Autoblog

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation

Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Diesel

2009 Audi Q7 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Time to fire up the TiVo. Tomorrow night, the Science Channel will debut a new episode of "How It's Made" that features the Audi TDI clean diesel engine range. What's the big deal, haven't diesels been around since the death of the dinosaurs? Well, sorta. While they still share the same basic architecture that Rudolph Diesel invented all those years ago, today's modern diesel powerplants are a far cry from the old smoke belching, shake-themselves-to-pieces lumps of yore.

The actual engine featured in the segment will be Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, which puts out 225 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque in the engine bay of the 2009 Q7 TDI while still maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency. Soon the German automaker will introduce its second clean diesel-powered vehicle here in the States in the form of the 2010 A3 TDI, which you can read about here.

Anyone interested in what goes into building a modern diesel powerplant will want to tune in to the Science Channel at 9pm (Eastern and Pacific). Click past the jump for the press release.

NOTE: BMW North America contacted us to correct the statement that the Audi Q7 TDI offers class-leading fuel efficiency. With an EPA mpg rating of 17 city/25 highway, the Q7 TDI is bested by the BMW X5 xDrive35d at 19 city/26 highway. The BMW's 3.0-liter diesel is also more powerful with 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.

Gallery: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

Continue reading TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"

TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7

Michael Harley — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Diesel

2010 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's 2010 Q7 rolls into showrooms with a base MSRP of $46,900 (all prices exclude the $825 destination charge). That entry-level amount will put the standard Q7 3.6 Quattro (with its 280-horsepower V6) in your driveway. If you want to bump up to the flagship, the Q7 4.2 Quattro (350-horsepower V8) will set you back at least $61,000. Lastly, those interested in Audi's diesel SUV and its 17/25 EPA ratings will find the Q7 TDI Quattro (225-horsepower V6 with a boat-load of torque) starting at $50,900.

All 2010 Q7 models boast standard all-wheel drive and refreshed exteriors with the brand's signature LED lighting used in the daytime running lights, turn signals (optional), and taillights. Interior upgrades include available ventilated front seats, upgraded interior ambient lighting and several cosmetic improvements within the cabin. Most appreciated will be the third-generation MMI infotainment system with its 3D map powered by an automotive-grade NVIDIA[TM] chip for graphics processing. According to Audi, the system's voice-based controls will respond to such command as "I'm hungry," "I need gas" and "I need coffee" and point the driver to the closest options. Check the new Q7 out in the gallery below and in the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Audi Q7

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7

Audi slaps Monroney on updated 2010 Q7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audi, Design/Style

Sport Wheels grilles for Audis -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Sport Wheels presents its latest aftermarket accessory as "an interesting alternative to the standard grille." In this case, we can give the company a gold star for truth in advertising. The range of offerings spans the Audi model line from A3 (pictured) to Q7, with only difference being the addition of vertical elements in vehicles with larger grilles. Well, that and an increased resemblance to animals described by the word "baleen."

The grilles start at €530 ($756 U.S.) and go up to €630 ($899 U.S.), and then you can add another €250 ($357 U.S.) for mounting if you don't want to touch the grille yourself. If, for some reason, you want the grille to match your car's finish, that'll be another €150 ($214 U.S.). Which is a lot of money to make your car look like this, but hey, it's your money.

Gallery: Sport Wheels Audi Grilles

[Source: Sport Wheels (translated)]

Sport Wheels offers unfortunate rhinoplasty for your Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clarkson on the Audi Q7 V12 TDI: It's crap and it's brilliant!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Green, Audi, Celebrities, Diesel

Audi Q7 V12 TDI - Click above for a high res gallery

Last year, Audi announced the most insane version of its Q7 SUV yet in the form of the Q7 V12 TDI. The V12 is an all-new diesel engine that, for now at least, only has a home in the Q7, but at some future date, it may appear in some other VW group products (think: Bentley). The V12 produces 500 hp and a ridiculous 758 lb-ft of torque, enough to get the 2.5-ton SUV to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

While Audi has said it has no plans to bring the V12 Q7 TDI to America, Top Gear mouthpiece Jeremy Clarkson got to try one out and came away with mixed feelings. Like many people, Clarkson is no fan of the Q7's looks and thinks the whole premise of the vehicle is ridiculous. On the other hand, brute force does have a way of twisting people's opinions and this big Audi proves to be no exception.

