Audi Q7 Diesel, a 5,500-Pound Fuel Miser

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI is an SUV to consider if your needs call for a three-row SUV and you want the best possible fuel economy and range for that kind of vehicle. Drive gently and this 5,500-pound Audi will reward you with almost 30 mpg. The EPA rates it at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 20 mpg combined. I got 27 mpg in a long weekend of driving, mostly highway miles. With its massive 26.4 gallon fuel tank, you'll go 600 miles between fill-ups. Highway cruising is where a diesel-engine vehicle is most at home.

The all-wheel-drive Audi Q7 doesn't have quite the bulky feel of a Cadillac Escalade. But the tall silhouette and massive Audi-signature grille, big enough to keep salmon from being sucked into a nuclear plant water intake, are a fair indicator of the official specs: 200.3 inches long and a weight of 2.75 tons. The 225-hp diesel is the slowest of the three Audi Q7s, although 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds is still pretty good. As with most other diesel-engine cars and SUVs I've driven this year, it's virtually impossible to tell it's a diesel from the inside, except when starting up and driving away on cool mornings. From the outside you hear a slight clatter at idle and, if you sniff hard, you'd notice the slightest bit of diesel odor. As with many other low-emissions diesels, the Q7 injects urea into the exhaust stream to further purify the emissions. The tank is good for 7,500-10,000 miles, so it can be handled when you go in for an oil change.

Audi has plenty of technology features and options. An iPod adapter comes standard. Audi's MMI (multimedia interface) cockpit controller was for the longest time the smarter, easier-to-use alternative to BMW iDrive; the current iDrive has since leapfrogged Audi. (Expect a significant Audi enhancement in 2010.) If you order navigation ($2,500, a lot to pay), you'll see 3D topography with building shapes in some areas thanks to an nVidia processor, get real time traffic, and a 40-GB hard disk that reserves 10 GB for ripped CD music. A blind spot departure warning system is offered but not lane departure warning. The daytime running lights are LEDs, as are the taillights. There's no rear seat entertainment package offered, but you can add one easily through a mobile entertainment dealer.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, an AW Drivers Log

The great thing about this Q7 is that it doesn't smell, isn't loud and, if you didn't know any better, you wouldn't be able to tell that it was a diesel without the TDI badge on the back.

The exterior looks good with the large wheels. The interior also looks great and is very roomy. I picked up groceries last night and had cargo room to spare. I also noticed the third row seats that can be folded down flush with the floor, which is nice.

Driving this, I was shocked at how much power it had. It's easy to handle on the road and didn't feel as big as it really was. It is and would make for a great family hauler. The ride is what you would expect from Audi: smooth, controlled and safe feeling.

Audi Q7 gets new look, diesel version for 2010

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Prices for the redesigned 2010 Audi Q7 sport utility vehicle begin at $46,900 (plus $825 freight) for the base 3.6-liter V-6 model and run as high as $61,000 for the 4.2-liter V-8, the luxury brand of the German automaker Volkswagen said this week.

But the biggest news is the introduction of a diesel version of the midsize Q7, the TDI model, which begins at $50,900. It arrived last spring as a 2009 model, but its price does not change for 2010.

The Q7's base price represents an increase of $3,400 from the $43,500 of the 2009 V-6 model, while the V-8's price was raised $1,780.

All Q7 models come with Audi's Quattro full-time all-wheel-drive system, and all are equipped with the Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission, which has a manual-shift feature for sportier driving.

The TDI model uses the same 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine that Volkswagen also has introduced for 2010 in the Touareg SUV, which is built on the same architecture as the Q7. The Touareg is shorter and can accommodate only five passengers, however, while the Q7 is offered with a third row of seating and can handle up to seven people.

The diesel engine is rated at 225 horsepower and 406 foot-pounds of torque, and has EPA mileage estimates of 17 mpg city/25 highway, compared with 14/20 for the V-6 gasoline model and 13/18 for the V-8.

With its 26.4-gallon tank, the Q7 TDI can go more than 600 miles between refueling, Audi says. This is a new “clean diesel” engine that meets U.S. Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle smog standards and eliminates the telltale black tailpipe smoke of earlier diesel engines.

Audi says the Q7 TDI “qualifies for a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit from the Internal Revenue Service for a limited time due to the fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of its clean diesel technology.”

