It looks like Audi will debut its new Q5 hybrid model at this year’s upcoming Los Angeles auto show. It could be the world’s first compact hybrid SUV as it appears on the market in 2011, before the BMW ActiveHybrid X3 gets released. So far other hybrid competitors like the Volvo XC60 and the Mercedes GLK are not being developed.

The Audi Q5 hybrid technical details haven’t been released yet but it will most likely be equipped with the 2.0 TFSI engine with 211 hp, combined with an electric motor of 34 hp for a total of 245 hp. This is the same set-up that Audi used for its A8 Hybrid concept car which was presented at the last Geneva show in March, and it makes sense for Audi to adapt that system to other models. The Q5 hybrid should also share some of the same components as the A4 hybrid which will debut next year as well.

The Audi Q5 won’t be the only hybrid in the Q5 family with the SQ5 possibly adopting the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid and Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid systems. Both of those models are powered by the 3.0 TFSI V6 with 333hp, and another 47 hp on the electric motor. We don’t expect to see an explosion of these hybrid SUVs on the market but it’s time these models had an environmental offering in the line-up.

Source | Automobile Magazine

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The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid get their own video in this “Two concepts, one idea: Efficiency” video from Porsche. Both models’ hybrid systems have been developed through the Porsche Intelligent Performance program. At the 2010 Geneva motor show we also saw the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept which also combines traditional fuel technology with an electric motor. See more of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid models in the video.

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Following release of pics of the new generation Porsche Cayenne, the company had a strong offering at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with the lovely Porsche 918 Spyder on show, alongside the Porsche Cayenne S hybrid and Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid. Such that the new Porsche Cayenne and 997 Turbo S faded into the background. In the galleries below you’ll see Porsche live at Geneva, and the official pics of the new Cayenne.

Everything about the Cayenne restyling suggests more sport and less utility. It is lighter, more compact looking (although longer) and has more Porsche style than previously. The major evolution in the model, though, is the new hybrid version, which will be available from its market launch date, expected in dealerships from May 8th. The Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo engine with 333 hp, and a battery-powered motor with another 47 hp, for a total of 380 hp. It produces 193 g/km of CO2 emissions and has fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 km.

The new Cayenne diesel is also more environmental than the previous model, consuming 20 percent less fuel with its 3.0-litre V6 with 240 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Other engine options include the 4.8-litre V8 of the Cayenne S and the Turbo, while the entry level Cayenne model now also has the eight-speed Tiptronic S with Start&Stop technology. Automatic transmission is available on all models.

Continue reading: New Porsche Cayenne and live pics from Geneva

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