HOME > CARS > AUDI >

2011 Audi Q7

(from Audi press release)

The (2011) Audi Q7

: new engines and eight-speed transmission
for power and efficiency

The Q7 is the large Audi for the sporty individualist – the high-performance
SUV for sport, leisure, family and business. Now Audi has made it even
more powerful and efficient, with a choice of three new V6 engines and an
8-speed tiptronic transmission.

Engines: a new range


Even more power, even higher efficiency: Audi has revised the engine lineup for
the Q7. The two gasoline engines, both V6 units but with different power outputs,
are new, and so is the second-generation V6 TDI. A mighty V8 diesel completes
the range. All the engines for the Q7 combine two technologies: forced induction
and direct fuel injection. A high-performance recuperation system that recovers
energy during braking is also a standard item with all six- and eight-cylinder
engines.

The new 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine embodies Audi’s downsizing strategy:
replacing engine displacement with supercharging. Within the 90-degree angle
formed by its cylinder blocks there is an engine-driven supercharger that
compresses the intake air. Two charge-air intercoolers prevent the air
temperature from rising, so that the engine draws in more oxygen for the
combustion process. Vigorous thrust and spontaneous throttle response make
the 3.0 TFSI engine, with its sonorous note, an ideal source of power for the large
high-performance SUV from Audi.

Two versions of the supercharged V6 are available. The basic version develops
200 kW (272 hp) and has a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) over a
broad engine-speed range from 2,250 to 4,750 rpm. It accelerates the Q7 in 7.9
seconds from a standing start to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and gives it a top speed
of 222 km/h (137.94 mph), or 225 km/h (139.81 mph) with adaptive air
suspension.

The more powerful version of the 3.0 TFSI delivers 245 kW (333 hp) and a torque
of 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. 100 km/h (62.14 mph)
are reached in 6.9 seconds, with powerful forward progress continuing until
243 km/h (150.99 mph) are reached; with adaptive air suspension the top speed
is 245 km/h (152.24 mph). Both versions of the 3.0 TFSI are impressively
efficient: in the EU fuel consumption test cycle they are content with 10.7 liters
per 100 kilometers (21.98 US mpg). Compared with the previous engines, the
3.6 FSI and the 4.2 FSI, fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.4 and
2.0 l/100 km – 12 and 16 percent respectively.

The second-generation 3.0 TDI, a new development, has effectively nothing in
common with its predecessor – apart from plenty of power! It has a rated output
of 176 kW (240 hp) and a constant 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque all the way
from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This V6 diesel accelerates the Q7 from a standstill to a
typical main-road speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.9 seconds and reaches its
top speed at 215 km/h (133.59 mph) or, with adaptive air suspension, 218 km/h
(135.46 mph). Its fuel consumption is impressively low, averaging 7.4 liters per
100 km (31.79 US mpg), which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 195 grams per
kilometer (313.82 g/mile). This is an improvement of 1.7 l/100 km or 19 percent.

The latest 3.0 TDI engine weighs much less than before: 198 kilograms
(436.52 lb), a reduction of 20 kg (44.09 lb). A new chain-driven timing gear and a
complex cylinder wall machining process have reduced internal friction. The new
turbocharger is exceptionally responsive, making itself felt as rapid torque
buildup. The common rail injection system has also undergone further
development: it has a maximum operating pressure of 2,000 bar and can
therefore inject fuel in an extremely precise spray pattern.

The crankcase and cylinder heads of the new 3.0 TDI have separate cooling
water circuits connected together by valves. During the warm-up phase and when
loads are not high, the coolant is not circulated in the engine block. This saves
energy and raises the oil more quickly to its regular operating temperature. The
new start-stop system switches off the engine when the Q7 comes to a standstill.

Audi also offers its customers a second version of the V6 TDI: the 3.0 TDI clean
diesel. It already meets the exhaust emission limits laid down in the Euro 6
standard, which does not come into force until 2014, and the tough US
regulations as well. Sensors in the combustion chambers, a common-rail fuel
injection system with a delivery pressure of up to 2,000 bar and a high-
performance exhaust gas recirculation system keep untreated exhaust emissions
to a minimum. A DeNox catalytic converter in the exhaust system reduces the
remaining oxides of nitrogen by means of an additive. The 3.0 TDI clean diesel
also develops 176 kW (240 hp) and has an impressive 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of
torque between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm. It takes the Q7 from a standstill up to
100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.1 seconds and gives it a top speed of 215 km/h
(133.59 mph), or 218 km/h (135.46 mph) with adaptive air suspension. Its
average fuel consumption is 8.4 liters per 100 km (28.00 US mpg).

