Audi South Africa says it plans to launch the SQ7 and SQ8 in TDI form before the end of 2020, while also “considering” bringing in the new TFSI versions at a later stage.
Back in January 2020, the Ingolstadt-based firm announced petrol-flavoured versions of the SQ7 and SQ8 for North America. Now, Europe has followed suit, switching from the earlier turbodiesel variants to the TFSI-badged derivatives.
Audi SA told CARmag.co.za, though, it would “launch with the TDI engine for both models”, generating 310 kW in SA-spec form. The German company’s local arm furthermore said the “TFSI engine is currently being considered” but emphasised it is “not yet confirmed” for a local introduction.
While the TDI-badged versions employ a 4,0-litre V8 twin-turbodiesel engine, the TFSI models use a twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 petrol engine, here generating 373 kW and 770 N.m. Audi claims this is enough for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4,1 seconds, more than half a second quicker than the oil-burning derivatives.