The torque of the TDI engine gives it great pickup, allowing for easy freeway on-ramp merges and for towing trailers weighing up to 6,600 pounds.

Unlike the Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne SUV, which also is built on the same architecture, the all-wheel-drive system of the Q7 does not offer low-range gearing for serious off-road driving.

That's a shame because the Cayenne and Touareg are two of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. I've taken the Touareg on trails in the Moab, Utah, area where the only other vehicles able to negotiate them were modified Jeep Wranglers.

But the fact is that most people who buy premium SUVs have no intention of ever taking them off-road.

Audi says the 2010 Q7 has “markedly updated exterior and interior features,” although the vehicle still looks pretty much the same as last year's model.

Among changes are “the most innovative execution to date of the Audi signature LED lighting,” the company said, which includes standard LED taillights and optional LED turn signals and daytime running lights.

Other new exterior features include new wheel choices, front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights, grille, mirror housings and lower body panels. The new grille is has a gloss-black finish with vertical chrome strips.

Audi says that equipment packages for the 3.6 and TDI models “begin at the Premium level,” while the 4.2 model has “Prestige level packaging” (and more standard amenities).

Inside, there are new optional ventilated front seats, a new decorative inlay on the passenger side of the dashboard, more ambient lighting on the doors, a new multimedia interface, additional chrome accents and a few other tweaks.

The navigation system has a “richly detailed” three-dimensional map, Sirius traffic information and a joystick controller.

It also is capable of taking voice commands to direct the driver to various destinations. They include such simple statements as “I'm hungry,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee,” which then are translated into guidance to the nearest locations.

The Q7 has a federal five-star crash safety rating and has been designated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Standard safety features include electronic stability control with traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, front seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all passengers.

Luxury features abound, including automatic climate control.

Both gasoline engines come with direct fuel injection, which helps improve fuel economy.

Audi Q7 Details and Pictures

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

German luxury car maker Audi, on Friday rolled out the latest version of its luxury SUV (sports utility vehicle) — Audi Q7 — for the Indian market priced at Rs 53.40 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) onwards.



Coming with three engine options, the 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro, the car is available across all the Audi dealerships. Introducing the six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent four-wheel drive with 40:60 torque split, the SUV boasts of several features on the exterior, including LED taglights and turn signals, Xenon headlights, new front grille — representing a sporty design.

Spacious interiors

On the interiors, with up to seven seats, the car boasts of luggage space of about 2,035 litres. Similarly, it also has an optional panorama sunroof, an MMI operating system with audio system and a voice control, which enables the driver to operate a cellphone or music system by just calling out the name of a song or a phone number.
Further, it has adaptable headlights that switch on or off according to the moves of the car, showing the path ahead.

Incidentally, Audi India Head (after sales) Martin Freudenhagen said the company plans to expand its dealership from 12 to 18 by 2010-2011, and that it has achieved remarkable growth in the first eight months of 2009 registering 62 per cent growth (having sold 1,128 units.

“With the launch of new Q7, we expect to sell upwards of 1,500 cars,” he added.

Automotive Design Audi Q7

The Q7 is the latest addition to the Audi family and PPI Automotive Design from Stuttgart, Germany has been hard at work redesigning this vehicle for it’s customers. The result is the PPI PS Q7.
The kit comprises of a lift-reducing front spoiler, side sills, an entirely new rear apron, roof spoiler for enhanced stability at high speeds and under heavy braking. All products can be fitted at any Audi dealer.

Front Bumper
The PPI PS Q7® front bumper spoiler looks great with its strikingly styled large air inlets. It features two dedicated fog lamp and optional, two additional high beams, and its refined shape reduces lift on the front axles at high speeds. The center of the bumper has a prominent Matte Carbon Fiber Splitter, that understates the aggressiveness and sportiness of this vehicle.

Side Sills
The PPI PS Q7® side sills form a harmonious transition between front and rear Bumpers and accentuate the sporty yet serious purpose of this vehicle. The leading edge of the side sills have a vent to purge air build-up in the front wheel wells, thereby further increasing stability.

Rear Bumper
The PPI PS Q7® rear apron features custom cutouts for the 4 pipe stainless-steel PPI sport exhaust system. An integrated diffuser helps reduce lift on the rear axle and also increases directional stability. Also, integrated into the rear bumper are Air-Channels that act to purge air from the underside of the vehicle, further reducing lift on the rear axle. An optional Matte Carbon Fiber Diffuser (also available in aluminum finish) can be fitted to the vehicle as well.

