# Audi TDI clean diesel technology meets emissions standards in all 50 states
# The Q7 TDI offers 600 miles of driving range and 25% better fuel economy
# TDI technology has been proven by dominant Audi Le Mans racing teams

Audi today released pricing for the 2009 model-year Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel, its first clean diesel vehicle for the U.S. market. The Q7 TDI is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this month.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for the Audi Q7 TDI Premium start at $50,900. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges. Buyers of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI also qualify for a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Audi TDI technology marks its 20th anniversary this year with the distinction of offering U.S. consumers the world’s cleanest diesel system. It is a technology certified as meeting emissions regulations in all 50 U.S. states. That includes the California ULEV II (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) standards that also apply to conventional gasoline vehicles and represent one of the world’s most rigorous motor vehicle emission requirements.

Audi accomplished this without sacrificing the outstanding performance that TDI has brought to European motoring and in racing competitions worldwide. The most recent TDI-powered championship came last month when the all-new Audi R15 TDI race car won first and third place in the 12 Hours of Sebring competition.

In the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, efficiency and performance will combine with styling and luxurious appointments to open up the discussion over America’s alternative fuels options.

“The moment has arrived for clean diesel to be seen as an immediate answer to America’s energy challenges,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “With the Q7 TDI, Audi is clearly demonstrating that luxury car buyers do not need to sacrifice progressive styling, comfort or performance to see fuel economy gains.”

The clean diesel technology found in the 2009 Q7 TDI provides 30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of similar size. That means the Q7 TDI offers the efficiency of 25 mpg in highway driving and a range of more than 600 miles on a full tank. The Q7 TDI also gets an EPA-rated 17 mpg in city driving and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.

But getting more miles out of each gallon of fuel isn’t the only advantage of the Audi TDI clean diesel technology. The engine in the Audi Q7 TDI also delivers substantially more torque than a comparable gasoline engine – at least 50% more, in fact. That added torque gives the Audi Q7 TDI more power from a start as well as the force to handle tasks like towing or climbing steep slopes.

The Q7 TDI achieves 406 lb-ft of torque, compared to 266 lb-ft of torque for a similar V6 gasoline engine. Its towing capacity is a hefty 6,600 pounds.

The advanced TDI clean diesel engine in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is significantly less intrusive on the environment than past diesel engines. The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Audi Q7 TDI produces about 25% less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, than traditional gasoline engines. The advanced exhaust emission control system found in the Q7 TDI reduces smog-causing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% when compared with past generations of diesel technologies sold in the U.S.

With the filters used in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, the exhaust that comes out of the tailpipe can contain less particulate matter – or soot – than the ambient air that went into the engine. And the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel available at U.S. filling stations contains 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel sold in 1993. Over 42% of the nation’s filling stations now carry ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.

What’s more, the diesel engine in the Q7 TDI is expected to last longer than a comparable gasoline engine. That’s leading to better resale value projections, which affect leasing rates and longer-term ownership value.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI offers plenty of amenities to go with its technological advances. The exterior of the new Q7 TDI features sporty S line styling upgrades, including S line front and rear bumpers, S line badging, headlight washers and 19-inch five-spoke wheels.

Inside, the 2009 Q7 TDI includes power 12-way heated front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout, seven passenger seating, dual zone climate control, wood decorative inlays, power tailgate, Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), Audi Music Interface with iPod® cable, premium sound w/ 6-disc CD changer, garage door opener (HomeLink®), Parktronic, preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) and SIRIUS® satellite radio.

The stars of FC Barcelona are turning into serious DTM fans: After last year’s debut, the players of the 18-time Spanish champion came to the Circuit de Catalunya again today. There, they took over their new “company cars” and caught a whiff of racing air at the Audi driving experience and during rides in the DTM racing taxi.

Not only on the playing field but also on the road the footballers demonstrate unity: From now on, the squad will be travelling to their training sessions in Audi Q7 vehicles. All cars are equipped with 3.0-litre TDI engines and quattro drive. Only when it came to their choice of colours, the players’ preferences differed: While team captain Carles Puyol ordered his car in lava grey, striker stars Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o opted for elegant silver. Goal-keeper Victor Valdes, together with Eidur Gudjohnsen, leads the group of fans of phantom black.

