Audi Q7

Audi Q7
Manufacturer Audi AG
Production 2005—present
Assembly Bratislava, Slovakia
Changchun, China[1]
Jakarta, Indonesia (Garuda Mataram Motor)
Class Full-size crossover SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout longitudinal front engine,
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform Volkswagen Group PL71 platform
Engine 4.2L V8 FSI
3.6L VR6 FSI
4.2L V8 TDI
3.0L V6 TDI
6.0L V12 TDI
Transmission

6-speed automatic

8-speed start-stop Automatic
Wheelbase 118.2 in (3002 mm)
Length 2005-09: 200.2 in (5085 mm)
2010-: 200.3 in (5,088 mm)
Width 78.1 in (1984 mm)
Height 2005-09: 68.3 in (1735 mm)
2010-: 68.4 in (1,737 mm)
Related Porsche Cayenne
Volkswagen Touareg

The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury crossover SUV unveiled in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of the Q7 began in autumn of 2005 in Bratislava, Slovakia.[2] It is the first SUV offering from Audi and went on sale in 2007. Later, Audi's second SUV, the Q5, was unveiled as a 2009 model. Audi has since unveiled a third SUV model, the Q3, going on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Contents

Overview

The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Previewed by the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use where a transfer case is needed. In an off road test through the Australian outback it fared well for a "soft roader",.[3] Although it lacks a low-range transfer case, it has quattro permanent four wheel drive system with a central differential lock, and an adjustable-height air suspension which helps in off road situations.

First generation (2005-)

Features

Engines

Source [4]

Petrol engines
Model Year Engine type Power, torque@rpm
3.6 FSI 2008–2009 3,597 cc (3.597 L; 219.5 cu in) VR6 FSI 280 PS (210 kW; 280 hp)@6200, 360 N·m (270 lb·ft)@2500-5000
4.2 FSI 2008–2009 4,163 cc (4.163 L; 254.0 cu in) V8 FSI 350 PS (260 kW; 350 hp)@6800, 440 N·m (320 lb·ft)@3500
3.0 TFSI 2009- 2,995 cc (2.995 L; 182.8 cu in) supercharged V6 FSI 280 PS (210 kW; 280 hp)@4750-6500, 400 N·m (300 lb·ft)@2150-4780
3.0 TFSI S-Line 2009- 2,995 cc (2.995 L; 182.8 cu in) supercharged V6 FSI 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp)@5500-6500, 440 N·m (320 lb·ft)@2900-5300
Diesel engines
Model Year Engine type Power, torque@rpm
3.0 TDI 2005–2007 2,967 cc (2.967 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 turbo 233 PS (171 kW; 230 hp)@4000, 500 N·m (369 lb·ft)@1750-2750
3.0 TDI 2007–2009 2,967 cc (2.967 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 turbo 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)@4000-4400, 550 N·m (406 lb·ft)@2000-2250
3.0 TDI clean diesel 2009- 2,967 cc (2.967 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 turbo 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)@4000-4400, 550 N·m (406 lb·ft)@2000-2250
4.2 TDI 2007–2009 4,134 cc (4.134 L; 252.3 cu in) V8 turbo 326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp)@3750, 760 N·m (561 lb·ft)@1800-2500
V12 TDI 2008- 5,934 cc (5.934 L; 362.1 cu in) V12 twin turbo 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)@3750, 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@1750-3250

0-100 KM/h performance for Q7 3.6 VR6 FSI is 8.5s, and for 4.2 V8 FSI is 7.4S. ==

Safety

Despite its multiple airbags and safety electronics, such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Q7 scored only four stars out of five () in the Euro NCAP crash test for adult occupant protection.[5] According to Audi, this was caused by a design error, and has since been fixed in cars manufactured after the test which should allegedly lead to five stars. Official tests to prove this remain to be done as of March 2009.

However in the United States, the Q7 received five out of five stars () from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety test for both front and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Q7 its Top Safety Pick, with Good ratings in all 14 measured categories of the front and side impact test.[6]

North American models

It was first released as 2007 model, with Q7 4.2 quattro available at launch.[7]

Q7 hybrid (2005)

The Q7 hybrid was a concept vehicle using the engine from the 4.2 FSI with an electric motor to provide 200 N·m (150 lb·ft) extra torque, and nickel-metal hydride battery. It has 0–100 km/h acceleration of 6.8s. The vehicle weighs 2,410 kg (5,300 lb), 140 kg (310 lb) heavier than the petrol counterpart.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.[8]

Audi reportedly was going to introduce a hybrid version of the Q7 sometime in the future.[9] However, the low US dollar caused Audi to drop the plans for the US market, but stated limited quantities would be available for the commercial market.[10] Audi's research and development chief, Michael Dick, later announced Q7 hybrid would be produced in limited numbers for test purposes only and that development work would focus on a more advanced lithium-ion battery-based hybrid system for the Q5.[11]

Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel (2009)

The Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of 3.0 V6 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. The engine was later used in the next generation of the Q7 for the European market.

