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Audi SQ7 Is "Something Crazy" in Civic Type R, Old Miata Drag Race

We know that SUVs can be fast when equipped with large V8 engines, but the Audi SQ7 is the first in many years to perform well using a TDI diesel. Only when you see what it does to the Civic Type R will you start to comprehend what a monster quattro GmbH has developed.
Audi SQ7 Is "Something Crazy" in Civic Type R, Old Miata Drag Race 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
The SQ7 is, in my opinion, the least sporty S car of this generation. By that, I mean that it's designed to set a fast pace, not thrill you with its exceptional handling characteristics.

That being said, Audi engineers have installed a new 48-volt electric system, which in turn allowed for an electric supercharger and a smart suspension system that stiffens in the corners.

Ever since the RS5 TDI concept that came out several years ago, we've been hyped up to have the e-charger in production. But because the SQ7 only puts out 435 hp, people aren't that blown away. In a drag race where everybody has forced induction, the fact that the 900 Nm of torque is available instantly makes a world of difference.

Don't let anybody tell you that there is such a thing as zero-lag turbocharging, at least not for road cars. That being said, Mat Watson from Carwow has put together the oddest drag race that we have seen in a really long time.

Instead of facing something like the X5 M50d or the Porsche Cayenne, the SQ7 is put up against the 310 horsepower Honda Civic Type R and an old Miata with a supercharger that Mat owns.

We thought you guys need a little more perspective with this outcome. So below the Carwow video, there's another one that's a little older where the A45 AMG is going up against the Type R.

I think the conclusion needs to be that even though the 4.0 TDI is fantastic, a hardcore machine like the Porsche 718 Cayman S or the Audi RS3 still poses a "danger."

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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