The New Audi Q7 V12 TDI

For two decades Audi has driven forward the advancement of diesel technology – from the very top. Now the brand with the four rings is presenting another world first: the first V12 TDI in a passenger vehicle. The diesel, which generates an output of 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm of torque (737.56 lb-ft) from a capacity of six liters, gives the new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro the performance of a sports car. It catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.5 seconds and has an electronically capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The V12 diesel is opening up entirely new horizons in the diesel sector. The big-performance SUV from Audi completes all intermediate sprints with fascinating ease; in every driving situation it boasts superior reserves of power. The engine captivates its drivers not only with its sheer inexhaustible power but also with its highly cultivated manner of operation – the subtle engine sound takes on a voluminous, strong note when the throttle is open. In terms of fuel consumption the six-liter TDI, which features a completely redeveloped common rail injection system, requires an average of only 11.3 liters/100 km (20.82 US mpg), substantially less than the gasoline units produced by the competition. No competitor is able to match this achievement.

2,000 bar: common rail technology with a new level of performance

The two twin-plunger high-pressure pumps have been completely redeveloped. They can create pressures as high as 2,000 bar in the rails – up to now 1,800 bar was the norm. The piezo injectors with their eight-hole nozzles, each with a diameter measuring only 0.12 millimeters (0.005 inch), have also undergone a fundamental reworking. The high pressure creates an extremely precise spray pattern in the combustion chambers that permits a faster, more homogeneous and therefore more acoustically refined ignition process. The highly efficient combustion process also increases power output, cuts consumption and reduces pollutant emissions.

The current generation of so-called inline injectors utilizes the piezo effect: piezo crystals expand in a fraction of a millisecond when an electrical voltage is applied. Over 300 piezo disks are packed into the V12 TDI injectors, which use the expansion to initiate the injection process directly. Each actuation takes just a few milliseconds – at 100 milliseconds, the wink of an eye lasts much longer.

The number of injection processes per operating cycle can be varied across a wide range thanks to piezo technology – reaching as many as five fuel injection operations. One to two pilot injections ensure smooth engine operation in all load and speed ranges. Delayed post-injection serves to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas in order to regenerate the two particulate filters included as standard.

The two turbochargers are located on the outside of the engine’s vee, each of them supplying one bank of cylinders. Thanks to their variable vane geometry the full exhaust flow is directed through the turbines at all times – the turbochargers respond even at low engine speeds and achieve a high level of efficiency.

2.7 bar: high boost pressure

Both turbocharges generate up to 2.7 bar of absolute boost pressure. Two large intercoolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air and thus increase the level of oxygen required for combustion. The V12 TDI features a dual-branch intake system. For each bank of cylinders there is an air filter, behind which an air mass meter is located.

Two ultra-fast control units manage events in the engine, sharing the workload according to a master/slave principle. The six-liter has adopted map-controlled swirl variation of the combustion air from its smaller TDI siblings. The electrically controlled flaps can be adjusted to ensure optimum swirl with respect to high performance and low emissions.

The exhaust system also has a dual-branch design; here Audi engineers focused their attention on exhaust gas recirculation. At partial throttle, up to 50 percent of the exhaust is fed back into the intake air in order to reduce NOx emissions. The large-dimension recirculation system, located at the top of the inner vee, incorporates a water cooler that uses map-based control to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas.

With its 368 kW (500 hp) the diesel generates a specific power output of 62.0 kW (84.3 hp) per liter of capacity – worthy of a sports car. Even more impressive is its maximum torque: between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm the V12 TDI has a constant 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft) on tap – this amounts to 168 Nm (123.91 lb-ft) per liter of capacity. The 11.3 liters of fuel that the potent TDI requires on average per 100 km (20.82 US mpg) is a reflection of its superior efficiency. This figure is even more astounding when compared with gasoline engines offered by the competition – the fuel consumption of these units is much higher all-round.

The transmission

The mighty engine power of the V12 TDI flows through a fast and extremely smooth-shifting six-speed tiptronic, which was specially designed for the immense torque of the six-liter diesel. The driver can shift the gears of the automatic transmission either manually with the selector lever or with the standard chromed shift paddles on the three-spoke leather-covered 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.

The chassis

The chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is a marvel of high-tech construction. 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 performance SUV set the benchmark.

Even in rough terrain the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro can easily cope with the challenges – with a maximum ground clearance of 240 millimeters (9.45 inches). The ESP stabilization system features hill descent assist and a special off-road mode which optimizes traction.

The standard 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.

The ultimate performance SUV from Audi is fitted with sporty 20-inch cast aluminum wheels with a ten-spoke design. Alternatively, wheels with a 20-spoke design are available, as are impressive 21-inch wheels in a choice of 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. As on a high-performance sports car, eight-piston calipers grip the disks at the front axle, while the rear brakes each have four pistons. The calipers are painted in Titanium Gray – the front ones bear the lettering “Audi ceramic”.

The design

The visual styling of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro gives the vehicle 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 are vertical chromed bars in the grid of the single-frame radiator grill and an underbody protector made of stainless steel. The newly designed bumper groups the highly polished 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 as standard.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro impresses with its elegant and dynamic styling. The ultimate performance SUV from Audi has a powerful and elongated look; with a length of 5,063 millimeters (199.33 inches), a width of 2,000 millimeters (78.74 inches) and a height of 1,737 millimeters (68.39 inches) it boasts the sportiest dimensions in its class.

High side panels lend the vehicle body a muscular appearance, particularly in contrast with the flat, sporty window area. The dynamic line above the wheel arches, the powerful shoulder section and the flowing roof line together with the standard roof rails underline the vehicle’s athletic looks. The pronounced tapering of the front section and the rear end with its sharply sloping D-posts fashion a coupe-like silhouette.

The interior and the cockpit area create a sense of light and airy spaciousness, perfect ergonomics and excellent quality. Audi offers customers a choice of four, five, six or seven highly versatile seats. Depending on seating capacity, the cargo area can hold up to 2,035 liters (71.87 cubic feet).

Aluminum inlays shine in the door sill trims and the carpet is made of velour. Carbon fiber 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.

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.

The equipment

Also included in the luxurious standard specification for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro are the leather package, leather multifunction 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 electrically – it partly overlaps the D-posts, lending a muscular look to the rear end. The standard deluxe automatic air conditioning regulates heating and ventilation separately for the driver’s and front passenger’s side, taking sunlight levels into account at the same time.

Audi offers four optional high-tech assistance systems for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: adaptive cruise control, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist help the driver to maintain the correct distance from the vehicle in front, stay in lane and change lanes. Audi parking system advanced includes a camera to monitor the area behind the vehicle.

The multimedia system becomes even more versatile with the optional Audi music interface, a convenient connection point for the customer’s iPod. Available on request is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen, which offers a totally unparalleled sound experience.

The leather package advanced offers even more comfort in the interior, and includes exclusive coverings for the dashboard and centre console. The large glass sunroof – the open sky system – and a rail system for the cargo area further enhance the appeal of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro as a touring vehicle.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, the exclusive top model in the series, makes its way to dealers towards the end of 2008.