Enhanced seven-seat SUV range benefits visually and mechanically and features the world’s cleanest diesel technology.

• Visually and mechanically improved evolution of Audi luxury all-terrain vehicle scheduled to open for European order this week with first deliveries in July
• New 3.0 TDI ‘clean diesel’ joins range alongside existing 3.0 TDI which, in common with 4.2 TDI, 4.2 FSI and 3.6 FSI engines benefits from improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 output
• Combines seven-seat practicality with quattro four-wheel-drive and variable height adaptive air suspension for genuine off-road capability
• 4.2 FSI V8 petrol (350PS) and 3.0 V6 TDI (233PS) engines

A visually and mechanically enhanced seven-seat Audi Q7 range which for the first time incorporates an ultra-low emission, EU6-compliant TDI model opens for European order this week. Due to reach its first customers in July, the new range combines subtle styling revisions and improved equipment for SE and S line models with advanced energy recuperation technology that brings improved fuel economy and reduced emissions for all versions.

The most important advances benefiting the latest Q7 range are arguably to be found beneath the reworked body, where a new 3.0-liter TDI engine incorporating the world’s cleanest diesel technology uses an AdBlue additive to eradicate virtually all harmful nitrous oxides from emissions, and already meets stringent EU6 emissions applicable from 2014. Like the rest of the engine range, including 3.6 FSI V6 and 4.2 FSI V8 direct injection petrol units and mighty 4.2 TDI V8 and 6.0 TDI diesels, the new high-tech 3.0-liter TDI unit is backed up by a new energy recovery system which helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5 g/km. During braking and coasting phases the system converts mechanical energy into electric energy via the alternator and stores it within the battery to reduce the load on the engine.

An advanced version of the common rail piezo injection system with 2,000 bar of pressure, new combustion chamber sensors and a high-performance exhaust recirculation system ensures a highly efficient combustion process in the new TDI clean diesel. An innovative DeNOx catalytic converter reduces the remaining nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow, where this solution decomposes into ammonia, which splits the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. This additive is replenished by Audi Centers during routine servicing.

In Q7 3.0 TDI quattro models equipped with the new TDI ‘clean diesel’ unit backed up by the energy recuperation technology, a combined fuel economy figure of 31.7mpg is achievable. The benefits of recuperation are also particularly evident in the 4.2 TDI, which enjoys a fuel economy boost from 25.5mpg to 28.5mpg, despite an increase in power for the latest generation unit from 326PS to 340PS. The 6.0-liter, 500PS Audi Q7 V12 TDI continues to rank as the world’s most powerful diesel-powered SUV, and yet manages a wholly respectable economy figure of 25.0mpg in the combined cycle test. In the petrol camp, the 3.6 FSI V6 registers 23.3mpg, and the 4.2 FSI 22.2mpg.

All engines transmit their power via a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, and all of course work in conjunction with quattro permanent four-wheel-drive with the now familiar 40 per cent / 60 per cent front-to-rear torque split for optimum on-road balance. Both on and off the tarmac, the standard five-mode air suspension with its variable ground clearance of between 180mm and 240mm helps the Audi Q7 to iron out the most imperfect of surfaces. The off-road setting, with 205mm of clearance and adapted damper control, is the perfect setting for cross-country driving.

A redesigned front grille, restyled bumpers incorporating new integrated under-body protectors, new door moldings and distinctive new LED rear lights embellish the distinctive Audi Q7 body in its latest incarnation. SE versions are further enhanced by larger 19-inch alloy wheels (previously 18-inch), and top specification S line models by LED indicators and new U-shaped ‘wraparound’ LED daytime running lights built into standard xenon headlamps. These striking new light units can also be added at extra cost to SE and standard models.

Inside the latest Audi Q7, numerous detail enhancements, most notably to the instrument cluster and switchgear but also taking in lighting and interior color schemes, have further improved the ambiance. Three specification levels – standard, SE and S line – are offered for the V6 FSI and V6 TDI models, while the V8 petrol and V8 TDI versions are available exclusively in SE or S line form. The V12 TDI has an extensive, stand-alone specification. SE and S line versions in the latest generation benefit from equipment upgrades, the former including the new 19-inch alloy wheel design and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, and the latter the addition of front seat heating, Bluetooth phone preparation and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and indicators.

Among the new additions to the options list is the latest HDD navigation and entertainment system available for integration into the standard Multi Media Interface. The system uses a hard drive to store navigation mapping, music and telephone data, and displays its new 3D graphics on a high resolution color monitor. Climate controlled comfort seats capable of heating or cooling their occupants are also newly available, as are long life, virtually fade-free carbon fiber ceramic brakes, which have been fitted as standard to the Audi Q7 V12 TDI since its launch and are now offered at extra cost for 4.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI versions.

