Over 700 ft.-lbs. of torque gets us excited enough, but when Audi's new head, Rupert Stadler, made the remark that "the launch of the V12 TDI is part of our broad-based diesel initiative in the US market," we got all weak in the knees. Could it be that we may actually get the four-ringed automaker's LeMans oil-burning technology? Well, yes and apparently, not quite yet.
In a press release yesterday, Audi announced that it'll begin selling its Q7 equipped with the more common 4.2L V8 diesel, but before getting to the details it was stated in no uncertain terms, "Note: This model is not scheduled for sale in North America."
Now we understand that the technology to make diesels pass the sniffer test in a few of our states is under development, but why the discrepancy? If Audi has any intention of bringing a diesel-powered Q7 Stateside, would it really consider only selling the monster V12 TDI instead of the more efficient and less expensive 4.2L V8 TDI? Perhaps we're reading into this too much and Audi doesn't plan to bring either diesel Q7 to the U.S., which would be a shame either way.
[Source: Autoblog via Audi]
Official press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE:
01 March 2007
THE MOST POWERFUL DIESEL SUV ON THE MARKET: THE AUDI Q7 4.2 TDI
*Note: This model is not scheduled for sale in North America
INGOLSTADT, Germany - 326 bhp and 561 ft.-lbs. of torque – Audi proudly presents the most powerful diesel SUV on the world market. A state-of-the-art eight-cylinder engine with common rail fuel injection and Piezo injectors not only stands out on account of its sheer output but also demonstrates outstanding efficiency: the 4.2 TDI has an average fuel consumption of just 11.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.
The Audi Q7 places the concentrated power of the V8 TDI, an engine with a displacement of 4.2 liters, into a vehicle concept that impresses with its versatile sportiness. Even at its debut, the Q7 model series set new standards in its segment. Now the 4.2 TDI is moving the bar even higher.
Under the bonnet of the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the most powerful diesel engine the brand has to offer. The 4.2-liter capacity of the V8, which already powers the A8, generates an output of 326 bhp and 561 ft.-lbs. of torque at engine speeds between 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. The most powerful SUV on the market has the drivability of a sports car. The Audi Q7 accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 145 mph. These figures are also the new best marks in its segment.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI transmits its power through a six-speed tiptronic gearbox and a sportily tuned quattro driveline, which in normal situations splits propulsive force 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear axle. Audi's "adaptive air suspension" is standard on this most powerful of diesels – it unites dynamic handling with the ride comfort of the luxury class.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is also at the top of the tree with its standard convenience equipment. The leather design package gives the interior a noble feel. The electric tailgate makes lighter work of loading. A new feature is the Audi lane assist system, which emits a pulse to inform the driver before he inadvertently crosses a line on the carriageway.
The engine: concentrated pulling power
Like all the engines in the Audi Q7 series, the 8-cylinder diesel heralds from Audi's new V-engine family. With a displacement of 4,134 cc, the large TDI has a maintenance-free chain drive on the gearbox side for its four camshafts and ancillaries. The angle between the cylinder banks is 90 degrees, the cylinder spacing 90 millimeters, the overall length just 520 millimeters. The crankcase is made of the high-tech material vermicular graphite cast iron. This forms the basis for the light weight of the engine – just 565 pounds.
The V8 TDI is a masterpiece of engineering. The best examples: the crankshaft is forged from chrome-molybdenum alloy steel; the cylinders are of cast aluminum. Low-friction roller cam followers actuate the 32 valves; electronically actuated flaps give the intake air into a defined swirl.
Two turbochargers with variable-geometry turbines provide solid torque even at low engine speeds while still allowing a high power output. Large charge-air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air. The common rail fuel injection system contains compact Piezo inline injectors that are extremely precise and fast switching. They are capable of up to five injection sequences per working cycle.