The Q7 4.2 TDI has also had its fuel consumption drastically reduced – from 9.9
(23.76 US mpg) to 9.2 liters per 100 km (25.57 US mpg) – by installing a 2,000-
bar fuel injection system and minimizing internal friction. Yet at the same time the
V8 diesel, with its unchanged power output of 250 kW (340 hp), delivers more
torque than before. It now supplies a vigorous 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft) between
engine speeds of 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The big TDI engine gives the Q7
performance figures worthy of a sports car. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h
(62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 242 km/h (150.37 mph).


Power transmission: eight speeds are standard

Audi has given all six- and eight-cylinder Q7 versions a new automatic
transmission. The eight-speed tiptronic lowers fuel consumption by about five
percent. It is based on the six-speed unit, but with another friction-clutch shift
element added. Being able to shift between eight ratios keeps the jumps in
engine speed low: the engine always runs close to its ideal operating point. All
gear shifts are fast, flexible and take place extremely smoothly without delay.

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

To cut fuel consumption still further, the torque converter lockup clutch eliminates
slip even at low engine speeds. Any engine vibration that could occur as a result
is suppressed by the new damper in the torque converter until scarcely any trace
can be detected.

Drivers can choose between the D and S programs – or make their own gear
shifts at the transmission selector lever or the optional steering-wheel paddles. In
combination with the 3.0 TDI the new eight-speed tiptronic achieves an
exceptionally high level of efficiency. Its oil cooler is heated after a cold start by
hot coolant from the engine’s cooling system. An electric oil pump makes
operation of the Q7’s start-stop system possible: it maintains oil 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. This splits the power in a sporty manner, with 40
percent going to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels, but in certain on- or
off-road situations, the mechanical-action center differential can direct up to 65
percent of the power to the front or up to 85 percent to the rear.


The chassis: agile and safe

The Q7 is one of those personalities who are at home wherever they may be. On
the road it excels with its precise, sporty handling, and where the hardtop surface
ends it demonstrates impressive offroad characteristics. The suspension uses
double wishbones made of aluminum, attached to separate subframes. The
wheel bearings have been optimized to reduce friction. The servotronic steering
varies the degree of power assistance according to the vehicle’s speed.



The optional adaptive air suspension (standard on the Q7 4.2 TDI and
Q7 V12 TDI) with electronic shock absorber control varies the ride height to suit
the actual situation. On a high-speed road it lowers the body for enhanced
stability and lower fuel consumption. Across rough terrain it raises the body if a
button is pressed. At the standard MMI terminal the driver can choose between
five operating modes: comfort, automatic, dynamic, offroad and lift. The adaptive
air suspension is also available as a dynamic S line version.

The Audi Q7 has 18-inch wheels with 235/60 or 255/55 tires, depending on the
chosen engine. But other wheels up to 21 inches in diameter can be selected as
optional extras. Braking is looked after by large ventilated disks. With the two
most powerful engines even larger disks made from lightweight carbon-fiber
reinforced ceramic material are available. They are gripped firmly when the need
arises by black callipers with “Audi ceramic” lettering. The ESP stabilization
program includes an off-road mode as standard that gives priority to traction on a
loose surface. And when the driver encounters a steep downhill slope off-road,
the hill descent assist is a useful aid.


Design and body: sculpture in motion

The design of the Q7 stands for power and presence; it is the visual expression
of this large SUV’s character. Flowing surfaces create a moving sculpture, with
the coupé-like roofline, the low window strip and the tautly curved panel surfaces
being distinctive visual features. The outlines are sporty, strong and elegant.

The Audi Q7 is 5.09 meters (16.70 ft) long, 1.98 meters (6.50 ft) wide and 1.74
meters (5.71 ft) high. Its wheelbase of 3 meters (9.84 ft) creates a luxurious
amount of space inside. The front-end styling is dominated by the large
singleframe grille with chromed surround, and the headlamps. As an optional
extra Audi can supply a xenon plus version with LED daytime driving lights and
LED flashers, and also an adaptive light version with integrated turning and
cornering lights as well as the low, full and highway beams.