An overall length of 5,086 millimeters and a wheelbase of 3,002 millimeters (width: 1,983 mm / height 1,737 mm) enable the Audi Q7 to offer exceptional interior space, and no less than 28 seating and loading configurations guaranteeing exceptional versatility.

Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in the three rows of seats that are included as standard. The seats in the second row are individually adjustable for fore/aft movement, and both rear seat rows can be folded flat to provide a load area of 2,035 liters if required, without the seats having to be removed. If used as a 5-seater the Q7 boasts an impressive load capacity of 775 liters.

Even with the economy in a severe downturn, consumers still are turning to certain types of new
vehicles to tackle their lives head-on--whether it's commuting to work,
carpooling kids to school or heading out for weekend adventures.

    Instead of piloting big, bulky SUVs, though, car shoppers are
increasingly turning to crossover vehicles. At this week's New York Auto
Show, crossover vehicles are being introduced by the major
automakers--luxury brands included--and according to the automotive experts
at TheCarConnection.com, this may signal a clear move from the SUV to the
lighter, more versatile Crossover.

    "Crossover vehicles have essentially replaced big SUVs in the minds of
many shoppers," said TheCarConnection.com's executive editor, Marty
Padgett. "They frequently have better fuel economy, more carlike handling
and extra entertainment oriented features. The car companies are responding
to consumer demand and rolling out these new, more user-friendly utility
vehicles with the features they like."

    The car experts at TheCarConnection.com, the flagship reviews site at
High Gear Media--report that even at GM and Chrysler, the financial crisis
hasn't stopped introductions of two critically important new crossovers.
The most important new crossovers on display in New York this week include:

    2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M

    BMW's American-made "sport-activity vehicles" get a major injection of
horsepower thanks to the automaker's M division. Both the upright X5 and
the sleeker, coupe like X6 get a twin-turbo V-8 with 555 horsepower and a
price tag likely soaring past $75,000--but either one's still cheaper than
the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

    2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

    Mercedes already sells a greener ML-Class with a diesel engine; now the
German automaker launches a hybrid version of its gas-engined ML-Class,
giving consumers the rare choice of either green machine.

    2010 Kia Sorento

    Kia's mainstream SUV once took on the Ford Explorer; the new version
has become more of a big wagon, with less emphasis on off-roading and more
emphasis on seven-passenger seating and all-weather safety.

    2010 Acura ZDX

    Like BMW, Acura's taking its mainstream ute and spinning a sexier
version from it. In this case, the Acura MDX gets a four-seat silhouette to
become the 2010 ZDX. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are expected.

    2010 GMC Terrain

    The Chevrolet Equinox was previewed in GM's federal-loan filing. Now,
the GMC brand gets a creased-and-folded twin with its own edgy styling and
choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines
promise best-in-class fuel economy.

    2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    The latest version of Jeep's venerable sport-ute surfaces this week
after being leaked in Chrysler's federal loan filings. The new version's
now a cousin of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; even though Chrysler and
Mercedes are going their separate ways, the Grand Cherokee now shares some
pieces with the former Benz ML, though it has its own new fuel-efficient
3.6-liter V-6 underhood. All-wheel drive and a V-8 engine are options.

    About TheCarConnection.com and High Gear Media

    TheCarConnection.com is the flagship site of Palo Alto, Calif.-based
High Gear Media. High Gear Media is a next-generation publisher of websites
targeting car-buying audiences by vehicle and lifestyle.
TheCarConnection.com's consumer-friendly reviews gather the most respected
opinions from around the web and add expert analysis and advice to help car
buyers select the right car.

    High Gear Media also publishes GreenCarReports.com, AllAboutPrius.com,
AllCarsElectric.com, and MustangBlog.com among its 23 automotive sites.

SOURCE TheCarConnection.com

After months of anticipation, Audi has finally announced its U.S. pricing for the new Q5 mid-sized crossover. For America, we are told that only one powertrain will be available,
a 3.2-liter FSI V6 with quattro all-wheel drive, and that comes with a starting price of $37,200.

Just as Starbucks calls a small coffee “Tall”, Audi’s entry level Q5 is labeled as Premium. From there, you can go to Premium Plus specification or Prestige at $41,500 and a lofty $48,200 respectively. Add the $825 delivery charge, taxes, and other ancillary fees, and it should be easy to go well north of 50 grand.

The Q5 comes standard with Audi’s third generation MMI system that adds three-dimensional rendering to the nav display, as well as a 4,400-pound towing capacity. Q5s are expected to start arriving at dealers next week and the vehicle officially goes on sale in March.

With the way manufacturers are pushing towards “greener” vehicles, Tuned expects Audi to offer the highly economical four cylinder 2.0T powerplant to follow suit shortly after its initial release.
Audi’s official press release on the Q5 will arrive soon.