Audi’s update to the 2011 model year Q7 doesn’t include revised looks. Instead, the Ingolstadt-based firm has ditched the 4,2-litre V8 petrol powerplant currently in use in favour of three new V6 engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission for the entire range.
Replacing the 3,6-litre V6 currently in use for the entry-level Q7 is a low-output version of the company’s supercharged 3,0-litre V6 engine that produces just over 200 kW and 400 N.m of torque. Audi claims a zero to 100 km/h sprint in just under 8 seconds. Next in the line-up is the all-new 3,0-litre TDI unit that produces 180 kW and 550 N.m of torque.
Audi will also offer a more powerful version of the supercharged V6 that produces 250 kW and 440 N.m of torque. More importantly, the new supercharged V6s boast an improvement in emissions of 12 to 16 per cent when compared with the outgoing 3,6 and 4,2-litre engines.
As mentioned above, all Q7 engines will be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, believed to reduce fuel consumption by up to eight percent.
Despite the axing of the petrol version, according to Edmunds.com, the 4,2-litre TDI will remain in use, and boast improved overall fuel economy as well.
