Audi Breaks Diesel Ranks with a Hybrid SUV in 2008

The Audi Q7 - A beautiful SAV!

Get one for mom.

You should be kicked in the head...again!

Well, I guess they have the tree huggers pretty much covered this time.

Will they offer the 4.2 diesel from the A8?

3.0TDI

no we all would rather have a diesel but I like that Audi is listening to the US market

I would not but a hybrid

Hey Will, I have always like the Toyota brand, but I'm never a fan of its hybrid cars. Honestly, I would much rather see Toyota and Lexus cars with diesel engines.

1) There are loads of extra parts in a hybrid, when compared to a conventional car. Chances of something wearing out / failing increase. For example, what if the NiMH battery pack goes dead right after the warranty? How much will it cost the owner to replace it? The last time I checked, Toyota doesn't even have a price on this, but it claims that the battery pack is designed for 150000 to 200000 miles. But really, who knows? (Something about battery: As a part-time photographer, I’ve had lots of bad experiences with batteries.)

Advantage diesel: Diesel engine is a proven technology, so it doesn't come with a big question mark. You pay a lot more for hybrids. Not so with diesel.

2) About the big NiMH battery pack.... Yes, NiMH is not toxic like NiCd, but it is still toxic to some extent (The electrolytes are harmful in large amount. Also, Nickel is semi-toxic). True, Toyota does offer free recycling service, and a $200 reward for each battery pack. But can Toyota guarantee that none of them will end up in the landfill? It is funny, you save the environment by reducing gas consumption with your product. On the other hand, you potentially harm the environment by having a big pack of semi-toxic chemicals in the same product.

Advantage diesel: Diesel doesn't come with a pack of toxic substances. In fact, diesel can be environmental friendly because there is bio-diesel, which is a renewable energy.


3) Apparently hybrids save gas on stop-and-go city driving only. If you do a lot of freeway driving, it won't do you any good.

Advantage diesel: Diesel engine is twice as efficiency as gasoline engine. It's efficient on both city and freeway driving.


One last thought, I would have bought a VW TDi if VW had a better reliability record. If Toyota is reading this, please bring us Toyota and Lexus with diesel engines.

Did you not also read that they're bringing a diesel here? A diesel AND a hybrid.

Come on diesel lovers, start ranting about Audi. And when the hybrid BMW shows up soon thereafter, I want to hear those rants too. Let's go.

As you can see, Audi is doing this because everyone wants to be cool and have a hybrid here. This is marketing to the market, something that Audi didn't do before.

FOR the exact effing reason the Lexus IS comes with a diesel in Europe.

ta-da!

well done chewy.
lexus bowed to european pressure and got a diesel...a noisy, clattery one. still doubled their sales, but i still have no idea how they make money in europe, i doubt they do. they advertise all the time, yet sell under 4000 cars per year. they must be losing bucketloads.

It has more to do with the fact that there is a market for them here. Anyone who knows cars, knows that diesel is the better alternative, but since they are trying to steel market away from Lexus, why not try with a hybrid. And yes, if you can read between the lines here, then you got my message. Flame on!

This is one of the funniest new releases!

<<"We believe it is an important business opportunity we cannot afford to ignore," says Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president in charge of Audi. >>

TRANSLATION from MARKETING-SPEAK to REAL ENGLISH:

"We can't believe how many idiots will spend any amount of money to get a vehicle with a hybrid badge. But since their numbers (and cash) seem limitless, we sure as hell aren't going to stand by and watch Toyota grab all the gravy!"

Good translation!

Afterall,Everybody runs after money.

Problem is,Why only Toyota's name is taken as the money-hungry ?

JUGNU

As a professional gas-passer, I truly feel the market would readily accept a Buick Lacrosse Hybrid.

this is one ugly car

aamazing you are so worried about Audi that you are in each post

let me quote you

1. this is one ugly car
2. just a rebaged VW

ok now you can go away

Yes, and the Chevrolet Chug will go on sale in 2732.