Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a full-size SUV produced by German automaker Audi since its unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.

In it's name Q7, the "Q" denotes a new family of vehicles for Audi, and the designation "7" marks its placement between the A6 and A8 in Audi's model range.

Overview

The Q7 utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen 7L platform. Based on the Audi Pikes Peak Quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use and was not meant for serious off-road use where a transfer case is needed,but in an offroad test through the Australian Out-Back it fared remarkably well for a luxury "soft roader". Although it lacks a low-range transfer case, it has a central differential lock and an adjustable-height air suspension which helps in offroad situations. Audi South-Africa runs a very tough offroad course with the Q7 where it actually proves itself a better off-roader than most would give it credit for.

Engines

Audi's 350PS (345hp/257kW), 440N·m (325ft·lbf) 4163 cc V8 and 280PS (276hp/206kW), 360N·m (266ft·lbf) V6 3596 cc petrol engines, both with FSI technology, are offered. Interestingly, Q7 using either engine has the same 0 - 100 km/h performance.

Two diesel options are available; a 240PS (237hp/177kW) 3.0L V6 and in mid-2007 the 4.2 litre 331PS (326hp/243kW) diesel with 760N·m (561ft·lbf) torque known from the Audi A8 was introduced. Audi is reportedly going to introduce a hybrid version of the Q7 in 2008

To underline the racing success of its diesel-engined Le Mans-winning R10 racer, Audi presented a concept-version of the car with a new V12 TDI Q7 at the 2006 Paris Auto Show. It uses piezo fuel injectors like the 2007 Mercedes E320 CDI. The twin-turbodiesel six-litre engine generates 500PS (493hp/368kW) and 1,000N·m (738ft·lbf) of torque, making it the most powerful diesel engine, and also the only twelve-cylinder diesel engine, used in any passenger car. The diesel can pull the Q7 from rest to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.