[car fanatics]

Source
Photo credit: Audi
January 27, 2012
By: CF staff

Maybe, at least if you are Audi of America and you’re looking for a way to market diesel and hybrid powertrains side by side in the same vehicle.

That’s why the importer says it will put more of the accent on performance, rather than fuel economy, with its upcoming diesel-powered Q5, leaving room to emphasize miles per gallon with the cross/utility vehicle’s upcoming hybrid-electric powertrain.

The unfavorable comparison also is to blame for the decision to hold back from the U.S. the A8 Hybrid, bowing in Europe this year. The gasoline-electric model actually is less fuel-efficient on the European Union driving cycle than the A8 diesel, according to the auto maker’s estimates.