2011 AUDI Q7 GETS 333HP SUPERCHARGED 3.0L V6 FROM S4
New engines, new eight-speed tiptronic transmission and added efficiency introduces the facelifted seven-seat Audi Q7 luxury SUV.
Two new supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI engines replace the outgoing 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI units, bringing economy improvements of 12 and 16% respectively. These will be mated to the A8's eight-speed tiptronic transmission with wider ratios for more relaxed cruising and improved economy.
At present, these specifications relate to European models, and we have yet to see which versions will be brought to the US.
Already the star of the Audi S4, the new 3.0-liter TFSI engine uses supercharging to compensate for its smaller capacity. Within the 90-degree vee angle is an engine-driven supercharger to compress the intake air. Two intercoolers control the intake temperature, so that the engine draws more oxygen for the combustion process.
The first of the two versions of the supercharged V6 replaces the 280hp 3.6-liter FSI. It offers 272hp and 295 lb-ft from 2250 to 4750rpm. It powers the Q7 from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and gives a top speed of 140mph.
The more powerful version that takes over from the 4.2-liter FSI delivers 333hp and 325 lb/ft of torque between 2900 and 5300rpm, allowing the Q7 to reach 62mph in 6.9 seconds, and to continue to a top speed of 152mph.
No less impressively, both versions achieve a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 22mpg US, an improvement of 12 per cent over the naturally aspirated V6 FSI and 16 per cent over the V8. With a shared CO2 output of 249g/km, both also improve on the emissions of the models they replace.
The diesel line-up has also been extensively reworked, the most notable changes benefiting the 3.0-liter V6 TDI, which in its latest form is essentially new from the ground-up, and 44 lb lighter as a result.
Constructed using a complex new cylinder wall machining process that reduces friction, and aided by newly introduced engine start-stop technology, the second generation V6 TDI employs a more responsive turbocharger, an enhanced common-rail fuel injection system and new chain-driven timing gear to deliver a 19 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with its predecessor.
In the combined cycle test it achieves 32mpg, which equates to an impressively low CO2 output of 195g/km, yet with a rated output of 240hp and a constant 405 lb/ft of torque available from 1750 to 2500rpm, it is also capable of powering the Q7 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 135mph.