Just ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, Audi has announced plans to put its Q7 V12 TDI into production. The 500 horsepower crossover was first previewed with two concepts over the last 18 months. Audi has released photos of the production vehicle, plus a new “coastline” concept that will be on display in Geneva.
Pre-orders for the Q7 V12 TDI will begin in the second half of 2008. It’s not known when deliveries will begin, nor is it clear when Audi will announce pricing. U.S. availability also remains a mystery.
The SUV comes equipped with a 6.0-liter engine similar to the one featured in R10 Le Mans racing car. It produces 500 horsepower and 758 pound-feet of torque (1000 Nm). The crossover is capable of hitting 62 mph in 5.5 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155 mph. Maximum torque is available from just 1,750 rpm.
Unlike other Audi V-engines, this model features a special cylinder angle of 60 degrees. The twin-turbo V12 TDI conforms to the Euro 5 emissions class which should come into force in 2010. Fuel economy is estimated at nearly 20 mpg.
A six-speed automatic is the standard transmission. The Q7 V12 TDI rides on a high-tech aluminum chassis with double wishbone front and rear suspension. The air shock absorbers have three settings ranging from extremely comfortable to highly sporty. The driver can also adjust ground clearance in five stages via this system and lower the tail end by 2.8 inches for comfortable loading.
The stylish wheels — available in 10 spoke 20-inch or 20-spoke 21-inch — house large ceramic carbon-fiber discs and powerful brake calipers.
Daytime running lights consisting of twelve white LEDs per headlight and are located on the upper edge of the air intake slots, replacing the turn signals that were moved to the bi-xenon headlights.
Interior enhancements include plenty of shiny aluminum inserts and optional wood trim. Notably, the air vents are made from aluminum and the pedals from stainless steel, giving the SUV a slightly more exotic look inside. The 195 mph speedometer also contributes to this feel.
Other luxury features include Verano leather seats, ambient lighting, black roof lining, navigation, MMI, a large glass roof, and the Audi parking system with a rearview camera.
Audi Q7 coastline
Based on the Q7 V12 TDI, the “coastline” model is a one-off show car built for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It features a dramatic custom interior and a few exterior touches for an improved look.
03/02, 2:03 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Another big NO for the US market.
03/02, 2:05 AM
posted by:
Astonman12
wow. this baby is sweet! i love the coastline concept’s interior.
03/02, 2:07 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
I liked the Avantisimo Concept better check that one out. Same styling as this.
03/02, 2:09 AM
posted by:
mg198242
Not bad at all! It’s going to be a white wedding!
03/02, 8:07 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Oh man…say what you want about Audi or its parent company VW, but they’ve truly outdone themselves with this vehicle. 20 MPG from a V-12 yet a ton of HP and gobs of torque…now that’s what I’m talking about!
03/02, 9:35 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
What a nice package! Hope it makes it to the USA
03/02, 10:43 AM
posted by:
audi-lover
500 hp, 758 pound-feet of torque, and 0-60 in 5.5 sec as an SUV! This car is amazing- and it doesn’t sacrafice any styling, interior luxury, or mpg. Also the new R8 V-12 TDI has the same engine and it gets 23 mpg! The VW group is the best in the world.
03/02, 11:11 AM
posted by:
Shismo
Holy crap. That much power out of a FI engine of that size and it gets mileage like that?
Wow.
03/02, 11:22 AM
posted by:
autonut
OK, someone please tell Krautz that they lost the Big One. I am sure a lot of “zoldatten” are crying looking at this vehicle: “We should have this engine in the Tiger so it wouldn’t get stuck and brake down in the middle of the battle! We had good cannon, but no mechanicals! Oh Miene Fuhrer look at this!”
On a serious note I can’t imagine such an engine in a passenger vehicle, unless Krautz plan to pull stumps out of Black Forrest and plant corn for ethanol. 20 mpg isn’t achievement for Europe where they are much thriftier with their consumption (at $7-8/gallon we in US will become equally consumption conscious). Perhaps it will make to US, where it is an achievement. I see Europeans riding with 6 cylinders diesels perfectly content. And count and earls and viscounts are usually driven in Rollses and Bentleys (auto cars not trucks)
03/02, 11:25 AM
posted by:
bigp
just love this crossover, i dont the tag that will come with hope to if one at an bankrepo. i would the mileage of the r8 v12 and if the a8 will get the same treatment
03/02, 11:36 AM
posted by:
RicardoHead
LimpDickis640 is such a teenage drool monkey. Maybe when she turns 16 her parents will get her a bra for her Tata she’s been saving up for by giving 900 $3 blowjobs to Ricky Martin.
03/02, 2:04 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Well, not sure what to say. In pictures, it looks so boring, kinda like the Dodge Journey, but really it looks pretty cool in person- a lot bigger looking than the pictures let you believe. But 5.5 seconds? I mean, I know this is a super heavy SUV, but GM’s gotten that kind of times out of their SUV’s at $25k, and I’m sure this thing will be atleast three times that cost.
BTW, it’s kinda ironic to try and have someone rationalize their purchase of one of these things, but why do you need such a huge engine in such a huge thing? I can easily rationalize a large engine in a truck, but… Supposing the 4.2 V8 TDI gets 15-21 mpg, I doubt this will get 20 mpg, just have to wait and see.
03/02, 5:26 PM
posted by:
LexusSoarer
^^^ Quiet down child.
Anyway, fantastic engine, somewhat useless vehicle. Nuff’ said.
03/02, 5:31 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Schmuckmobile.
03/02, 6:27 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
LimpDickis, I didn’t call you a homo, but you are clearly defensive about your tendencies, so really, as a confidant, I suggest you talk to your parents about sending you to a shrink before you get to puberty and really feel awkward about yourself.
03/02, 7:14 PM
posted by:
A4
give it now ingolstadt
03/02, 7:31 PM
posted by:
AxeHead
Don’t understand the hype – overpowered, overcylindered, front end is way over the top and the dash is just plain weird … probably cost a zillion dollars … not for me.
03/02, 8:25 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
C’mon AxeHead, when you get to be CEO of some multinational conglomerate this is the perfect vehicle. During the week the trophy wife can use it to shuttle to and from her charity fundraisers and on the weekend ubercouple can whisk themselves to the ski chalet in style. Of course, that’s just during the winter months. When spring arrives, the Ferrari is dusted off for appropriate transport to the ocean villa.
03/03, 7:51 AM
posted by:
gilby7
Very cool, but why not a smaller diesel that gets “nearly” 30 mpg? “Nearly 20 mpg” isn’t anything to be proud of in 2008 and will be much less so in the coming months. But, I guess if you’ve got $75,000+ (?) for a vehicle to drive your kids to soccer games in, who cares if you get 15 mpg.
03/03, 9:22 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
German Escalade with boat inspireed interior, so silly. Audi styling at its ugliest.
03/03, 9:33 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Very nice! Is that teak? I love teak, and I love diesels.
Only trouble is this thing is probably going to cost $110k-$125k is my guess.
03/03, 12:36 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
Wait…..
LimpDickis, you mean you’re not a little girl?
03/03, 1:21 PM
posted by:
Cyclone of Red
I love the front…beasty looking, but then they don’t finish it up. The rest of the car looks too sleek and curvy, doesn’t match the front.
But I would still take it. Love the interior!
03/05, 5:44 PM
posted by:
audi-lover
go LargePenis640m!
cool car by the way.
03/22, 12:43 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Cool,but that third row doesn’t work for me