In 2008 Audi will launch both diesel and hybrid vehicles in the United States beginning with the full-sized Q7 SUV.

The hybrid powerplant will be a parallel system capable of running on a gasoline engine, electric motor, or a combination of the two simultaneously.

Development of the hybrid engine has been carried out in partnership with Porsche and Volkswagen.

Describing the hybrid system as "modular," Audi spokesmen have indicated the unit is adaptable to a range of models and can be integrated with existing drive trains easily.

The hybrid Q7 will be equipped with a 3.6-liter gasoline engine producing 280 horsepower. Married to the electric motor, the SUV will consume approximately 23 percent less fuel and achieve about 23 miles per gallon.

The vehicle's electric motor becomes active at speeds of 12-15 mph but can reach as high as 31 mph.

The automatic transmission, brake booster, and air-conditioning all operate off the electric motor. When the brakes are applied, energy is generated back into the nickel battery, which is placed in the space normally occupied by the spare wheel well.

The turbo-diesel version of the Q7, also destined to arrive in the United States in 2008 will feature a 3-liter V6 generating approximately 230 horsepower (400 lb-ft. of torque.) Expected range per tank is 600 miles.