Greater Efficiency And More Power For Revised Audi Q7 Range

Greater Efficiency And More Power For Revised Audi Q7 Range ZETLAND, AUSTRALIA – Sept 15, 2010: Audi’s Q7 has reset the benchmark in the premium full-sized SUV market with the introduction of three new powerful, and yet frugal, engines and a new 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

With a new 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol engine, a second-generation 3.0 TDI V6 and a revised 4.2 TDI V8, every Audi Q7 offers a level of technical sophistication that ensures the delivery of even more power whilst consuming even less fuel.

All three new engines for the Q7 combine two core technologies: forced induction and direct fuel injection. Audi has also incorporated further cutting-edge technology and efficiency systems such as the now standard high-performance recuperation system, which recovers energy during braking and uses that energy to charge the battery.

In addition, to further improve efficiency and performance these new engines are now mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

New petrol engine with supercharger
The new 3.0 TFSI petrol V6 engine demonstrates Audi’s efficiency strategy: replacing engine displacement with supercharging. Within the 90-degree angle formed by the cylinder blocks, there is an engine-driven supercharger that compresses the intake air. Two charge-air intercoolers keep air temperatures as low as possible, so that the engine draws in more oxygen for the combustion process, thus improving both power and efficiency.

The result is instant response and muscular performance. With 245kW and 440Nm to exploit, the Q7 3.0 TFSI powers from standstill to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, yet returns fuel consumption of just 10.7 l/100km and a CO2 output of 249 g/km.

Second generation 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine
The second-generation 3.0 TDI is a completely new engine which, in keeping with the Audi DNA, progresses the car’s performance yet ensures remarkable efficiency for a full size, seven-seat SUV. With rated outputs of 176 kW and 550 Nm, the latter delivered from 2,000 to 2,250 rpm, the V6 TDI propels the Q7 from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, yet it sips just 7.8 litres per 100 km. The fuel consumption represents a saving of 19% over the already frugal outgoing 3.0 litre TDI engine.

The latest 3.0 TDI engine also weighs much less than before: 198 kilograms, a reduction of 20 kg.

The technical features of the new 3.0TDI engine are most impressive. The new turbocharger is exceptionally responsive adding to the rapid torque build-up and the common rail injection system has also undergone further development, now boasting a maximum operating pressure of 2,000 bar, allowing for an extremely precise spray pattern.

The crankcase and cylinder heads of the new 3.0 TDI have separate cooling water circuits connected by valves. During warm-up and light load the coolant is not circulated in the engine block, thus saving energy and raising the oil more quickly to its regular operating temperature.

Of special note is the new start-stop system which switches off the engine when the Q7 comes to a standstill. It is a first for an automatic Audi with the system restarting the engine when the driver releases the brake pedal.

More efficient V8 TDI
The Q7 4.2 TDI has also achieved a 7% fuel consumption reduction, down to 9.2 litres per 100 km, through the installation of a 2,000-bar fuel injection system and the minimising of internal friction. The V8 TDI retains an impressive power output of 250 kW but now delivers even more torque with a hefty 800 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm.

The result is that the V8 TDI engine gives the Q7 sports car performance with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Eight speed tiptronic transmission as standard
Another key element of the significant efficiency and performance gains in the revised Q7 range is the introduction of a new eight-speed tiptronic transmission on all six and eight-cylinder Q7 models. The new automatic eight-speed gearbox lowers fuel consumption by about five percent.

The ability to choose from eight ratios keeps the engine speed low and the engine running as close as possible to its ideal operating point. In keeping with the preservation of passenger comfort and driver responsiveness all shifts are fast, flexible and take place extremely smoothly.

At 7.25 to 1, the overall spread of ratios in the eight-speed tiptronic is unusually wide. The result is that in the lower ratios the Q7 accelerates powerfully and in the higher ratios it rolls along efficiently at low engine speeds.

As with any Audi tipronic transmission drivers can choose between the D and S programs or make their own gear selections using either the selector lever or optional steering-wheel paddles (standard on 4.2 TDI).

The stop-start system on the Q7 3.0 TDI is made possible by an electric oil pump that maintains pressure in the hydraulic circuit when the engine stops, and closes the clutch for restarting.

The eight-speed tiptronic transmission transfers engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive train with a dynamic configuration of 40 percent going to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels. However, in certain on-road or off-road situations, the mechanical-action centre differential can direct up to 65 percent of the power to the front or up to 85 percent to the rear.

Q7 V12 TDI remains the pinnacle SUV
The range topping Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, the most powerful diesel SUV in the world, retains its 6-litre twelve-cylinder TDI engine which develops 368 kW and delivers 1,000 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. It also retains the six-speed tiptronic transmission.

With the ability to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 secondsthe Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro matches the performance of many powerful sports cars whilst only consuming 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres.