Detroit Auto Show: Audi unleashes the beastly Q7 V12 TDI

Eric Bryant — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Green, Audi

click above image to view 35 high-resolution images

Audi refers to its new V12 TDI turbodiesel as "majestic", but somehow, that word fails to adequately describe the company's latest oilburner. Grammy-winning singer Seal was on hand to belt out his hit "Crazy", and that term more accurately describes a 6L diesel that makes 500 HP and 737 lb-ft of the twisty stuff (that latter number is maintained in the useful range of 1800- 3000 RPM). This is accomplished via a pair of variable-vane turbochargers that apply 1.6 bar (24 PSI) of squeeze to the intercooled intake charge, and a direct injection system which employs piezoelectric injectors to spray fuel - including multiple pre- and post-combustion events - at a mind-boggling 2000 bar (30,000 PSI). A compression ratio of 16:1 and heavy use of exhaust gas circulation also help keep down the emissions, which meet the 2010 Euro-5 standard.

All that power is fed to an all-wheel-drive system that maintains a 40:60 front-rear balance to maintain what Audi refers to as "slightly tail-heavy, sporty handling characteristics. To slow nearly three tons of mass moving at superlegal velocities, a set of monstrous disc brakes are fitted (the diameter is unspecified, but the fronts appear to be somewhere north of 15"). The concept also carries an interior trimmed in impractical white leather and light-colored carbon fiber.

No word as to when it might be produced, which is just as well since we won't be able to afford it.

The press release is posted after the jump, and we've placed photos (live and stock) here.

For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Audi unleashes the beastly Q7 V12 TDI

Detroit Auto Show: Audi unleashes the beastly Q7 V12 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 05:35:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Our man John just reported in from the floor of the Paris Motor Show with images and info on the Chevy WTCC Ultra concept car.

Described as "a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe", the WTCC Ultra takes its name and inspiration from the World Touring Car Championship, Europe's version of stock car racing. Motivation comes from a 2-liter common rail diesel driving over 190 hp through the front wheels.

Compact and intimidating, we can only hope some of the car's aggressive styling elements will make it into new Chevys for the road. Imagine seeing this baby rapidly growing in your rearview mirror!

More images (LOTS more images) and full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info

Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 05:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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