
the connection to the Internet via the
optional Bluetooth car phone. A UMTS
module retrieves news and weather
information from the World Wide Web
to the vehicle. The hybrid SUV also
uses the fast connection to download
three-dimensional satellite images
and aerial photos from Google Earth.
These appear as bird’s eye views on the
monitor; the computer draws in the
roads. Another high-end feature is
the WLAN hotspot, which allows up
to eight terminal devices to connect to
the Internet.
Vorsprung durch Technik – the
Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is showing the
way to the future of mobility.
THOMAS AMMANN
O
In March of
last year, Audi
presented the
hybrid study of
the A8 luxury
sedan to a
global public.
Hybrid technology
Types
Micro-hybrid
A micro-hybrid uses a start-stop
system and energy recovery to save
energy. Kinetic energy is converted
into electrical energy and stored
in the vehicle battery. This relieves
the load on the generator and the
combustion engine, and saves fuel.
Mild hybrid
Mild hybrids have an additional
electric drive which temporarily
supports the combustion engine in
unfavorable operating conditions.
However, the electric motor’s
output and the battery capacity
are not suffi cient for all-electric
driving. Audi has omitted this
interim technology and is focusing
on full hybrid technology in its
development work.
Full hybrid
With this technology the electric
motor can temporarily power
the car on its own. The planned
Q5 hybrid quattro, A6 hybrid
and A8 hybrid models are members
of this category.
Plug-in hybrid
On the plug-in hybrid, the battery
can be additionally charged up
using a regular power socket. Longer
distances can be covered using
only electric power. In 2010, Audi
unveiled a concept car with plug-in
hybrid drive: the e-tron Spyder.
See more about the Audi Q5
hybrid quattro here:
www.audi.com/ar2010/hybrid