Audi Q7 HEV postponed with a Li-Ion packing Q5 taking its place.

[xcel]

The Q5 Hybrid will use the 3.2-litre gasoline engine in combination with a pair of electric motors housed within the gearbox - and a lithium ion battery pack.

Greg Kable - Autocar - July 30, 2008

2009 Audi Q5. 2.0 and 3.0L TDI equipped in Europe. Soon to be released as a 3.2L gasoline ICE equipped crossover here.

European consumption only? With the future Q5 possibly equipped with a 3.0L TDI in the US, will a Li-Ion equipped, 3.2L gasoline powered HEV matter? -- Ed.

Audi’s plan to offer the Q7 with hybrid drive from the end of the year has been placed on indefinite hold.
According to the German manufacturer’s head of research and development, Michael Dick, the company has diverted engineering resources into developing its lithium ion battery technology.

In an exclusive interview with Autocar, Dick confirmed that Audi has abandoned an earlier strategy that would have seen the Q7 offered with a petrol-electric hybrid system based around a nickel-metal hydride battery system – but that development work on a hybrid version of the new Q5 is pushing ahead.

“We have decided to make lithium ion a priority,” says Dick. “It’s clear this technology will become increasingly important in coming years and we want to make sure we are at the forefront when it comes to market.” … [Read More]

[Vooch]

German CAFE standards are going up to circa 48 MPG - don't think that German MFG's will be selling their highest MPG machines in the US as long as they have to struggle with a 48 MPG CAFE.