Geneva '08: Audi Q7 V12 TDI heads to production!
Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Q7 V12 TDI
The next stage of Audi's performance diesel onslaught is about to begin at the Geneva Motor Show. A year before we saw the mighty Audi R8 V12 TDI at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen's premium brand showed the same engine in the Q7 V12 TDI Concept SUV. Just in time for Geneva, Audi has confirmed that they will indeed put the Q7 V12 TDI quattro into production. The monster 6.0L V12 diesel dishes out 500 horsepower and can possily alter the rotation of the Earth with with its mammoth 758 lb-ft of torque. All that twist is transmitted to the 20" alloys via quattro and helps propel the seven-seat SUV to 100km/h (62 mph) in a scant 5.5 seconds.
Even with that performance capability, the big diesel still manages to get 19.8 mpg (US). Of course, it probably won't come near that number if you were to actually utilize all that torque. That mileage is also only good in the context of the vehicle's capabilities, while in absolute terms it's obviously nothing special. Audi will start taking pre-orders in the second half of 2008. So far it isn't saying how much this beast will cost, nor does it say if US buyers will get a chance to partake. We won't hold our breath re: the latter.
Gallery: 2008 Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro
[Source: Audi]
The New Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: The Ultimate High-Performance SUV
Audi is taking TDI technology to a whole new level with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, the most powerful diesel-powered passenger vehicle in its class. The V12 engine under the hood generates 368 kW (500 hp) of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement, enabling the big SUV to perform like a sportscar. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro represents a combination of superior power and efficient fuel consumption, an Audi hallmark. With its sporty chassis, modified body and exclusive equipment, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the consummate high-performance SUV. quattro GmbH, a wholly owned Audi subsidiary, is responsible for production and development of the vehicle. Series production of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin this year.
Audi, the inventor of TDI technology, is penning a new chapter in the history of diesel engines with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. The world's first V12 diesel engine in a series-production vehicle moves this big, high-performance SUV with supreme confidence and composure. On demand, the six-liter engine catapults the Audi Q7 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds like a top-class sportscar. Speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The 12-cylinder diesel engine is no less impressive when it comes to fuel consumption. On average, it requires just 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (19.77 mpg), a surprisingly good figure in light of the strength of the engine. The six-liter TDI uses significantly less fuel than any competing gasoline engine in the high-performance SUV sector; thanks to efficient combustion and the complex exhaust emission control system, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro already complies with future emissions standards.
Totally refined, high-tech engine
The V12 TDI captivates its drivers with sheer inexhaustible power and highly cultivated operation – the subtle engine sound takes on a voluminous, strong note when the throttle is open. The six-liter unit is a member of the modern family of Audi V engines, all of which have center-to-center spacing of 90 millimeters (3.54 inches) between cylinders. Instead of the usual 90 degrees, however, its cylinder angle measures 60 degrees. This method of construction is ideal for the V12 as it prohibits any undesirable free inertial forces and moments of inertia.
Another factor contributing to the vehicle's smooth running characteristics is the high rigidity of the crankcase. Made of cast vermicular graphite, it is approximately 15 percent lighter than conventional gray iron. The six-liter unit is extremely compact at just 684 millimeters (26.93 inches) in length. The crankshaft is held in place by a rigid main bearing bracket. The V12 TDI's engine capacity of 5,934 cc is derived from a bore measurement of 83.0 millimeters (3.27 inches) and a stroke of 91.4 millimeters (3.60 inches), just as in the 3.0 TDI.
The aluminum cylinder heads consist of three elements: the lower section where the intake and escape channels are integrated, the upper section which guides the flow of oil and a reinforced ladder frame containing the two camshafts driven by two simplex chains on the back of the engine. The valves are actuated by low-friction roller cam followers. Map-controlled flaps in the intake channels cause the induced air to swirl. This improves combustion, thus reducing emissions and enhancing performance.
