Although Audi had been working on a Q7 hybrid SUV, that program's been shelved in favor of wrenching on a hybrid version of its new Q5 compact SUV.

Audi's head of R&D, Michael Dick, told Autocar that the company's focus for hybrid development has changed dramatically.  Not only is the Q5 expected to be Audi's first gas-electric offering, but engineers have moved from tinkering with nickel-metal hydride batteries to a lithium-ion pack.

While Dick stated the larger Q7 hybrid was on "indefinite hold," but that doesn't mean the company will aim to move the program into production.  If anything, a small number may be produced for evaluation, but won't be available to customers.

Source: Autocar