Audi will be presenting the new Audi Q7 at the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit which will be held from January 12
to 24, 2015. The drivetrain, chassis, lightweight construction, assistance
systems and infotainment will have several innovative technology embedded in
it. The new Audi Q7 is up to 325 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and
reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 50 grams per kilometre. Scheduled to follow
shortly after the market launch, the Audi Q7 e-tron quattro will be the world’s
first plug-in hybrid with a six-cylinder diesel engine and quattro all-wheel
drive.
The new Audi Q7 will come with several engine options. It
will have a powerful 3.0 TDI producing 272 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h will take 6.3 seconds. Top speed is of 234 km/h. Average
fuel consumption will be is just 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 diesel
has been systematically designed for minimal internal friction and efficient
thermal management. The 3.0 TFSI produces 333 hp and 440 Nm of torque,
accelerating the big SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds on its way to a top
speed of 250 km/h.
A second variant of the 3.0 TDI with 218 hp and 500 Nm of
torque will follow at a later date. This efficiency model will further reduce
the CO2 emissions of the 3.0 TDI, setting new standards for efficiency.
Another engine is the 2.0 TFSI with an output of 252 hp and
370 Nm of torque. It is planned primarily for the Asian markets and the U.S.A.
The new Q7 is an imposing car with the best height:weight
ratio in its class: 16.6 ft long, a 9.8 ft wheelbase, 6.5 ft wide and 5.7 ft
tall (with steel suspension). Although it is shorter and narrower than its
predecessor, the cabin is longer and offers more head room.
Ultra-high-strength parts made of hot-shaped steel form the
backbone of the occupant cell. Aluminum castings, extruded sections and panels
are used in the front and rear ends as well as the superstructure. They account
for 41 percent of the body structure. Other parts made entirely of aluminum are
the doors, which shave 24 kilograms of weight, the front fenders, the engine
hood and the rear hatch. Audi uses new manufacturing methods for the production
and assembly of the parts. The crash safety and occupant protection of the new
Audi Q7 are also on the highest level.
The design of the new Q7 is masculine and determined.
Horizontal lines extend above the wheels. These blisters are a subtle homage to
the classic quattro models from Audi. The exterior mirrors are mounted on the
shoulders of the doors; blades run from the front to the rear doors and bear
embossed quattro logos. The rear hatch wraps around the massive, steeply raked
D-pillars, a typical feature of the Q models from Audi.
The Singleframe grille is deeply sculpted and features thick
crossbars. It is integrated organically into the front end. Its broad frame
extends to the headlights, which feature either xenon, LED or Matrix LED
technology, depending on the option chosen by the customer. The daytime running
lights of the LED headlights are shaped like a double arrow. The taillights of
the top model include dynamic turn signals – another Audi innovation.