High pressure: 2,000 bar in the common rail system
The common rail injection system, with high-pressure pumps driven by chains, can create pressure of up to 2,000 bar. The high pressure level permits intensive mixture formation of the fuel in the combustion chamber, thereby facilitating especially smooth, acoustically satisfying combustion. Shifting very rapidly and precisely, the eight-hole injectors working on the piezo principle can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle.
Two turbochargers are positioned on the exterior of the V engine, each supplied with a cylinder bank. Thanks to their adjustable guide vane geometry, they respond quickly even at low engine speeds and reach high levels of efficiency, applying a relative maximum boost pressure of 1.6 bar. Two large charged air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air, paving the way for the high output of 500 hp.
Outstanding performance paired with exceptional efficiency
The six-liter TDI unit is further impressive proof of the technological leadership embodied in Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" slogan. Back in 1989, the brand with the four rings put the TDI principle into series production and has been continually advancing it ever since at the forefront of the field. The most powerful diesel in its class generates an extremely high specific torque of 169 Nm (124.64 lb-ft) per liter of capacity; 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) is available at a range of 1,750 to 3,250 rpm. Specific power output is 62.0 kW (84.3 hp) – equivalent to that of a sportscar.
The new V12 TDI in the Audi Q7 is closely related to the engine that twice powered the Audi R10 TDI racing car to overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours – a 5.5-liter V12 that delivers approximately 480 kW (over 650 hp).
The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro's powerful engine torque flows through a rapidly and gently shifting six-speed tiptronic that was specially designed for the six-liter diesel engine's immense torque. The driver can shift the gears of the automatic transmission either with the selector lever or manually with the standard chromed shift paddles on the three-spoke steering wheel.
The quattro drive distributes the power to the front and back wheels in a 40:60 ratio – giving the vehicle a sporty, rear-focused driving style that guarantees maximum agility and driving enjoyment. When needed, the inter-axle differential transfers most of the power to the axle with better traction. Great care has also been devoted to reinforcing all key components in the quattro driveline.
High tech from Audi: The aluminum chassis
The chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is a marvel of high-tech construction. Elaborate double wishbones guide the front and rear wheels; the axle components are made primarily of aluminum. Thanks to the extreme precision and directness of the servotronic steering, the driver remains in close contact with the road. This is where the handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort of the high-performance SUV set new standards. With maximum ground clearance of 205 millimeters (8.07 inches), the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro also proves itself easily capable of handling the demands of rough terrain.
The adaptive air suspension works with sporty new tuning. In combination with electronically controlled shock absorbers incorporating dynamic roll stabilization, the air suspension can be adjusted in three zones ranging from extremely comfortable to highly dynamic. The driver can also adjust ground clearance in five stages via this system and lower the tail end by 71 millimeters (2.80 inches) for comfortable loading.
Standard carbon-fiber ceramic brakes
The ultimate high-performance SUV from Audi takes to the road on sporty 10-spoke wheels of 20 inches in diameter. Alternatively, the wheels are also available in a 20-spoke design or as 21-inch variants in three different designs. Behind the large wheels is a powerful 20-inch brake system. Made of ceramic reinforced with carbon fiber, the internally ventilated disks are notable for their low weight, robust performance and minimum wear. The front disks are gripped by eight-piston brake calipers, while the rear brakes function with four pistons each. The calipers are titanium gray and the front ones bear the "Audi ceramic" logo.
The visual styling of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro gives it an unmistakable look. Daytime running lights consisting of twelve white LEDs per headlight announce the vehicle's presence even at a distance. They are located on the upper edge of the air intake slots, replacing the turn signals that were moved to the bi-xenon headlights. Further honing the vehicle's profile is a chromed grid in the single-frame radiator grill and a shiny underbody protector made of stainless steel. The newly designed bumper groups the side air intake slots into large units.
