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About the
Audi Q7 Hybrid
 

Audi has announce their first hybrid: it will be a hybrid version of their upcoming Q7 SUV.

It's expected to have a 4.2 liter V8 engine coupled to the hybrid electric motor. It will produce very impressive amounts of torque: 472 lb-ft. A 15 percent improvement in fuel economy is expected.

This is an interesting development, as European manufacturers have leaned toward diesel engine designs because of their good economy. But the American market has embraced the hybrid design in a big way.

Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn has said Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche will cooperate in developing hybrid engines.

The Audi is expected in 2008.