Generally, any sporting motorcycle can leave a four-wheeled conveyance in the dust. Apparently, this Q7 is the exception, as Clarkson was supposedly able to keep pace with Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond on a Suzuki Hayabusa. Even with all this power, the V12 TDI is still rated at 21 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. In Clarkson's own words, "Mad. Bonkers. Stupid. [...] It's crap. But it's brilliant too." Too bad they canceled the R8 with this engine.

Gallery: 2008 Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

[Source: The Times of London]

Clarkson on the Audi Q7 V12 TDI: It's crap and it's brilliant! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Audi Q7 facelift

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, Shanghai Motor Show

2010 Audi Q7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Casual observers probably didn't notice it, but Audi has released a face-lifted version of its Q7 SUV. On the outside a lot hasn't changed, with the updates mostly focused on the lighting, tailgate and paint colors. The head-light clusters are the same shape but now get the LED eye-liner treatment that has spread throughout much of the Audi lineup. The front bumper has also been subtly reshaped as well, while the rear light clusters now feature full LED elements and the tailgate has been reshaped to accommodate license plates for all countries.

Inside, the trim has been updated with more wood, but the big news is the third generation MMI navigation/entertainment/information system. The nav gets a 3D interface and joystick control for finding destinations. The Sirius satellite radio also provides traffic data now and accepts voice commands to find cash, food or gas, much like Ford's TravelLink system. Powertrains for the US pretty much carryover and include the new 3.0-liter TDI diesel. Over in Europe, the optional 4.2-liter TDI V8 is now up to 340 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The fuel consumption of the diesel V8 has been reduced with mileage on the European combined cycle going from 21.2 to 23.8 mpg (US). Unfortunately we can't get that engine over here.

Gallery: 2010 Audi Q7

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Audi Q7 facelift

Officially Official: 2010 Audi Q7 facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Revamped Audi Q7 snapped in Atlanta

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Audi

2011 Audi Q7 spy shots - Click above for a gallery

Cellphone cameras and the internet give pretty much anyone with a sharp eye the potential to be an automotive spy photographer.

Fourtitude/Car Lounge member AutoUnion32 has posted some spy shots (originally taken by TheAudiGuy from QuattroWorld) of what looks to be Audi's refreshed Q7 wearing S-Line trim while cruising along in Atlanta traffic. The subtly-updated Q is expected in showrooms as a 2011 model. The look of the more aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as the quarry's large alloy wheels, are what lead us down the S-Line speculation path. There's talk of the 3.0-liter TFSI mill taking over base engine duties, but that'll likely occur after this refresh drops. Thanks to tipster Teg!

Gallery: Audi Q7 facelift

[Source: Fourtitude]

Spy Shots: Revamped Audi Q7 snapped in Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Chris Paukert — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Lincoln MKT

Ford has a major-league hit on its hands with the 2009 Flex crossover - with the media. Sadly, despite its varied and considerable charms, sales haven't met the Blue Oval's admittedly lofty expectations. Blame the recession, blame the marketing department, blame the Flex's divisive styling, blame what you will, but Dearborn is plainly going to have to find more volume for its D4 platform. Enter the 2010 Lincoln MKT.

It doesn't take more than a brief glance to realize that Ford's stylists have exacted much more than a quick nip/tuck on the rectilinear Flex en-route to minting this new Lincoln. But beyond the crossover's assertive looks, there is a host of new technology on offer inside and out that should help put the MKT on luxury crossover shopping lists. Follow the jump to learn more about the MKT and read Lincoln's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKT debuts with a big, toothy smile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fiat 500 vs. Audi Q7, guess who wins

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Videos, Audi, Fiat

Click above to view the video after the jump

Small, fuel efficient vehicles are all the rage right now, and many SUV owners are willing to do just about anything to get out of their gas guzzling transportation. Problem is, if you do get a new MINI or Yaris, you still have to drive it out into the automotive wilderness. SUVs and big pickup trucks are still omnipresent, and driving a vehicle that barely comes up to the bumper on an F-150 just doesn't look that safe. Automakers will tell you that their new go-karts get five stars in crash tests and that they're as safe as ever, but wouldn't you like to see what would happen if a three-ton SUV hit one of these miniature motor vehicles?

