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Introduction
- What's New - Audi takes the Q7 SUV and stuffs a turbocharged, direct-injection, V-12 diesel under the hood. The engine was recently shown in the R8 TDI V12 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The 6.0-liter mill produces 500 horsepower and 757 lb.-ft. of torque, which is good for a 0-60 trip in 5.5 seconds. The V-12 TDI is closely related to the engine that has powered an Audi racing car to two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The SUV goes on sale in Germany later this year. No word on whether it will come to the U.S.
- Why It Matters - If this monster comes to the States, it will reign as the fastest of the high-performance SUVs. That's pretty rarified air, occupied by the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and the Porsche Cayenne GTS. Despite the high output, Audi estimates the Q7 TDI V12 will get about 19 mpg. That's a lot thriftier than it's gasoline powered competitors.
2009 Audi Q7 TDI V12 Preview - 2008 Geneva Auto Show: Audi - and its parent, Volkswagen - have taken diesel passenger car engines a long way from what Americans experienced in the 1980s. That smelly and sooty memory will take some time to erase, but the TDI engines can probably make believers out all but the most skeptical. With performance figures matching and sometimes exceeding gasoline engines, the turbocharged diesels don't guzzle fuel. Advances in emissions controls make it possible to bring diesel powered passenger vehicles to all 50 states.
2009 Audi Q7 TDI V12 - Notable Features
As befits a luxury vehicle, the Q7 has convenience and tech features galore. The SUV can be configured with anywhere from four to seven seats. Navigation, Bose audio system with six-disc changer and Bluetooth capability are all present. An iPod interface is an option, along with an even tonier audio system and interior.
Four high tech assistance systems are available: adaptive cruise control, Audi's Lane and Side Assist system to help maintain safe following distance and aid in lane changes, and a parking system with rearview camera.
Safety systems include antilock brakes, with electronic force distribution and stability program. The all-wheel drive system can direct additional power to the axle that has more traction.
2009 Audi Q7 TDI V12 - Under the Hood
A 12-cylinder diesel pours out 500 horsepower and 757 lb.-ft. of torque. As a clean diesel, the V12 TDI already meets Euro 6 standards for emissions control. Audi estimates fuel mileage in the Q7 at 19 mpg.
All that power flows through a six-speed Tiptronic transmission, which shifts automatically or the driver can engage the manual mode and change gears with the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Need we mention that it has Quattro all-wheel drive? Of course it does. The Q7 has double-wishbone, independent adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and active stabilization. The driver can set three modes, from comfort to dynamic. While the Q7 seems more suited to cruising than rock crawling, it does have eight inches of ground clearance. Brakes are carbon-reinforced ceramic discs on all four wheels. Steering is electrically assisted and the whole thing rides on 20- or 21-inch wheels.
2009 Audi Q7 TDI V12 - Competitors
This is not a very large segment, but there are a few contenders.
The Mercedes-Benz ML63 matches the Q7 TDI V12 on horsepower, but loses out on torque. The Porsche Cayenne GTS falls nearly a hundred ponies short of the Audi, but makes the trip to 60 mph only a half-second slower. The upshot is the Audi has the top game.
Bob Beamesderfer
Photo credit: Audi, Mercedes-Benz
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