Audi SQ7 V8-powered SUV delivers 900Nm of torque
Audi New Zealand has begun delivering the first of its new V8-powered SQ7, said to be the world’s most powerful diesel SUV, to customers throughout the country.
More than 40 of the new models were pre-sold by Audi to customers without them seeing the vehicle.
Audi says with 320kW of power and 900Nm of torque, the new model eliminates power lag and delivers immediate performance.The seven-seater is the first Audi production vehicle to offer an electric powered compressor and 48 volts electrical subsystem.
It has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, and accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.9 seconds.
The SQ7 is priced from $175,900 plus on-road costs, and is loaded with driver assistance systems and other driver aids.
“A number of our Audi customers were wating for a V8 engine,” said Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed.
“That shows the confidence in the brand, that they were prepared to commit to buying sight unseen.”
Sheed said Audi New Zealand was bullish about the prospects for the SQ7, with the aim of selling around 100 of the vehicles in the next 12 months.
“We will be half way to that number by Christmas - tht shows how confidence we are in the vehicle,” he said.
The newly-developed 4-litre eight-cylinder diesel engine generates 320kW of power and a maximum 900Nm of torque between 1,000 and 3,250 rpm. Engine output is bolstered by two
turbochargers and an electric powered compressor (EPC) that provides the engine with dynamic boost pressure in less than 250 milliseconds.
Audi says the vehicle delivers sports car performance while consuming just 7.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled.Cornering is also sports-car-like thanks to the SQ7 TDI’s quattro all-wheel drive and lightweight suspension links.
A raft of features available in the optional Performance Package include all wheel steering, a sports differential and the electromechanical active roll stabilization system enhance the SQ7 TDI’s driving dynamics even further.
These features allow the 5.07 meter long vehicle to easily manoeuvre through fast corners and uneven road surfaces, with the air suspension with continuously variable, electronically controlled damper system helping to ensure passengers get a smooth ride.