Audi's diesel destroyer

Audi has pulled the wraps off its latest creation -- the Q7 V12 TDI, which uses a derivative of the 6.0-litre V12 engine that powered its R10 racer to victory in this year's Le Mans 24-hour enduro.

The Ingolstadt car-maker claims the muscle-bound SUV can leap to 100km/h in 5.5sec and achieve a top whack of 250km/h (it could undoubtedly go faster if it weren't for the electronic speed limiter).

The oil-burning V12 belts out 373kW (identical to BMW's stonking M5) and 1000Nm (yes, that's not a misprint), which suggests it should be well suited to towing the average Vaucluse/Toorak mansion.

What's even more remarkable is that peak torque is on tap from a piffling 1750 rpm.

As per the rest of the Q7 line-up, the V12 bruiser channels power to the tarmac via a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Apart from its eye-watering power/torque stats, the Schwarzenegger-esque Q7 is notable for a couple of other reasons.

Firstly, Audi claims it's the world's first production vehicle with a diesel V12 (we must admit, no other one comes to mind), and the engine also features the first 2000-bar Bosch common-rail system. This technology ensures up to 2000 bar of pressure is maintained within the 12 piezo injectors that supply the cylinders with fuel.

Apart from being potent, the twin-turbo V12 is also a clean-running sucker, complying with the Euro V emission standards that are scheduled to come into force in 2010.

Fuel consumption isn't too bad for a hulking SUV either. How does 11.9 litres per 100km sound? That's not too much worse than the new V6 Commodore.

Audi Australia is yet to confirm whether the Q7 V12 TDI will be offered here, but it's not inconceivable, especially as sister brand Volkswagen sells the (admittedly not quite as steroidal) Touareg V10 TDI locally.