US models of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI Premium went on sale in 2009-04 with a base MSRP of $50,900 (excluding a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges).[12]

Q7 4.2 TDI (2007-2009)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

Production version went on sale in early summer 2007.[13]

Q7 V12 TDI (2008-)

The engine was based on the diesel technology from Audi R10 TDI race car, but with larger displacement. The engine was rated at 500 PS (370 kW; 490 hp) and 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft), making it the only twelve-cylinder diesel engine used in any passenger car. It has 0–100 km/h acceleration of 5.5 seconds. The Q7 V12 TDI according to Audi is the best handling Q7 due to a revised suspension, tires and brakes. Audi claims the Q7 V12 TDI can handle a lateral inclination of over .9 g's on a 300-foot (91 m) skid-pad.[14]

The concept vehicle originally appeared at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Originally, Audi announced to build a version for the US market using diesel engines jointly developed with Volkswagen and Mercedes under the label "Bluetec".[15] Audi was later reported to not be bringing the Q7 V12 TDI to the US market.[16]

Audi Q7 coastline (2008)

It is a concept version of Q7 V12 TDI with Inuit white interior with wood decoration. The design theme was inspired by luxury yachts.[17]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[18]

Lawsuit on the use of the letter Q

In early 2005, Nissan North America Inc. filed a lawsuit against Audi over the use of the letter "Q" as a model name.[19]

Audi is using the "Q" for the designation of their quattro four-wheel drive system, used in production cars for over twenty-five years (Audi's quattro trademark is actually an umbrella term for several types of four wheel drive systems developed by Torsen, Haldex Traction AB, and Borg-Warner, the latter being used in the Q7). Nissan's Infiniti marque had been using Q as the name for sedans (the Q45) and SUVs (the QX4 and QX56) since 1989.

A settlement between Audi AG and Nissan was reached in late 2006. The agreement stipulates that Audi will only use the Q-prefix for two models, the Q5 and the Q7.

Facelift (2009-)

Front and rear views of an Audi Q7 (Germany)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.[20]

Exterior changes include new front and rear lights which better incorporate LED lighting with optional LED turn signals and daytime running lights, new wheel designs, chrome accents, four new paint colors, and updated body styling in the front and rear.

A redesigned interior includes a new instrument cluster, new leather seating, ambient door lighting, new interior color choices, new trim, and the third generation MMI control system.[21]

Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro (2009-)

It is a version of 3.0 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. CO2 emission was reduced to 234 g/km with Euro 6 certification, but the vehicle is 50 kg (110 lb) heavier. It's been reported that at 72.5MPH the Audi Q7 TDI will get 29+ miles per gallon (diesel).

Q7 2011

A brand new facelift brought optional LED headlights, an 8-speed transmission, start/stop fuel-saving technology, CO2 rating reduced to 195 g/km, and a wraparound tailgate design. Also more flat and metallic colors became available and 21-inch titanium-effect wheels became an optional extra. Certain models now achieved upwards of 37 MPG IMP. New Engines include 2 3.0 supercharged engines. One of the supercharged engines puts out 272 horsepower and 295 lbft of torque. The other engine which is found on the Sline prestige Q7 puts out 333 hp and 325 lbft of torque and is the twin of the engine found in the s4 and s5 cabrios. These engines replaced both the 3.6 and 4.2L gas engines. Both engines have the same fuel economy.

Q7 2012

Audi Has added their new Audi Connect to the MMI system, which adds internet driven POI search, via user input or via the voice control system, as well as access to online services delivering local fuel prices, news, weather and other information. Audi Connect also offers in car WiFi connectivity for up to 8 devices.

US models

The vehicles were introduced in 2009 as 2010 models. Available models include 3.6 FSI quattro, 4.2 FSI quattro, 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro.

Changes include standard LED taillights with available LED turn signals and daytime running lights, SIRIUS traffic system.

Production version went on sale in September 2009.[22]

For 2011 the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI were replaced by two 3.0 L TFSI supercharged engines. The base version develops 272 hp (203 kW) (280 hp (210 kW) for 2012) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) while the S-Line has 333 hp (248 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m).

