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Detroit: New Engines, New Models
Audi unveils dazzling array of firsts
Jan 11, 2006

Audi will be surprising visitors to the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit by presenting three world firsts. The Audi S6, with its ten-cylinder FSI power unit developing 420 bhp, will kick off the press conference. This high-performance saloon impresses with the performance of a thoroughbred sports car and with its refined, unmistakeable looks.

The Audi Roadjet Concept is making its first appearance: a vehicle which features a completely new space concept, a logical evolution of Audi’s current formal idiom and a wealth of technological innovations.

The third premiere is that of the Audi Q7 with its newly developed 3.6-litre FSI engine. This six-cylinder engine delivers 206 kW (280 bhp) at 6,200 rpm. Its peak torque of 360 Nm is available from just 2,500 l/min, permitting a commanding and relaxed driving style. Working in conjunction with a 6-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent four-wheel drive, the

Audi Q7 3.6 FSI accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and rapidly on up to its top speed of 220 km/h. This V6 engine will be available in Europe from mid-2006.

The 4.2 lt recently was upgraded with FSI so don't expect it to be replaced any time soon.

Audi Q7 to get range of new engines

• Audi 4x4 to get V6 petrol and V6 and V8 diesel
• Petrol-electric hybrid motor due in 2008
• New car features third row of seats

Audi will expand its Q7 4x4 range next year with a trio of new engines. The company’s first off-roader is on sale now priced from £37,285, with first deliveries due in July this year.

At first, only a 3.0-litre turbodiesel and 4.2-litre petrol engine will be offered. Audi expects that a resounding 85% of buyers will pick the more economical TDI.

However, whatcar.com has learned that Audi will launch a new 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine in the Q7 next year, followed by a 4.2-litre V8 diesel.

In 2008, expect to see Audi’s answer to the Lexus RX400h – a petrol-electric Q7 hybrid powered by an electric motor working in parallel with the 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine.

Once all the new engines are available, Audi predicts UK sales of 5500 a year, making the seven-seater more exclusive than rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class.

The Q7 shares around 10% of its parts with sister company VW’s Touareg and Porsche Cayenne 4x4. However, it is longer and wider than every rival, freeing up space for the third row of seats which will be standard in every model.

All Q7s will also be equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox, climate control and air suspension, which can be raised to traverse rough terrain or lowered to make loading easier.

The premium off-roader market will be shaken up this year by new competition from the new Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes R- and G-Class models.

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that 3.6 V6 petrol is really interesting, since it's gonna sell the most here in Greece. Do we know how much will it cost Yannis?

It's too early to tell since the main VW/Audi importer in Greece hasn't comfirmed the prices yet but my guess is it should start from 65k euro.

65k isn't a bit much? do you have any prices of the competitors since i can't find any car magazine in the house right now?

<Base Prices in Greece>
ML350--->64,400 euro
XC90 2.9 T6--->64,300 euro
BMW X5 3.0i---->65,350 euro
Touareg 3.2---->60.800 euro

Q7 will be more equiped than a X5 or ML of the same price.

Touareg, is way cheaper than the others... Interesting!

Thanks, BTW...