Audi Q7 Hybrid SUV: more info

Audi has finally provided some more information on the hybrid version of its Audi Q7 SUV currently in the works. Although sharing its 7L platform with Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, the Q7 will probably not get the upcoming hybrid drive from the Cayenne and will have to use Audi's own job.




The Audi Q7's hybrid drive, Audi says in its press release, will possibly be combined of VW's current 280hp/375Nm 3.6-liter FSI V6 and a 50hp/285Nm electric motor. To ensure the maximum fuel efficiency, the electric device will be nested between the engine and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox.



Having about 660Nm of combined torque, the Audi Q7 Hybrid will propel itself from zero to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds and sprint from 60 to 120km/h in 11.9 seconds. In EU combined cycle, the hybrid SUV will consume about 9.8 liters of gas per 100 km (it is around 29 mpg). That's really not bad, considering that the vehicle weighs 2,480 kg (5460 lb) and that the base model drinks has 23 percent worse mileage. And its level of CO2 emissions will also drop from 304 g/km to less frightening 231 g/km.



See also: Audi Q7 SUV may go hybrid

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Audi Q7 4.2 TDI raises the bar again

Set to arrive in the showrooms sometime in June this year, the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI SUV makes a good claim to be the world's most powerful and fast sports utility vehicle. Its 4.2-liter V8 diesel engine is mated to the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and develops a maximum of 326 bhp and stunning 760 Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque produced between 1,800 rpm and 2,500 rpm. Although that powerful, it consumes only about 11.1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km (25mpg).



The new SUV is fast, too. The Ingolstadt company claims that the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI takes only 6.4 seconds to jump from zero to 62 mph and its top speed reaches 236 km/h (147 mph). It's kept on the road with the help of Audi's adaptive air suspension with three driving modes and five ground clearance settings. Like other Audi Q7 models, this one is equipped with a self-locking center differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split with a 40:60 front-rear base ratio.

The list of technological luxurities includes a radar-supported cruise control system with active distance control and the new lane assist system that informs the driver when he or she comes off the carriageway.

Picture: Audi AG

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

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Audi Q7 V12 TDi may come to the U.S.

The U.S. market is of strategic importance to any serious automaker and it seems that the golden key to the local market is a clean and powerful diesel engine. Audi has one and is about to offer it inside its highly successful Audi Q7 V12 TDi luxurious SUV.



Citing Audi's CEO Rupert Stadler talking at a press-conference in Ingolstadt, Fourtitude.com is reporting that "the launch of the [Audi Q7] V12 TDI is part of [Audi's] broad-based diesel initiative in the US market".



The new V12 TDI engine belongs to the new generation of oil-burners that are characterized by an extremely low level of nitrogen oxide emissions. Marketed under the Bluetec label, these engines are legal in almost all US states.



Photos: Audi AG

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

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Audi Q7 SUV may go hybrid

Audi of America Inc. plans to introduce to the local market diesel and hybrid versions of its luxurious Audi Q7 sports utility vehicle. Even in case of the diesel model the task will be quite expensive: because of much stricter U.S. emission requirements the existing oil-burner will have to be re-engineered.



Automotive News says that local buyers will be able to order a 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine, which may also be adapted to power the Audi A4 and A6, A5 coupe and even the little 2008 Audi Q5 crossover SUV set to compete against BMW X3 SUV.



It is expected that Audi Q7 TDI will cost some $3,000 to $4,000 more than a similarly equipped model with a gasoline engine.

As to the Q7 with a hybrid powerplant, the company stays mum about its technical specs or estimated price, but what is clear is that Audi of America Inc. does not feel really excited about going green.




See also: PPI PS Q7 tuning package for the Audi Q7

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PPI PS Q7 tuning package for the Audi Q7

PPI Automotive Design tuning studio offers its own take on the Audi Q7 luxurious SUV. Yet another attempt to put the obese German 'ute on a high protein diet.

PPI PS Q7 tuning program consists of both external styling and some internal modifications, including engine tuning.

The body kit includes new front spoiler with larger air inlets, rear bumper with custom cutouts for the four-pipe stainless-steel sport exhaust system, roof spoiler and aerodynamically enhanced side sills.

New styling is matched with PPI Formula alloy wheels fitted with the Michelin 4x4 Diamaris tires in size 295/30 ZR 22 XL with a speed limit of 300 km/h (186 mph).

PPI offers two-stage tuning program for Audi Q7's 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, increasing its power output to 420 hp and 600 hp, as well as a one-stage program for the SUV's oil-burner.

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

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Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

The Audi Q7 TDI large crossover with a diesel engine receives yet another tuning program from a reputable tuner. The German B&B company has presented two tuning sets for both current Audi Q7 3.0 TDI and the upcoming Q7 with a more powerful diesel V8 with a displacement of some 4.2 liters.

Both programs are traditionally divided in two stages. The V6, for example, can be souped-up to 275 hp / 550 Nm or to 300 hp / 550 Nm in the first and second stages respectively. So, the SUV gets powerful enough to jump-start from zero to 62 mph in under 8 seconds and to achieve a top speed of some 230 km/h, that's about 145 mph.

More advanced --but still not available-- Audi Q7 4.2 TDI gets even more impressive power increase, All Car News is reporting. With B&B's help, the vehicle's 4.2-liter V8 can feature up to 360 hp / 760 Nm in stage one and up to 385 hp and 800 Nm is stage two.

The company still doesn't have exact numbers but carefully predicts that the Q7's performance will be comparable to that of a sports car. So, as I understand, the tuned up crossover will lack even those unimpressive off-road skills of the base model.

Well, if you can live with that, B&B will offer you some minor external body styling and a choice of 22- and 23-inchers with will sizes of 315/25-23.

See also: Range Rover SportAR6 Stronger by Arden

Technorati tags: Audi, Q7, tuning, B&B, SUV, crossover, TDI, diesel, V6, V8

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