Powering up Q7

Three new or revised engines and ZF's eight-speed automatic mark the major changes for a new model year upgrade of the Audi Q7.

Welcoming the tweaked model range, Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen, was quoted as saying: "We continue to deliver the comfort, flexibility and practicality of a full size SUV, without sacrificing driver responsiveness and satisfaction."

The revised range kicks off with the new 3.0-litre supercharged TFSI V6 petrol engine, which features direct injection, two intercoolers and a 90-degree bank angle. Peak power of 245kW for the supercharged V6 combines with torque of 440Nm to provide a balance of straight-line performance -- 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds -- with slogging grunt to handle offroad and towing duties. Audi claims fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures in combined-cycle testing of 10.7L/100km and 249g/km respectively.

The second-generation 3.0-litre TDI V6 is completely new, says Audi. Powering the Q7 it generates outputs of 176kW and 550Nm, for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km -- around 19 per cent less than the diesel V6 that preceded it.

Weighing 198kg -- 20kg less than the earlier diesel V6 -- the new engine employs direct-injection pressure of 2000 bar and features auto-stop/start and valves within the cooling system to ensure the engine reaches operating temperature earlier.

The third engine introduced is not entirely new, since it's an upgrade of the 4.2-litre turbodiesel V8. Seven per cent more frugal (9.2L/100km) by using the same 2000-bar fuel pressure, the revised V8 diesel produces 250kW of power and 800Nm of torque, the latter available between 1750 and 2750rpm. Consequently, the Q7 with this engine will sprint to 100km/h from a standing start in 6.4 seconds.

"Combined with the impressive power and efficiency increases these revised engines deliver, the Audi Q7 is clearly positioned at the head of the premium SUV class," says Hagen.

"The new engine range for the Q7 clearly demonstrates Audi's commitment to progressive performance through the obvious results of our constant search for increased efficiency matched to improved performance."

All three engines above are coupled as standard to ZF's new eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the engines, the sequential-shift transmission also serves to improve fuel efficiency, reducing consumption by around five per cent. Only the carried-over V12 diesel continues with the six-speed auto box.

The four-variant range is ready to go on sale this month, with prices commencing from $88,614 (3.0 TDI) and topping out at $254,814 for the V12. At $93,814 (3.0 TFSI) and $127,814 (4.2 V8 TDI), the two remaining variants split the difference.

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