The new electronic driver trainer was not the only fuel-saving technology talked up at Audi’s TechDay 2007 seminar in Germany last week. Officials also gave details about what to expect for a new hybrid version of the carmaker’s Q7 SUV. Though still in concept form, the technology showcased at the seminar is likely to remain intact for the final production car and is also likely to be the same system that will debut in Porsche’s upcoming hybrid Cayenne SUV.

Audi will be using a parallel hybrid system with a 34kW electric motor sandwiched between a 280hp (206kW) 3.6L V6 FSI petrol engine and the vehicle’s torque converter. The electric motor provides an additional 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque to the internal combustion engine’s 375Nm (277lb-ft). From standstill, the concept vehicle reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just under 12 seconds. Despite weighing 2,480kg, average fuel-consumption measures 24mpg (9.8L/100km).

A separating clutch links the three-phase synchronous motor with the engine. This makes it possible to drive the car with either of the powerplants or with both together. On electric power alone, the vehicle can travel up to 50km/h for a distance of two kilometers before the V6 engine cuts in.

Another way the hybrid Q7 saves fuel is by running the vehicle’s ancillary features such as the AC compressor, the oil pumps for the power steering and automatic gearbox and the vacuum pump for the brake booster all on electric power alone.

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