The good news is that there is just such a video that resides on YouTube, and it pits the massive Audi Q7 against the cute and tiny Fiat 500. While we would desperately like the folks at Fiat to send the 500 State-side, watching the video doesn't exactly make us want to drive one ourselves. Hit the jump to see how the Fiat fared, but if you have a strong affinity for crash test dummies, you may want to take a pass on this one.Thanks for the tip, JC!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fiat 500 vs. Audi Q7, guess who wins

VIDEO: Fiat 500 vs. Audi Q7, guess who wins originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Audi Q7 V12 TDI Coastline redefines "flagship"

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

Click to view the Audi Q7 V12 TDI Coastline in hi-res

The Audi Q7 Coastline is not the first attempt at infusing an automobile with a nautical theme, but it very well might be the most exquisite execution we've seen to date. Forget about automotive mishaps like the Mercury Villager Nautica edition and the Plymouth Breeze, this concept rivals even the teak-decked Rolls-Royce Phantom DropHead Coupe for dockside prowess. In fact, a Maserati convertible parked at a Monte Carlo marina would be jealous. This writer, meanwhile, would be hard-pressed to upstage Alex Nunez's poetic waxing for maritime prose in his preview post, but the pearl white sport-ute makes me feel like picking up the clear-coat polish and teak oil just the same.

As you can see in our gallery of high-resolution images, Audi set up an exceptionally photogenic dedicated showroom off the Geneva show floor to showcase the 500hp V12 TDI that would be right at home in a motoryacht's engine room.

Gallery: Audi Q7 coastline concept

Geneva 2008: Audi Q7 V12 TDI Coastline redefines "flagship" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi adds seven more horses to Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI has been blessed with seven more horses. Grunt goes from 233 HP to 240 HP, while the oil burner's torque numbers stays the same at 398 ft-lb. However, in a neat sleight-of-hand, fuel economy has also improved, going from 22.4 to an even 24.0 US MPG. More power, more fun, more frugality -- that's a neat trifecta from the house of the four rings. The Q7 3.0 TDI will be available in the US in late 2008. For Europeans, it's on sale now for €51,200. Click Read to get the full press release.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Gallery: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

Audi adds seven more horses to Audi Q7 3.0 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Audi

Audi is going to put off the launch of three new SUVs into its arsenal until the end of the decade, primarily for marketing reasons. Really, it's only one new model - the compact Q5 - plus diesel and hybrid versions of its Q7 crossover.

The reason for the delay is primarily to avoid Audi's newest entrants from getting lost in the ether of year-end sales drives, and thus allowing all three vehicles to be marketed as 2010 models, which were originally destined for sale in the third quarter of 2008.

Although we haven't seen the Q5, meant to compete with BMW's X3 and Mercedes' upcoming GLK, it's been well known that the new cute 'ute has been under development for some time, finding a home atop the VW Tiguan platform. The diesel Q7 will be arriving around the same time, and will come to market packing a three-liter turbo-diesel V6, producing 230 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Since the new engine will be 50-state compliant, it's "just a matter of formality," according to Audi's U.S. head Johan de Nysschen, that the oilburner will find its way into the A4, A6 and A8 models of the future.

All three vehicles, including the 280 HP V6 hybrid-equipped Q7, are all likely to be revealed in Detroit in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi delaying CUV launches until 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Green, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Audi's first diesel and hybrid powertrains in the US will be launched in the Q7 next year. The power units will likely trickle down to other vehicles in Audi's range, but they're not yet offering up any details on how prolific this hardware will be. Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have been working collaboratively to develop the parallel hybrid system, which makes the choice of the Q7 logical, as all three brands share a flavor of the architecture. Hybrid Q7s will be able to power around on the electric motor up to 31 mph, and the system will also shut down the engine during cruise conditions at speeds up to 75 mph. The total weight of the system adds 300 pounds, most of which is in the 288-volt NiMH battery pack.

