Early this morning, pictures of the upcoming Audi Q7 leaked out ahead of its scheduled reveal. A few hours later, the official release came from Audi.
The big new for the Q7 is a 716 lb reduction in weight. Starting at 4,398 lbs, Audi's biggest crossover takes the title of lightest in its class. The Q7 achieves this with a multi-material body composed of both aluminum and ultra high strength steel components. Overall, the exterior size is smaller in both length and width, cabin space is larger.
Powertrains for the US will include a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 252 hp / 272 lb-ft, a 3.0 liter turbocharged gasoline V6 producing 333 hp and 324 lb-ft, and a 3.0 liter V6 turbo-diesel producing 272 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Later, a second detuned version of the 3.0 TDI will be released with a turn towards high mpg efficiency. All engines will be mated to a brand new 8-speed automatic sending power through a revised Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Inside, the Q7 gains a host of new technologies, including optional 10.1" Android tablets built into the car as rear seat monitors. These tablets connect to the MMI navigation system and available on-board LTE Wifi. The tablets have a full HD camera, 32gb of storage, bluetooth and NFC.
The entertainment system features a new smartphone interface. If either an iOS or Android device is connected to the car via USB, the respective system is opened in in the Audi Smartphone interface. (minimum device OS versions are required)
The voice control system now uses natural speech control so drivers are no longer limited to specific commands.
If a customer orders the Tour package, an optional addition to the adaptive cruise control is traffic jam assistant. In this mode, the Q7 will take care of all of the driving at speeds below 37mph and while in heavy congestion.
Q7 sales have been increasing steadily over the last few years with sales up 21% verse this period last year after a 41% increase in 2013, but Audi still has a way to go before catching up to segment leader Mercedes.
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Source: Audi Q7 Press Release
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