Race-bred V12 Turbo Diesel Leads New Audi Q7 Lineup
Audi's upgraded Q7 luxury SUV lineup has a rip-snorting range-topper - the V12 turbo-diesel.
Developed from Audi's Le Mans 24-Hour racing success, the V12 is claimed to be the world's most powerful diesel SUV with 368kW of power and 1,000Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 3,250rpm.
It's a six-litre engine with a cylinder angle of 60 degrees between the two cylinder banks and two turbochargers.
V12 models are sold in two special Audi RS paint colours named after race tracks - Mugello Blue and Daytona Red. With 12 LED daytime running lights, you won't be missed on the road.
Inside is a unique leather trim and seat package and a 1,000 watts, 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system.
Other distinguishing features of the V12 are flared wheel arches, prominent air inlets and a single-frame front grille. Stopping is handled by race-developed ceramic disc brakes.
The Q7 V12 TDI Quattro is priced at $254,900 - that's over $20K more than Range Rover's superb new range-topping supercharged V8 Autobiography model.
Across the rest of the Q7 lineup, engines remain unchanged - V6 and V8 turbo-diesels and V6 and V8 petrol. All gain a regenerative braking function that stores extra battery energy created during braking.
In addition, new Q7 scores four new exterior colours, new lights, new trim materials and new wheels. The latest third generation MMI Navigation system is fitted to V8 and V12 models.
The Q7 is part of the Volkswagen Touareg-Porsche Cayenne family so interior space is plentiful and the luggage space is a handy 2,035 litres.
Starting price for the new Q7 is the 3.6-litre V6 petrol which is stickered at $86,900.