The modular hybrid system will be easy to integrate with different powertrains once Audi starts propagating the system throughout the rest of their models, and terming it "modular" denotes that the basic pieces will be very adaptable. When Porsche and Volkswagen get their versions of the hybrid gear, we'd expect the engines to differ from the Q7's 3.6 liter 280 horsepower unit. Audi's claiming a 23 percent mileage improvement versus the conventional Q-ship. As for the oil burner, it will be a 3-liter V6 that is 50-state compliant while quietly thumping out 230 horsepower and 400 ft-lb of torque. Diesel torque delivery can be often be described as "electric-motor like," but we wonder if the Hybrid, with its actual electric motors, will laugh at the diesel's effort as it gets the hole shot.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Audi Q7 hybrid and diesels to arrive next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Genesis of a German SUV

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Audi

Here's a Google Video of Audi's ~~Touareg~~ ~~Cayenne~~ Q7 being built at VAG's Slovakian plant. The big ute starts as a couple of metal crossmembers, gets the full-on robotic workover with human assistance, and comes out a complete vehicle on the other side. Along the way it picks up a powertrain, chassis, wheels and tires, an interior, electronics and all of the bits and pieces to make it whole. Although the real process takes a little longer than the five-and-a-half-minute clip, it's an interesting peek inside the assembly line of a luxury sport ute. Perhaps not revolutionary, but kind of fun for a Thursday afternoon. Follow the jump to see the clip.

[Source: GermanCarScene]

Continue reading VIDEO: Genesis of a German SUV

VIDEO: Genesis of a German SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

In case you somehow hadn't noticed(?!), it's not only deer and turkey season, it's also automotive award season. And here's yet another trophy for those keeping track of all of them. CNET.com wants you to help decide their 2006 Tech Car of the Year Award winner. They've done the hard work and weeded out the really big turkeys to give you a list of some real dears.

In early voting, the Lexus LS460 L, with its 19-speaker sound system, live traffic GPS and self-parking system is leading the other nine contenders. So what's it gonna be for you? Acura's RDX with voice commands? Audi's adaptive-suspension-equipped Q7? BMW's 335i with its adaptive cruise control and iDrive? Or are you more a Cadillac guy, voting for the Escalade with OnStar?

See the other five contestants after the jump.

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lambo 'ute rendering and pics

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lamborghini

There have been lots of rumblings about a possible Lamborghini SUV. Maybe something along the lines of a neo LM002. Lamborghini spokesmen have said that they are considering entering new segments but pointed out that retro was not an option. With a corporate platform available that has produced everything from a VW to a Porsche, and a rumored Bentley sport-ute dropping soon, it doesn't seem too hard to believe. Ace spy photog Hans Lehmann has just captured what he thinks might be a Lambo SUV mule, disguised as a deep-chinned Cayenne.

By following the links you'll not only see several shots of this muscular Porsche, but also the full-sized version of the pic at right, which looks a bit like a Silly Puttied Gallardo. Although the mind reels at the thought of Porsche developing a Lamborghini, the G and Murci have already had German hands massaging every inch of them, and Porsche has already done a good job with the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg.

The Gallardo-derived V-10 from the Audi S6 and S8 is likely to find its way underhood, as well as possibly a smaller 4.5-liter V-8. And it's not too big of a leap to think this might be the first Lambo to offer a diesel option since the old tractor days. While the mule doesn't offer a lot info other than the deep front fascia and the big wheel arches, the concept sketch reminds us of the Murano a bit and makes the thought of a non-military inspired Lamborghini SUV somewhat more palatable.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Lambo 'ute rendering and pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

Erin Mays — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Audi

I wasn't home when the media fleet guys dropped off the svelte silver bullet they call the Audi Q7... but my roommate was. Like any car-crazy boy, he just couldn't help himself. He grabbed the key fob and tore out to the driveway -- it was playtime.