Rear Spoiler
The PPI roof spoiler not only enhances the look of the PPI PS Q7®, but also acts to keep this 2.5 ton vehicle stable at high speeds and under heavy braking.

Tire and Wheel upgrades
The PPI PS Q7® is fitted with king-size 10Jx22 one-piece PPI Formula light-alloy wheels all around. The Michelin® 4x4 Diamaris® tires in size 295/30 ZR 22 XL on front and rear axles are approved on the Q7 for speeds up 300 km/h.

Other Body Modifications and Custom Trim Pieces
PPI Automotive Design further refines the Q7 body with headlight moldings, mirror moldings, and door handle trim pieces each available in carbon fiber or aluminum finish. A PPI rear center lens that connects the two tail lamps together and gives the vehicle the unique PPI Identity. This piece is available as a Red Lense with the PPI Logo behind it, in aluminum finish or matte carbon fiber, with PPI lettering protruding from it. Finishing touches are the PPI front and rear badges available in Aluminum, Chrome, or Matte Carbon Fiber and PS Q7 badging in Matte Carbon Fiber.

Engine
The PPI PS Q7® body conversion offers optimal conditions for powerful engine tuning. There are two performance kits available for the Q7.

Stage I - Gasoline: The PPI Performance Kit stage I increase power output of the naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 engine to 420 hp / 420 PS / 309 kW The PPI tuning further improves the performance of the Q7: Sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h is shortened to just under 6 seconds, top speed increases to 365 km/h. PPI sport exhaust system, A newly programmed Motronic and a sport air filter complete this tuning level.

Stage I – Diesel: The PPI Performance Kit stage I increase power output of all Diesel engines available for the Q7, coupled with the PPI Sport exhaust system is a newly programmed Motronic unit. These in combination with our air delivery system will greatly improve the engine response and power output of the Diesel motor.

Stage II - Gasoline: The PPI engine department is hard at work developing an even more powerful version of this 4.2L V8. The PPI Performance Kit stage II will consist of superchargers. Power increases to 600 hp / 600 PS / 447 kW

Exhaust : Better sound and better looks for all Audi Q7 models offers the fully stainless-steel PPI sport exhaust system. The exhaust system can also be fitted with optional black chrome-plated PPI tailpipes.

Brake and Suspension System
PPI Automotive Design also extensively modifies the suspension of the Q7. For vehicles equipped with air suspension there is the PPI sport module, which can lower the ride height of the SUV for on-road operations by up to 40 millimeter. For tough off-road use the ride height can be increased by up to 70 millimeters.

Interior enhancements
PPI Automotive Design can also refine the Q7 interior with many materials, including leather, alcantara, carbon fiber, aluminum, Kevlar, and the newly developed carbon-fiber etched leather. The options for interior of the Audi Q7 range from exclusive cockpit accessories to the completion of the leather interior available ex-factory to an entirely new individual PPI fully leathered interior to suit any of our customer’s tastes. The options are limited only by our clients’ imaginations. Also available is a stylishly integrated state-of-the-art multimedia system with monitors integrated into the rear headrests.

Luxurious Audi Q7 crossover

Audi’s Q7 full-size SUV is one of the most expensive SUV’s on the market. The other is Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo that tops out at a whopping $81,859 before options.

Fully loaded with every conceivable nicety, amenity and high tech feature - including some you may never use (like rear door sun screens) or even understand (adaptive air suspension) - the Audi Q7 I tested bottom-lined at $81,995.

The Q7 is a pleasure to drive and ride in. It has taut, athletic handling and positive, on-center steering with a good amount of road feel. Its car-like ride is smooth thanks in part to an adaptive air suspension system ($2,600). My only gripe here is that the Q7 does not have a tight turning radius, but it parks with relative ease.

My tester was outfitted with the performance oriented S-Line package ($2,000), which includes 20-inch tires, special interior/exterior trim, headlight washers (which you’ll probably never use) and 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Under the hood lies a potent 4.2L, 350-hp V8. Combined with a quick-shifting 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, this heavy SUV rates a thirsty 13 city, 18 highway EPA mpg. Standing stop performance is impressive with Audi saying 0-60 in 7.0 seconds. Highway passing is equally as quick and robust.