When viewed from the side, both the 20-inch wheels and the matt aluminum caps on the exterior mirrors catch the eye. The wheel arches have been widened a total of 26 millimeters (1.02 inches) at the front and 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) at the rear; the lower edges of the doors flaunt striking new moldings. The windows are framed by matt aluminum cover strips, the roof rails sport the same look. The taillights are set in a dark-colored background, while the newly designed bumper incorporates two large, oval exhaust tailpipes. At the rear, the underbody protector is also made from stainless steel. A metallic or pearl effect finish comes standard.
Sophisticated: Highlights on board the Audi Q7 V12 TDI
In the interior of the most powerful Audi Q7, passengers will find shiny door sill trim with aluminum inserts and velours carpet. Carbon covers and the aluminum-look selector lever give the center tunnel a high-tech ambience, exclusive wood trim is available as an option. The buttons of the MMI operating system, which has proven a superior concept in numerous independent tests, gleam in silver, the air vents in aluminum, the pedals and footrest in stainless steel. On the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h (192.63 mph).
Verano leather covers the electrically adjustable sport seats, the deluxe center armrest and the armrests in the doors are upholstered with leather as well. The front and rear seats can be heated; a special lighting package softly illuminates the interior.
Also included in the luxurious standard specification are the leather package, leather multi-function sports steering wheel, black roof lining, folding exterior mirrors, DVD navigation system, Bose Surround Sound system with CD changer, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, alarm system and tire pressure monitoring system. The tailgate opens and closes electronically. Partially overlapping the D-pillars, it gives the vehicle a brawny rear body.
There are four optional high-tech assistance systems for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: The adaptive cruise control system, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist aid the driver in maintaining the proper distance to the vehicle ahead, staying in lane and changing lane, while Audi parking system advanced incorporates a camera for a clear view behind the vehicle.
The optional Audi music interface offers a convenient iPod interface. Available on request, the B&O Advanced Sound System creates an unparalleled acoustic experience. An even more comfortable interior can be achieved with the advanced leather package that includes, among other things, exclusive leather covering of the instrument panel and center console.
The large glass roof open sky system is available to crown the spacious interior – optionally with four, five, six or seven variable seats – as is a rail system for the cargo area of up to 2,035 liters in size.
Presales of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin in the second half of 2008. The most powerful diesel vehicle in its class is the exclusive top-of-the-line model in the Q7 range.
The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 9:43PM (3/01/2008)
It's ironic that on the same day that Audi is pre-announcing this V12 diesel performance monster, Porsche is rumored to have seen the writing on the wall and working on a diesel option for the Cayenne SUV in an effort to help meet the EU's upcoming fleet average CO2 emissions. Hitherto, Porsche has always eschewed diesels, claiming they were incompatible with the brand's performance image.
According to
http://www.automobilwoche.de/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/REPOSITORY/539137949/1005/REPOSITORY
the Zuffenhausen-based sports car maker has already selected an uprated version of Audi's V6 diesel. Porsche currently owns 31% of Volkswagen AG, which owns 100% of Audi. Start of production of the diesel Cayenne could be as early as 2009.
With purported specific power in excess of 100hp per liter, it is likely the engine will feature sequential turbo stages - an approach pioneered for diesel passenger cars by BMW.
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Dad 10:37PM (3/01/2008)
"That mileage is also only good in the context of the vehicle's capabilities, while in absolute terms it's obviously nothing special."
Nothing special? Talk about an understatement, it is a waste of resources. If driving "fast" is a good thing and burning a lot of fuel while driving fast is a good thing, then this is a good thing.
Does Audi know the world does not need another fuel guzzler? Another monster polluter?
Would I like to drive it? You bet, but for all the wrong reasons.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 2:21AM (3/02/2008)
My heart flutters as I read the specs....Finally the car of my dreams is coming to the US!!!!!
I wonder if anyone can confirm that a Q7 is also being developed with a V16 12.0 litre TDI and this will also be sold in the US?
"ultimate high performance" ??? high-tech?
Which performance are they referring to? Is this the fuel-efficiency performance, or the emissions-levels performance?