Standard LEDs in the rear lights create a distinctive lighting pattern. The tailgate,
which wraps around the rear roof posts in an S-shaped outline, and also the hood
and the front fenders are made of aluminum. Audi supplies the add-on parts in a
contrasting color as standard, or, if desired, in the same color as the body. The
Audi Q7 always leaves the assembly line with a high-gloss package. Optional
extras are the black styling package or the aluminum-look exterior package,
which consists of an all-round chrome trim strip on the bumpers, door capping
strips and door handles, and gives the Q7 even greater sophistication. The
optionally available S line exterior package also adds further visual emphasis to
this SUV’s sporty potential.


The interior: abundant space

The Q7 sets standards for flexibility: no fewer than 27 seat configurations are
possible. Depending on the wishes of the customer, Audi can supply its large
SUV as a five-, six- or seven-seat version. This last version has comfortable
single rear seats and a third row of seats at the back for occupants up to 1.60
meters (5.25 ft ) tall. As a standard feature, the seat backs in the second row can
be folded down to provide a level cargo floor. This increases load capacity from
775 liters (27.37 cubic ft) to 2,035 liters (71.87 cubic ft) in volume.

Operation of the controls is simple and logical, and the clearly marked
instruments are easy to read. For the driver and front passenger there is a choice
of three seat versions: standard seats, electrically adjustable sport seats and
climatized luxury seats that can be both heated and ventilated. The elegant lines
of the interior, with many restrained details, communicate the typical feeling of
wellbeing that the Audi driver or passenger enjoys. The ambient lighting provides
subtle highlights, and many of the control elements have fine chrome trim. The
workmanship is typical of Audi – quality with no compromises.

The choice of colors and materials emphasizes the distinguished character of the
interior of the Q7. A variety of leather grades, headlinings and inlays are
available, and for the individualist there are leather and design packages of
various styles. The S line sports package uses cool black throughout the interior,
with subtle accents in the trim and upholstery. Among the items it includes are
sports suspension and 20-inch wheels.


Equipment and trim: the highest standards of luxury

The Audi Q7 comes with an opulent array of standard equipment features,
including two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, high-beam assistant, an
MMI radio operating system complete with audio system and eight speakers, a
double load floor in the cargo area with storage compartment and a dirt tray. Roof
rails are also fitted.

A standard item when the optional driver information system is chosen is the on-
board computer with efficiency program. This monitors the vehicle’s energy flows
and displays the requirements of the most important consumers, with hints on
how to reduce consumption.

The list of optional extras includes such luxury features as the convenience key,
four-zone automatic air conditioning, a dark glass panoramic roof and a cool box.
Items of interest for sport and leisure include an electric tailgate mechanism,
baggage retaining rails and a sliding storage box. In the program of accessories
are such items as a pivot-head tow hitch – the large SUV can tow a trailer
weighing up to 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lb).

In the infotainment area Audi also offers a complete modular system. The top-of-
the-line version has an integral hard disk drive for navigation, music, and
telephone data, a color monitor with 3D graphics, a DVD player, and voice
control. It can be expanded into a luxury media center with features such as a
Bluetooth telephone, TV tuner, digital radio tuner, plus rear seat entertainment. A
special highlight is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen with its 14
channels, 1,000 watts of power and 14 speakers. In the cockpit area two acoustic
lenses reproduce the treble frequencies; when the system is started, they extend
out of the dash panel.

The range of optional equipment is rounded off by advanced driver assistance
systems. The adaptive cruise control system regulates speed and following
distance by means of targeted accelerating and decelerating. If a risk is detected,
the integral Audi braking guard provides a warning. Audi lane assist helps the
driver to stay in lane; Audi side assist employs radar to help drivers change lanes
more safely. The Audi parking system advanced assists parking by means of a
rearview camera.


The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: the most powerful diesel SUV in the world

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the most powerful diesel SUV in the world. Its 6-
liter twelve-cylinder TDI engine develops 368 kW (500 hp) and delivers 1,000 Nm
(737.56 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm to the six-speed tiptronic
transmission. With a time of just 5.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph)
and a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph), the Audi Q7 V12 TDI
quattro matches the performance of a powerful sports car, but is content with a
fuel consumption of only 11.3 liters per 100 kilometers (20.82 US mpg).

The luxurious standard equipment specification of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro
includes 20-inch wheels, Audi ceramic brakes, xenon plus headlights, adaptive
air suspension, a Bose sound system, sport seats and many other features. This
top version also has a number of striking body details that identify it immediately.

Audi Q7 Wallpaper Audi Q7