"This thing is STUPID with features," his voice screamed into my earpiece when he called to tell me that the Audi had arrived. "I lifted the rear hatch and saw a button -- when I pushed it, the ass dropped three inches. I thought low-riders were supposed to have switches in the cockpit." There are switches in the cockpit, by the way, but we'll get to that later when we discuss the Q7's Adaptive Air Suspension. The ass-dropper in question is the technology's cargo mode, which makes it easier to load and unload the cargo space of the vehicle.

Thankfully, my roomie heeded my warning that the Audi loan agreement specifically states that only the operator (yours truly) and the operator's spouse can drive the vehicle, and he refrained from going on a joyride. He did suggest we get married, however, but then I would have to share.

Welcome to the key audience for the Audi Q7 -- boys (and girls) who love their toys. There are seven -- yes, seven -- owner's manual books for the vehicle's various systems stuffed into the glovebox.

(continued)

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7

Alex Nunez — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, SUV, Europe, Technology, Audi

Click image to enlarge

Abt Sportsline has prepared a version of the Audi Q7 they call the AS7. Based on the Euro-market 3.0 TDI version of Audi's new ute, the AS7 gets a host of visual refinements that set it apart from its other bretheren on the "streets of tomorrow," as well as the requisite tweaks to coax more power from the engine.

A subtle body kit enhances the SUV's already muscular appearance, incorporating new skirts all around and more pronounced fender extensions. A contrasting coat of orange paint highlights the changes to good effect. An orange trim ring around the Audi's signature grille and orange badging complete the two-tone scheme. You know a tuner ride's going to have a fresh set of rims, and the one-piece 20" or 22" Abt Sportsline AR wheels filling the openings look great. The final visual touches are a new rear wing and a pair of double-barreled exhaust tips peeking through the revised rear skirt.

As for the engine mods, Abt massages the 3.0-liter diesel to produce 272 horsepower -- an increase of 39 over the stock engine's output -- and a very healthy 426 lb ft of torque. No performance numbers are provided on the Abt site, but with that much torque, the driver's highly sophisticated seat-of-the-pants instrumentation is sure to feel the added punch. Hot looks, usable power, and diesel efficiency? That'll work. Sign us up!

(Additional photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Continue reading Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7

Oil Burning Badass: Abt AS7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nothelle's Audi Q7 - spicier than a Cayenne Turbo

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Crossover, Audi

If you fancy your CUVs on the sporty side, have we got a ride for you! German tuner nothelle can transform your Q7 into a firebreather that should humble a Cayenne Turbo.

While nothelle has performance and appearance upgrades for both the 3-liter turbodiesel and the 4.2-liter V8, its the top of the line twin-turbo kit for the 4.2-liter that will open their eyes at the country club, with its 572 hp and 531 foot-pounds of torque. With an extra 130 hp and 80 foot-pounds over the Porsche, nothelle's Q-ship should be able to kick sand in the face of a Turbo Cayenne any time you feel the urge.

More after the jump...

Continue reading Nothelle's Audi Q7 - spicier than a Cayenne Turbo

Nothelle's Audi Q7 - spicier than a Cayenne Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity update: Beckham bounces back with Audi Q7

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Audi

Our friends at Luxist report that ex-BMW-owner David Beckham is back on the road, this time in a shiny new Audi Q7. It seems that Beckham's Real Madrid squad are sponsored by Audi, who gifts each of its 23 stars with a new Audi every year. Beckham's newest 4x4 is a 4.2FSI finished in pearlescent Phantom Black, with black leather interior, car phone, video player, Bose sound system, a nav system and keyless entry. All told, Beckham's free Bimmer replacement boasts more than $35,000 worth of options.

Beckham has apparently already tested his off-roading skills at a dirt track near Real Madrid's practice facility (see photo).

Let's see how long he hangs on to this one...

[Daily Record via Luxist]

Celebrity update: Beckham bounces back with Audi Q7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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