The interior on my test car, once you make the low 17.5 inch step-in, was an attractive grey cricket leather with a touch of aluminum trim on dash and doors.

Audi launches new Audi Q7 in India

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, announced the launch of the new Audi Q7 - the latest version of largest selling performance luxury SUV in India. The new Audi Q7 is available in three engine options – 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro at Audi dealerships across the country from 3rd September 2009. The Audi Q7 is a sporty, comfortable, high-performance car for leisure and business.

It is the large Audi for customers looking for a vehicle that can take them anywhere and is roomy and flexible. And this character is immediately evident in the design: the side view with the low window area, the arched roof line and the tautly curved body surfaces presents a coupe-like silhouette.

“The launch of the new Audi Q7 comes close on the heels of Audi’s Centennial Celebration and spells exciting times for Audi India. The Audi Q7 was launched in India in 2006 and has since established itself as the numero uno luxury SUV in the country. The new Audi Q7 is unmatched in terms of style, performance, safety, comfort and driving dynamics providing customers the complete driving experience which Audi is known for.”, said Benoit Tiers, Managing Director, Audi India.

“Audi India achieved a remarkable growth in the first eight months of 2009 by selling 1128 cars (62% growth). The second half of 2009 continues to record impressive sales, August 2009 recording sales of 171 cars (69% growth). With the new Audi Q7, we continue to offer customers products that are progressive, sporty and sophisticated - reflecting the core essence of our brand DNA ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’,” added Tiers.

New accents at the front and rear contribute to even more elegant styling and visual impact. New single-frame radiator grill in high gloss black with vertical chrome bars adds robustness to the car in conjunction with new Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. The new Audi Q7 also comes with optional high-end headlight version that integrates not only a low beam, high beam, and turning and cornering lights, but for the first time also a special superhighway beam.

The restyled tailgate presents a more forceful contour. LEDs are standard equipment in the taillights. An aluminum exterior package adds further highlights to the styling. The S line exterior package is designed for sports-minded customers and is available as an optional equipment. The Audi Q7 is 5,089 mm long and has a 3,002 mm wheelbase. It provides generous interior comfort, a cargo volume of up to 2,035 liters, and unsurpassed variability.

The customer can order an interior with six or seven seats. Many improvements down to the smallest details enhance personal comfort – including interior lights in the door linings, an inlay on the passenger side, and new colors as well as materials. Many operator-control details have been refined and enhanced with chrome elements in the new Audi Q7.

All engines in the Audi Q7 program are powerful and efficient direct-injection versions. Standard equipment includes a six-speed tiptronic that shifts swiftly and smoothly as it transfers the generated power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which distributes it to the axles with modest emphasis on the rear.

Some of the standard equipment of the new Audi Q7 includes 18-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension that enhances the sporty precision of the car’s handling as well as its strong off-road performance. The LEDs as a standard fitment in the taillights adds to the appeal of the SUV.

Enhancements in the front include smaller exterior mirrors, contrasting paint finish for the bumper and main body, an enhanced single-frame radiator grille, restyled bumpers, a newly ribbed designed integrated underbody guard in the center section of the bumper, making it more robust. Additions to the rear of the new Audi Q7 have the bumper with a contrasting paint finish and a restyled tailgate.

The new Audi Q7 is powered by highly efficient direct-injection engines and is available in a 3.0 TDI 176 kW (240 hp), 550 Nm torque option, a 3.6 FSI 206 kW (280 hp), 360 Nm torque option and a 4.2 FSI 257 kW (350 hp), 440 Nm torque option. The hallmark of all Audi cars is the integration of technology with luxury and the new Audi Q7 is no different. The top-of-the line version of the MMI systems includes a hard disk drive, a single DVD player, and voice control, with the option of including a Bluetooth telephone, an advanced radio tuner, Rear Seat Entertainment Preparation, and the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The new Audi Q7 range starts at (ex-showroom Mumbai) Rs53,40,000 for the 3.0 TDI quattro, Rs55,20,000 for the 3.6 FSI quattro and € 42,696 for the 4.2 FSI quattro (non homologated). The new Audi Q7 is available in an exciting palate of new colors like Ibis White, Teak Brown, Orca Black and Graphite Grey as well as the existing colors which include Deep Black, Bahia Beige, Cobalt Blue, Condor Grey, Ice Silver, Garnet Red and Lava Grey.