This is list of the highest "performance" vehicles in the UK currently, in terms of green technology:
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/how-to-use-the-data-tables.asp#petrol
Why is the Audi A2 not in this list? Is it because, like some of the Chinese makes, you are paying a lot less and are therefore making a sacrifice in terms of "green" performance?
There is an autoblog.com website as well as autobloggreen. Surely this story shouldn't be on the green site?
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 2:27AM (3/02/2008)
I just checked the euroncap results for the Q7:
http://www.euroncap.com/tests/audi_q7_2006/262.aspx
Surely this has to be some kind of record?
The tiniest cars in Europe have 5 stars nowadays yet the Q7 got only 4 stars and a score of 30 !!!!!
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eddy 7:19AM (3/02/2008)
So far the Q7 V12 TDI is the only Euro 6 Diesel on the market. Thats something in development of green diesel cars.
The second big thing about that is Emissions per hp which is in fact very low for such a car. This special edition of the Q7 TDI is extremely expensive and there won't be a lot of them on the market. Main purpose of this car is showing Americans that Diesel can be sporty. The other great revolution is a lot of engine technology. The Audi Common-Rail Project needed six years for development and it was highly performance oriented. The V12 TDIs Torque/Rotation-curves are awesome for a Diesel. Adblue is another new technology on this car. This will definitely come to smaller 6 cylinder and 4 cylinder Diesel motors.
P.S.:
You will newer get 5 NCAP stars with this kind of SUV. NCAP has very high measures for pedestrian safety, which you cannot reach with such a kind of car. The Q7 has very good American NHTSA test results.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 7:30PM (3/02/2008)
Performance figures such as euroncap or fuel-efficiency of course need to be considered in relation to other parameters. With the euroncap rating one must consider the weight of the car as well as the price. The higher the weight and the pricetag then, at least theory, the more likely the car will take top honours.
Not in this case. Despite being a monstrous vehicle in size and weight, and costing a fortune, this car is outperformed by the TINIEST of French and Italian vehicles today, which have 5 stars instead of the unbelievably pathetic 4 stars of the Q7.
If this common rail were even remotely about performance, then either a VW or Audi would have to be in the UK top diesel list. The first VW is in 18th position, and no Audi is even on the first page. If these cars cost considerably less than their competition this would have been a different matter. TO be bested by everyone, despite costing more, tells volumes about the vehicles' low performances.
To claim that the Q7 does better than other similar SUVs is no big claim. According to the official EU report German automakers are last, and by a long shot, in clean vehicle technology:
http://www.transportenvironment.org/docs/Publications/2007/2007-11_car_company_co2_report.pdf
Since the competition to the Q7 is mainly German anyway, for one dismal performer to outperform another isn't anything to write home about.
ALL the Q7 diesels are in the worst London Congestion Charge category, and all have to pay a surcharge in France and Spain of around 3000 euros for high-pollution vehicles.
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MikeW 12:12AM (3/03/2008)
Homer Simpson would say, 'when will detroit make a 200mph SUV for someone like me'
Well if there one daring tuner that can get 600hp@4250 rpm, and keep peak torque down to about 800ft-lbs, then this might just do 200mph.
and the torque is supposed to be 737.56.
I guess VW bows before Bentley, 774ft-lbs
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eddy 6:14AM (3/03/2008)
@Karl-Uwe Strunzen
If you introduce technology "top-down" with new motor technology for expensive vehicles , like every sane economist would do, you can't be in the top ten list of "green cars". The only motor so far that uses new technology like add-blue, next-gen injectors by VDO and next-gen Bosch-CR-system. No other diesel motor has average injection pressure of over 2000 Bar. Basically this is the same motor that was in the Le Mans Audi R10 Racecar.
