2006 Audi Review

Specifications

Larger Q7 Derived from VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne Architecture

I have to admit to being a big fan of Volkswagens Touareg and Porsches Cayenne. The two sport utilities, which share a general overall architecture, combine agile driving dynamics with superb off-road characteristics, unusual in the SUV-class. One thing that troubles me most about the Touareg, however, is that it is so good it should have been branded an Audi. As it appears, my wish will soon be granted.

Before I get into the all the details of Audis new entry, a trip back to last years Detroit auto show is necessary, where Audi first showed the new SUV in concept form amid a Technicolor lightshow of LEDs. The prototype, dubbed Pikes Peak in commemoration of the brands many successes hill climbing the Colorado mountain road, was an intriguing prospect.

The Volkswagen-owned brand unveiled the real McCoy in Paris last month on September 23rd, and in doing so gave the vehicle a new name, the Q7. The Q designation is new to Audi, signifying a larger, bolder “quattro”, the brand name Audi uses for all-wheel drive - which by the way is always written in lower case.

“The letter Q denotes a new type family within our company, alongside A, S and RS,” stated Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Audi AG board of management. The 7 not only denotes passenger volume, as the new SUV will be the first 7-occupant vehicle sold under the quad-ringed brand, but also indicates its position in between the A6 and A8 sedans.

To reiterate, being that the Q7 is to be based on the same overall architecture as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both 5-passenger SUVs, it begs speculation that 7-passenger versions of these vehicles may be forthcoming. Of course, nothing about the two related SUVs and any passenger volume increase has been announced.

Like the Volkswagen, the Q7 will feature Audis 40-valve, dual-overhead cam, 4.2-liter V8 engine, which in the Touareg is tuned to deliver 310 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. It only makes sense that the engines performance will increase in Audi trim, possibly similar to that in the A6 sedan, which in 2005 specification produces 335 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Ive spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of Audis featuring this engine, and especially enjoy its willingness to rev. Its an impressive V8, with much more in reserve than its conservative rating hints at.

Audi is not saying whether the introduction of the new Q7 will usher out the Audi allroad crossover wagon, derived from the A6 Avant sport wagon. While the two vehicles are extremely different in purpose, if sales of the older model decline dramatically as the new model is selling well the allroad would likely be discontinued.

There is also no information on optional powertrains however. The Touareg is offered with Audis 3.2-liter V6, coupled to the same sophisticated 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that controls the V8, as well as an extremely powerful turbodiesel V10. Audi may choose to offer an upgraded V6, similarly to what Porsche has done with its entry Cayenne, but if it chose to also retail the diesel it would be the first application of the fuel efficient engine-type ever sold under the German nameplate in North America. Likely is a 12-cylinder Q7, also becoming available in the Touareg.

Will the Q7 be as capable off-road as the Touareg or Cayenne. Again, not much is mentioned, but most likely Audi wouldnt want to be shown up by Volkswagen.

In the end, Volkswagen group will have two luxury SUVs targeting much the same audience. It will be difficult for the premium brand to beat the Touaregs fit and finish by any significant margin, as it is not only one of the best SUVs on the market but also features greater luxury and improvements in switchgear and tactile quality than some more expensive Audi products, and therefore the Q7 may be left fighting for customers on performance gains, higher tech electronics features as well as the marques prestigious brand name. Audi will launch the new Q7, with the V8 at least, in early 2006.

To me, its about time a version of the Touareg gets branded with Audis quad-ring emblem. The new model looks the part for sure, and should be more desirable than the VW if only because of the badge. Its seven-occupant seating makes it a good upgrade for affluent families looking to unload their minivans. The Q7 will without doubt be a strong seller for Audi.