Audi has big plans for the big Q7: starting this September, the off-
roader will be available with a secondary powerplant to supplement the eight cylinder unit in the form of a new 3.6-litre narrow angle (11-degree) FSI V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower. That's the same motor that's currently fitted to the Passat V6, and, incidentally, will also be available in the Touareg. For those with a taste for sport, Audi has already prepared an S-Line package that includes a body kit, larger alloy wheels, sporty interior trim and paddles for the automatic gearbox. Later in the year, Audi will also offer the Q7 in a luxury six-seater style, with second row bucket seats divided by a large, wood-trimmed console. With all the different options, luxuries and performance goodies available, it's
almost certain that the Q7 will be found on the list of anyone who's in the market for this kind of vehicle.
Though Audi is a detail kind of company, the Q7 has demonstrated that it hasn't lost sight of the bigger picture. Instead of trying to do too many things at once, independently run VW division scaled back, focusing instead on the main goals of anything branded as performance: reduced weight, improved agility and a better connection between driver and road. And for that, I think it's going to be the next big thing - in performance SUVs, at least.
Specifications (Q7 4.2 quattro):
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| With a push of a button, the tailgate rises and shuts. Note the second set of tail lights. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
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| The Audi Q7: Ruler of all it surveys. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Though Audi is a detail kind of company, the Q7 has demonstrated that it hasn't lost sight of the bigger picture. Instead of trying to do too many things at once, independently run VW division scaled back, focusing instead on the main goals of anything branded as performance: reduced weight, improved agility and a better connection between driver and road. And for that, I think it's going to be the next big thing - in performance SUVs, at least.
Specifications (Q7 4.2 quattro):
- Price Range (Q7 4.2 quattro MSRP): $68,200 - $89,250
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 350-hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, 4.2L, 32-valve DOHC V8 Direct Injection
- Transmission: 6-spd auto w/Tiptronic
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,086 / 1,983 / 1,737 / 3,002 mm (200.2 / 78.1 / 68.4 / 118.2 in)
- Curb Weight: 2,460 kg (5,423 lbs)
- Tires: 255/55R18
- Cargo Volume (3rd row up / 2nd row down): 308.6 / 2,511 L (10.9 / 88.7 cu-ft)
- Ground Clearance (min / max): 180 / 240 mm (7.1 / 9.4 in)
- Towing Capacity: 2,993 kg (6,600 lbs)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 km comprehensive
- Competitors: BMW X5 4.4i, Cadillac SRX / Escalade, Infiniti FX45 / QX56, Jeep Commander Limited V8, Lexus GX 470 / LX 470, Lincoln MKX / Navigator, Mercedes-Benz ML 500 / R 500, Porsche Cayenne S, Saab 9-7x, Volkswagen Touareg V8, Volvo XC90 V8
- Website: www.audicanada.ca
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