P.S.:Your list says nothing about technology. Your list shows what was facts in 2006. Being years behind doesn't exist anymore in automotive industry. Nowadays most of the new technologies are made by suppliers and not by car companies.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 7:45AM (3/03/2008)
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/how-to-use-the-data-tables.asp#petro
This thing about the data not being updated enough is quite pathetic. It's not as though the list is more updated for French and Italian cars than it is for German cars, and changes are gradual anyway. The VCAcarfueldata list is updated to January 2008. The manufacturer averages for 2007 will still have the Germans lagging way behind in last position, just as they were in 2006 (this is because the two sets of data - both relate to CO2 - are related). There are no German cars here anywhere to be seen. The Audi A2 isn't there, nor are VW models anywhere near the top positions. The lists detail both petrol and diesel cars. The top cars in the diesel category are common rail models, but NONE are German....
I am unaware of any top-down technology introduced by the Germans. There is no logic in the argument anyway, as the cost of such developments is ALWAYS divided amongst as much production as possible. In other words the very first thing that is done is to introduce the technology on a wider scale. If it existed, it would show up on these lists...
For example, the French and Italian common rails (which ARE in this list) are used by a myriad of makers and countries. The Germans are trying to do this with BMW trying to sell some of their production to GM and Fiat and Mercedes trying to use more efficient car platforms. The reason for which neither attempts will be successful is that BMW and Mercedes are incompatible with other makers because of their extremely low quality/price ratio.
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eddy 8:52AM (3/03/2008)
yes the A2 and the Lupo aren't there. Basically because they aren't in the list. Just check the car database and you wont find them. Ok, This cars aren't in the list because they aren't build anymore. But a sporty used Lupo 1.4 TDI has CO2 emissions lower than 100g /100km and costs less than 6000 Euro in Germany. I would rather buy a used Lupo/Audi A2 or Seat Arosa than some 10.000 € italian car that has brake problems in the first production week (Fiat Panda). The next Lupo (Launch date 2009/2010) will be a3 liters /100 km car for less than 8000 Euro.
Introducing technology on a wide scale is dangerous because you never know how the market will evolve. It has good reasons why Audi introduces technologies like Alluminuum boy work or modern electronic assistance systems in cars like the A8. it makes sense because producers like Volkswagen don't know how a market would react to any new technology. Cars like the Audi A2 (82 g C02/100 km, 2002), the Lupo 3L (81 g C02/100 km,1998 ) or the Audi Duo Diesel-Hybrid (110 g C02/100km, 1997) were canceled because nobody was interested in such technology.
If you compare Audis topseller (the Audi A4 2.0 TDI) with its french and italian competitors it basically wins if you use the vcarfueldatabase:
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=20636
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=16601
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=13304
www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=20395
The new C5 wasn't in the Vcarfueldata database , but according to citroens own price list the new 2.0 HDI is more expensive and has higher CO2 emissions:
www.citroen.co.uk/newC5/pdf/C5_March_Price_List.pdf
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 11:54AM (3/03/2008)
I shan't speculate about possible future cars or about past models. The database contains all the current models and, despite claiming several times that the data is outdated, it wast last updated in January 2008.
The currents models includes the VW Golf and Polo as well as Merceds A-Class. The Polo is in EIGHTEENTH position (the first German car !!!), and the Audi A3 is simply gobbled up by the Citroen C4.
The C5 is certainly in the database:
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=16476
and despite costing SEVEN THOUSAND EUROS less, the performances are almost the same as the A4. (?!?!)
Surely even you can understand that comparisons need to be made in the same price bracket? (e.g. A3 vs C4, or Passat vs Laguna etc...)
You were also having trouble understanding the difference lately between a steady-state and spurious change, as referred to the Spanish and French car markets. As I had anticipated, these have been confirmed as steady-state trends today.
In Spain (+0.7% overall) Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche dropped by a mere 41.5%, 21.7% and 42% respectively as compared to 2007. In France there wasn't a significant change with respect to 2007 figures, but they still were outperformed significantly by the overall market trend which was +9.8% (e.g. Audi were -9.6%)
http://www.anfac.es/global.htm
http://www.ccfa.fr
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