Engines

Petrol engines
Model Year Engine type Power, torque@rpm
3.6 FSI quattro 2006-09 3,597 cc (3.597 L; 219.5 cu in) V6 FSI 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)@6200, 360 N·m (266 lb·ft)@2500-5000
4.2 FSI quattro 2006-09 4,163 cc (4.163 L; 254.0 cu in) V8 FSI 350 PS (257 kW; 345 hp)@6800, 440 N·m (325 lb·ft)@3500
Diesel engines
Model Year Engine type Power, torque@rpm
3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro 2009- 2,967 cc (2.967 L; 181.1 cu in) V6 turbo 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)@4000-4400, 550 N·m (406 lb·ft)@2000-2250
4.2 TDI quattro 2009- 4,134 cc (4.134 L; 252.3 cu in) V8 turbo 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp)@4000, 760 N·m (561 lb·ft)@1750-3000
6.0 TDI quattro 2008–2010 5,934 cc (5.934 L; 362.1 cu in) V12 twin turbo 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)@3750, 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@1750-3250

Transmission

All models include 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission as standard. No manual transmission is offered.

See also

References

  1. ^ Christian Steinert, The German Car Blog (2006-08-22). "Audi: New sales division in China". The German Car Blog. http://www.germancarblog.com/2006/08/audi-new-sales-division-in-china.html. Retrieved 2010-11-01. 
  2. ^ "Audi Production in Ultramodern Bratislava Plant". worldcarfans.com. http://www.worldcarfans.com/10603277456/audi-q7-production-in-full-swing. Retrieved 2010-06-17. 
  3. ^ Times Online
  4. ^ Audi.de as of June, 2011
  5. ^ "Audi A7 Reference". carautoportal.com. http://www.carautoportal.com/audi/audi-q7.php. Retrieved 2009-06-26. 
  6. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Audi Q7". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=1007. Retrieved 2009-09-06. 
  7. ^ "2007 Audi Q7 4.2 quattro Featuring Uncompromised SUV Performance, Luxury and Technology Priced at $49,900". Audiworld.com. 2006-01-04. http://www.audiworld.com/news/06/010406/content.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  8. ^ Frankfurt IAA - Audi Q7 Hybrid Concept
  9. ^ Magda, Mike (2006-10-12). "Audi says hybrid future depends U.S. growth". Autobloggreen.com. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/audi-says-hybrid-future-depends-u-s-growth/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  10. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2008-03-24). "Low dollar forces Audi to cancel U.S. Q7 hybrid plans". Motorauthority.com. http://www.motorauthority.com/audi-cancels-us-q7-hybrid-plans.html. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  11. ^ Zoia, David E. (2008-08-01). "Audi Pulls Plug on Q7 Hybrid". Wardsauto.com. http://wardsauto.com/home/audi_pulls_plug/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  12. ^ Harley, Michael (2009-04-09). "2009 Audi Q7 TDI priced at $50,900". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/09/2009-audi-q7-tdi-priced-at-50-900/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  13. ^ "The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI". Audiworld.com. http://www.audiworld.com/news/07/audi-q7-42-tdi/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  14. ^ "The World’s Most Powerful Diesel Passenger Car". Audiworld.com. http://www.audiworld.com/news/06/q7-v12-tdi/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  15. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2007-02-28). "Audi Q7 V12 TDI coming to America (maybe)!". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/01/audi-q7-v12-tdi-coming-to-america-maybe/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  16. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2008-10-10). "Report: Audi will not sell the Q7 V12 TDI in U.S". Motorauthority.com. http://www.motorauthority.com/audi-shows-q7-v12-tdi-quattro-ahead-of-geneva.html. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  17. ^ "2008: Spectacular Venue for the Audi Q7 Coastline to “Drop Anchor”". Audiworld.com. 2008-12-02. http://www.audiworld.com/news/08/design-miami/content.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  18. ^ "Audi Q7 Coastline Concept at Geneva". Worldcarfans.com. http://www.worldcarfans.com/10803022045/audi-q7-coastline-concept-at-geneva. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  19. ^ "Audi Sued by Nissan Over Q". Audiworld.com. 2005-03-26. http://www.audiworld.com/news/05/q_name/content.shtml. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  20. ^ Harley, Michael (2009-08-26). "Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/audi-slaps-monroney-on-updated-2010-q7/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 
  21. ^ "New Generation Audi Q7". Automoblog.net. http://www.automoblog.net/2009/04/15/new-generation-audi-q7/. 
  22. ^ "Audi sets 2010 MY availability and pricing for its redesigned Q7 models". Audiworld.com. http://www.audiworld.com/news/09/q7-2010pricing/. Retrieved 2010-10-17. 

External links