- Engineering innovation debuts in a new flagship performance SUV
- 48-volt mild hybrid with all-new 4.0 TDI V8 delivers 320kW/900Nm
- Fearsome acceleration combines with truly incredible dynamics
Canberra, December 9, 2016 – The incredible Audi SQ7 TDI is ready to stamp its authority on the Australian performance SUV scene. The world's fastest seven-seat diesel SUV employs a revolutionary 48v electrical architecture that underpins a new drivetrain and dynamic handling concept that challenges convention, and even the laws of physics.
"The all-new SQ7 TDI epitomises Vorsprung durch Technik," said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director, Audi Australia Pty Ltd.
"This landmark performance SUV debuts three innovative new technologies that have never been seen before in a production car. They combine to make the SQ7 TDI a vehicle without equal.
"We anticipate the SQ7 will capture the attention of the Australian luxury car-buying market in much the same way as the highly sought-after SQ5 TDI has. For our customers, this extraordinary vehicle will fulfil the desire for the latest innovative technology solution, at the same time as delivering unmatched versatility in a highly attractive value package," said Mr Doyle.
The powerplant that beats at the heart of the SQ7 is an all-new 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine that produces an incredible 320 kW of power and 900 Nm of torque from 1,000-3,250rpm. This enables astonishing acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from rest in a mere 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is frugal, sipping only 7.2 litres per 100km.
The engine's two variable-vane exhaust turbochargers sit inside the V8's 90-degree vee, and operate in series to produce a maximum of 2.4 bar boost. They are supported by an electric compressor that acts like a supercharger to drive the turbochargers when exhaust gas pressure is insufficient. This innovative solution eliminates 'turbo lag', as the compressor wheel can spin up to 75,000rpm in less than 250 milliseconds.
In order to provide the electric compressor with enough energy (up to 7kW is required) to spin up so quickly, a world-first 48-volt electrical architecture runs in parallel with the standard 12-volt system that powers the usual ancillaries. A compact lithium-ion battery can store up to 0.5 kWh and can deliver up to 13 kW.
This power is also used by another 48v system that makes its debut in the SQ7 TDI – the electromechanical stabilisation system. In the simplest terms, the front and rear anti-roll bars are twisted against each other by two electric motors during sporty driving to ensure tight body control, whereas they are decoupled while cruising over bumpy roads to ensure excellent ride comfort. The effect of this system almost defies the laws of physics for such a large vehicle. To further support agile handling, this is available in combination with an all-wheel steering system and the quattro self-locking centre differential on the rear axle in a Dynamic Package for $13,500.
The SQ7 TDI rides on a specially tuned adaptive air suspension system, and to further boost its appeal, it also features a sports exhaust system with sound actuator for a distinctive engine sound inside and outside the car.
Features that have already made the Q7 model range so successful also complement the SQ7 TDI, like full seven-seat accommodation with an electrically folding third row, rear seat entertainment system with the optional Audi smart tablet, as well as the sumptuous finish through the cabin that gives all occupants a true feeling of luxury.
The SQ7 TDI is the only vehicle in the entire Audi range that comes equipped with the brand's full suite of advanced driver assistance safety assistance systems as standard equipment: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) up to 85 km/h, Side assist, Rear cross traffic assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Traffic Jam assist, as well as lane assist make up some of the most popular items.
The full Audi Q7 range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Audi SQ7 TDI truly is an extraordinary all-round performance vehicle, with an exceptionally high level of standard features. Further highlights include:
- LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Audi virtual cockpit and Head up Display (HUD)
- MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
- Audi Connect, smartphone interface and music interface
- BOSE 3D surround sound
Pricing
(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] - excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
SQ7 4.0 TDI quattro tiptronic 320kW $153,616
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The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. In the second half of 2016, the production of the Audi Q5 will start in San José Chiapa (Mexico). 100-percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2015 financial year, the Audi Group achieved total revenue of €58.4 billion and an operating profit of €4.8 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.