Monday 18th September 2006

SUV gets Le Mans diesel motor

Six litres and 737lb-ft of torque from V12

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Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Audi’s announced a version of the Q7 SUV with the Le Mans-winning V12 TDI engine inside it.

According to Audi, its 737lb-ft of torque (that's 1,000Nm in new money) of torque makes it the world’s most powerful diesel passenger car -- although the petrol-powered Bentley Arnage's recent engine update (see link below) also provided that car with 1,000Nm of torque. Nonetheless, Audi's using the experience gained from its diesel-powered Le Mans-winning efforts to drop in the 6.0-litre, 493bhp V12 engine and make it available "in fully fledged series production Q7 models in the foreseeable future".

Currently undergoing pre-production testing, the compact unit produces its torque peak -- which is 258lb-ft more than the 4.2-litre V8 TDI that powers the A8 -- from 1,750rpm, and distributes it via the quattro four-wheel-drive system and purpose-built, strengthened six-speed tiptronic transmission. The power propels the Q7 to 62mph from rest in 5.5 seconds, and to its electronically limited Vmax of 155mph. Audi reckons that, despite the impressive performance, it returns 23.7mpg on the combined cycle, close to many less powerful V6 TDI SUVs.

Two turbo chargers and a modified version of the piezo common rail fuel injection system used by six and eight-cylinder Audi TDI engines play a major role in the power delivery of the Q7 V12 TDI. The adapted piezo system boosts pressure in the injectors from 1,600bar -- the maximum achieved so far -- to 2,000 bar, optimising efficiency and performance. The cutting edge injection technology, in combination with a specially developed exhaust gas recirculation system and a diesel particulate filter mean the unit meets EU5 targets for emissions applicable from 2010.

One of the units most noticeable characteristics at Le Mans was its quiet running; the road-going engine will follow suit.

The Q7 V12 TDI test car's distinguished by a new front end design featuring a chrome plated grille and LED strip daytime running lights, additional under-body protection panelling and large-bore exhausts.

• Related story: Bentley Arnage gains power

[ahonen]

The article says: "According to Audi, its 737lb-ft of torque (that's 1,000Nm in new money) of torque makes it the world’s most powerful diesel passenger car -- which in fact isn't true, as the Bentley Arnage's recent engine update (see link below) also provided that car 1,000Nm of torque." If the Bentley is a petrol, which I suspect it is, then the Q7 is the most powerful diesel passenger car, as claimed.

Unless I've been reading too quickly and missed something important.