The 4.2-litre TDI develops 326 bhp at 3,750 rpm. Between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm it induces its impressive pulling power onto the crankshaft – 561 ft.-lbs. of torque. The most powerful diesel engine in the SUV segment gives the Audi Q7 the sportiest performance of all diesels. The premium SUV sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds. On the motorway it can reach a top speed of 145 mph.
The driveline: dynamic character
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is equipped as standard with the six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. The dynamic shift program (DSP) manages the gearshifts, whereby it orientates itself to the driver's style and to the characteristics of the road. A special sport program – the S program – supports a particularly dynamic driving style. The driver can intervene at any time, either at the gear gate for the selector lever or at the optional paddles on the steering wheel. As the tiptronic in the Audi Q7 was designed for high torque from the very outset, it does not need to be specially reinforced to team up with the V8 diesel engine.
Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI has a self-locking center differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split. In regular operation, it transmits the drive force with a ratio 40:60 to the front and rear axles respectively. If needed, torque is distributed at varying ratios between the front and read axles according to the level of grip: optimum traction is provided at all times. This ultramodern quattro technology provides for sporty characteristics reminiscent of a rear-wheel drive vehicle, for exceptional agility and for a steering precision that is to the greatest possible extent free of influences from the driveline.
The running gear: sporty performance
The running gear on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI supports this dynamic presence. And it superbly masters all of these challenges – whether in rough terrain or on the road, where handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort set the standards. Adaptive air suspension, fitted as standard, rounds off the outstanding character – the combination of pneumatic suspension and electronically controlled damping with dynamic roll stabilization forms the perfect synthesis of sportiness and maximum rolling comfort.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI driver can set the adaptive air suspension to any of three maps, from very sporty to very comfortable. In addition, the system allows five ground clearance settings. Up to 8.1 in. of air under the vehicle (offroad mode) is usually enough even on demanding terrain. The rear can be lowered by 3.0 in. for comfortable loading.
The Audi Q7 running gear is characterized by its high degree of sophistication. All four wheels are independently mounted on double wishbones. The axle components are made largely of aluminum. The servotronic steering is distinctively direct and precise, giving a feeling of excellent road contact. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI runs on sporty 18-inch alloy wheels with size 255/55 tires. Behind them, the four brake discs are internally ventilated and generously dimensioned – 13.8 in. in diameter on the front axle and 14.1 in. on the rear axle. The front brake calipers employ 6-piston technology, like on a top sports car.
The equipment: intelligent luxury
The leather design package is standard on the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI. It includes inlays in three different types of wood or aluminum, and seat upholstery in Cricket leather. The front seats are electrically heated as standard. An on-board computer, cruise control system and multifunction steering wheel enhance comfort for the driver. The much-praised "MMI basic" control system is also fitted as standard. A practical tool is the electrically driven tailgate, whose opening angle can be programmed.
A range of assistance systems makes driving in Audi's performance SUV even safer.
A new technology that is enjoying its debut in the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is Audi lane assist. It informs the driver if the lane is inadvertently left upwards of a speed of around 40 mph. If the system is activated and the driver has not indicated, then shortly before the vehicle crosses the line marking, which is detected by Audi lane assist, the system alerts the driver by making the steering wheel vibrate (only in conjunction with the 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel).
Optional Audi adaptive cruise control is a radar-supported cruise control system incorporating active distance control. If required it can be combined with the "braking guard" brake assist system.
Audi's "side assist system" employs radar technology to monitor the blind spot and inform the driver if it is dangerous to change lanes. The "Audi parking system advanced" uses a camera for the view to the rear. The aid lines on the monitor make parking an enjoyable task.
Numerous interesting features are available for the dynamic lines of the exterior and for the spacious interior of the 200.2 in. long Audi Q7: 21-inch wheels, the "open sky system" glass roof or the rail system for the generous luggage compartment, which has a capacity of up to 72.5 cu. ft. A deluxe climate control system is standard. The seats are extremely variable. Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI is available as a 5, 6 or 7-seater. A 4-seater version will be available at a later date.
The new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI will be in the showrooms in the early summer.
