by Clinton Deacon September 8, 2008 2:00 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German
The Audi Q7 V12 TDI started its life in concept form when it was unveiled to the public at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the progress towards full production made a massive step when the production model was introduced just over a year later in Geneva. Now as we draw ever closer to the models full launch near the end of 2008 Audi has released a new tell-all video along with 31 new high resolution images of the model.
The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is the worlds most powerful diesel-engined Sport Utility Vehicle, it packs a monstrous 6-liter V12 diesel powerplant that generates 500hp(368kW) and a quite insane 1000Nm(737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Performance matches these figures with 0-100km/h achievable in just 5.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Despite the power the Audi engineers have managed to keep the fuel consumption figures at a politician acceptable level, it can do 100km on an average of 11.3 liters of fuel, equivalent to 20.82 miles per gallon.
To cope with the powerful engine, the model features an enhanced version of its six-speed tiptronic
transmission whilst the braking system is enhanced with high-performance brakes made of carbon-fiber ceramic.
Exterior modifications differentiate it from the regular model adding the the models presence and aggression on the road. The headlights are remodelled to incorporated LED daytime running lights, the grille features vertically opposed bars and the front bumper also gets a redesign, 20 inch rims come as standard whilst consumers also have the option of a set of 21 inch wheels as well.
There is no word on pricing yet, we expect to here full confirmation just before the model is launched.
Audi is taking TDI technology to new heights: the Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the world’s most powerful diesel-engined SUV, its powerplant another technical milestone. With a completely redeveloped common rail injection system the twelve-cylinder delivers a mighty 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) of torque from a capacity of six liters – giving the big SUV the performance of a sports car.
In everyday use the twelve-cylinder diesel impresses with another highlight – its astounding efficiency. Thanks to a package of innovative technologies it requires an average of just 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg) – astonishingly little, considering the power of the engine. The six-liter TDI therefore clearly undercuts all of its gasoline-engined competitors in the field of high-performance SUVs.
The world’s first V12 diesel engine in a series-production vehicle moves this ultimate, high-performance SUV with supreme confidence and composure. On demand, the six-liter engine catapults the Audi Q7 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds like a top-class sports car. Speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The agile chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, developed and produced by Audi subsidiary quattro GmbH, is another indication of the vehicle’s dynamic potential. Striking modifications to the design and the range of luxurious standard equipment underline its status as the exclusive top model of the series. The world’s most powerful diesel-engined SUV will make its way to dealers towards the end of 2008.
At a glance
Engine
V12 TDI with displacement of six liters, 368 kW (500 hp) output and 1,000 Nm torque (737.56 lb-ft)
Common rail injection with a maximum pressure of 2,000 bar for highly
cultivated operation and smooth combustion
0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155.34 mph, electronically capped)
Transmissions
Enhanced six-speed tiptronic with superior shifting comfort
quattro four-wheel drive with dynamic torque split
Chassis
adaptive air suspension and electronically controlled shock absorbers as standard
20-inch wheels, with option of 21-inch wheels
High-performance disk brakes made of carbon-fiber ceramic as standard
Design
Striking changes to exterior design
Leather-covered seats, carbon fiber inlays
Interiors
Sporty, luxurious equipment, seats electrically adjusted and heated, Bose sound system, electric tailgate
This is a monument of pure uselessness! Congrats Audi, you managed to reach that level of pure and utter uselessness when even the likes of BMW and Mercedes only dream about!
Why not? there are lots of smart and humble customers to buy it, and after that they'd like to say that "I have a trendy big and sporty off road car which has nearly same torque as a big rig and also same big rims. I am superior than anyone" This is what we need.
Jesus:S "Do we need this car?" WTF kind of a comment is that,on a car enthusiasts website? Do we NEED a Ferrari, 7series, Hummers etc? No, we dont, but they give us pleasure,and thats what this car will do. Its powerful yet economic-ish as well so it will be popular. I had the normal 3.0 TDI Q7 when it came out and I have to say I always wanted a bit more Umph...this will sell and thats the main goal for Audi, aint it...
phobos and ShinyG, do you guys really need to be on this site? Joking. Seriously though, this looks positively awesome in every way. I'd buy one if I could afford it. Do we really need it? Probably not. But do we WANT it? Yes yes yes!!!
i would say that this is the pinnacle of responsible automotive powerplant engineering . tons of available HPs allied to reasonable fuel consumption levels . double high-fives , Audi !
...good design yes...good idea = diesel...but responsible and V12 do not go together. I like Audi cars but there was no need for a V12 when a V8 twin-turbo diesel would have produced similar numbers and lower fuel consumption...anyone heard of Bluetec ? :)
c'mon-its easy! Audi put all that effort in the ALMS series, winning all the time at the 24 hour race in Lemans and have no car to put that "race engine" other than the Q7 monster. They just want to share the love with some customers and their deep pockets, otherwise it would be hard to justify all the race development if there is no "real" connection, just like BMW put a v10 (formula 1) engine in the M5, marketing. In the end, all they want is your cash and of course some more next year..
The Q7 V12 TDI. Its finally arrived and the wait has been worth it!
A V12 turbo-diesel of such intrinsic quality, this car sits atop the Q7 range as one of the most formidable flagships extant. Audi are to be applauded for audaciously bringing this car to the market.