Audi and FC Barcelona have been partners since the 2006/2007 season. Players, coaches and officials drive vehicles from the brand’s sporty model range. In return, Audi presents itself at the team’s home matches at the famous Camp Nou stadium – Europe’s largest football stadium with room for almost 100 000 spectators – as well as at joint activities and events.

Before the footballers, who started to the new Champions League season with a 3:1 home win, received the keys to their new “company cars” from Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board for Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG, they experienced close-up Audi motorsport action on the Formula 1 and DTM circuit: The defending champion Mattias Ekström and Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen drove the footballers around the race track in the 470-hp Audi A4 DTM racing taxi. Martin Tomczyk as a chauffeur demonstrated the sportiness of an Audi R8 converted into a racing taxi.

“For me, as a big football fan, it’s always a highlight to meet the footballers of FC Barcelona and to talk a bit of shop,” says Tom Kristensen. “They’re all nice guys who, since Michael Laudrup’s era in Barcelona, are very popular in Denmark as well. So it goes without saying that I’ll be crossing my fingers for them for the next match on Sunday and I’m sure that the players will have an eye on us too when we’re out on the circuit.”

At an Audi driving experience the footballers were also given the opportunity to experience the sportiness of the Audi A5 and Audi S5 models. In addition, they received a wealth of tips for a sporty as well as a safe driving style on the streets and roads of Barcelona by seasoned instructors.

On Sunday, 21 September, the ninth of a total of eleven DTM rounds will be staged at the Circuit de Catalunya. Audi driver Timo Scheider comes to Spain as the leader of the standings. The race will start at 2:03 p.m. local time. ARD will broadcast live from Spain starting at 1:45 p.m. and will also air live coverage of the qualifying on Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m.

What is it?

Audi’s spectacularly powerful range-topping Q7, the world’s first V12 diesel SUV. Not exactly a car for the times, we admit, although the uber-Q7’s massive performance is certainly worthy of note.

The Q7 V12 TDI has been developed by Audi’s quattro GmbH division – also responsible for the RS4 and RS6, as well as the mould-breaking R8. So, although the Q7 doesn’t receive the ‘R’ badge itself, it’s certainly in good company.

The 6.0-litre V12 diesel powerplant made its debut in the R8 TDI concept car earlier this year, and was inspired by the engine in the Le Mans winning R10 TDI racer. It’s based around the existing 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, sharing cylinder bore spacing but getting a 60-degree bank instead of its sibling’s 90-degrees.

It’s good for 493bhp at 3750rpm, with 737lb ft of torque from 1750 and 3250rpm – fearsome outputs even in a big four-wheel drive. For perspective, VW’s existing 5.0-litre V10 ‘unit injector’ engine pumps out 350bhp and 626lb ft, and no-one’s ever accused that of being short of shove…

What’s it like?

Given the V12 TDI Q7 tips the scales at a massive 2635kg, it’s acceleration is nothing short of spectacular. Audi claims it can dispatch 0-62mph in just 5.5sec. Top speed is electronically pegged to 155mph, but officials at quattro GmbH reckon the big seven-seater would haul beyond 180mph without the limiter.

Even more impressive, is a combined cycle economy average of 25mpg, which theoretically gives the Q7 V12 TDI a range of 550 miles. In the real world, and using the performance, that average plummets – enthusiastic use sees the trip computer showing a less impressive 12.3 mpg. Unlike many big capacity diesels, Audi’s new V12 sounds great when wound up with a heavy application of right foot, with an alluring combination of mechanical roar and exhaust blare.

As in all recent Audi models, the quattro four wheel drive system and Torsen centre differential has been set up to provide a nominal 40:60 front-to-rear drive split. And for something so vast in size, the Q7 is remarkably agile. The steering gets revised steering mapping and air spring settings, reducing the ride height by 5mm compared to the standard car, but retaining its 240mm ride height in lift mode.

The handling feels nose-heavy, unsurprising given the engine’s 300kg mass, but excellent body control helps the Q7 V12 TDI to disguise its enormous bulk. Braking is assured by massive 420mm (front) and 370mm (rear) carbon ceramic discs from the Bentley Continental GT, gripped by Brembo calipers from the RS6.

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking to combine SUV practicality, sportscar performance and diesel economy then the Q7 V12 TDI is top of the pile, although its massive pricetag makes it nearly twice as expensive as the Q7 V8 TDI.

The range-topping Q7 is a remarkable technical showpiece for Audi. It’s not a car that can be justified by rational criteria, but it’s certainly raised the bar for diesel power.

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.

The equipment, specifications, and prices stated herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

At a glance

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

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

The equipment, specifications, and prices stated herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Updated: Despite claims made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves as recently as May that a petrol-electric Q7 SUV hybrid was in the works, latest reports indicate the project has been shelved. Speaking with Germany’s Der Spiegel, a spokesperson for the company said that the Q7 won’t be fitted with a hybrid system because sales predictions for such a vehicle were too low.

Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen confirmed back in March that the Q7 hybrid had been ruled out for the U.S. market, the single biggest market for hybrid vehicles and SUVs. Instead, Audi will develop other hybrid models and continue to work with Porsche and Volkswagen to develop the technology.

Original: Audi will beat its German rivals in the hybrid race with the launch of a petrol-electric Q7 SUV due at the end of the year. The announcement was made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves, who revealed today that the hybrid SUV is being developed together with Porsche and that future collaboration on electronic architectures with the sports carmaker was possible.

Dreves also revealed that Audi would increase its modular design practice and standardization of components – a process where a number of different models in different segments are all based on the same platform – in order to reach its target of 1.5 million vehicles by 2015.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Dreves also pointed out that Audi will lift its model range from the current 26 vehicles to 40 all up by 2015. The key will be to improve productivity, shorten the production cycle of each model and increase the level of component sharing.

Audi has ruled out launching the Q7 hybrid in the U.S. because of the weak dollar and low demand for petrol-electric hybrids in general. However, Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen revealed that a hybrid Q5 was in the works and would be a likely option for North America.

The new Q7 hybrid due at the end of the year will feature a 34kW electric motor sandwiched between a 280hp (206kW) 3.6L V6 FSI petrol engine and the vehicle’s torque converter. The electric motor provides an additional 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque to the internal combustion engine’s 375Nm (277lb-ft). From standstill, the concept vehicle reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just under 12 seconds. Despite weighing 2,480kg, average fuel-consumption measures 24mpg (9.8L/100km).

Photo gallery of Audi Q7 Street Rocket by JE Design

Audi Q7

• sundries Body-Kits
• lightweight construction hood GT-Design
• lower setting kit for pneumatic cushioning
• threadchassis for cars without pneumatic cushioning
• wheels 11×23 with tires 315/25R23
• sport exhaust systems with sundries tailpipes
• interior revaluation
• power increase

Audi will beat its German rivals in the hybrid race with the launch of a petrol-electric Q7 SUV due at the end of the year. The announcement was made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves, who revealed today that the hybrid SUV is being developed together with Porsche and that future collaboration on electronic architectures with the sports carmaker was possible.

Dreves also revealed that Audi would increase its modular design practice and standardization of components – a process where a number of different models in different segments are all based on the same platform – in order to reach its target of 1.5 million vehicles by 2015.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Dreves also pointed out that Audi will lift its model range from the current 26 vehicles to 40 all up by 2015. The key will be to improve productivity, shorten the production cycle of each model and increase the level of component sharing.

Audi has ruled out launching the Q7 hybrid in the U.S. because of the weak dollar and low demand for petrol-electric hybrids in general. However, Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen revealed that a hybrid Q5 was in the works and would be a likely option for North America.

The new Q7 hybrid due at the end of the year will feature a 34kW electric motor sandwiched between a 280hp (206kW) 3.6L V6 FSI petrol engine and the vehicle’s torque converter. The electric motor provides an additional 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque to the internal combustion engine’s 375Nm (277lb-ft). From standstill, the concept vehicle reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just under 12 seconds. Despite weighing 2,480kg, average fuel-consumption measures 24mpg (9.8L/100km).