autoevolution
 

Audi SQ7 TDI Becomes the Most Powerful Diesel SUV in the World: 435 HP

Audi has unveiled the new SQ7 TDI, the performance version of its flagship SUV, which also happens to be the most powerful diesel-engined SUV in the world.
Audi SQ7 TDI 49 photos
Photo: Audi
Audi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDIAudi SQ7 TDI
The new SQ7 TDI has a 4.0-liter V8 engine that provides 435 PS (429 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. The secret behind the newly developed V8 engine is not the old defeat device, but an electric compressor, which works with a 48-volt electrical system dedicated to this function.

Instead of traditional diodes, the 48-volt electrical system uses MOSFET generators to reduce electric losses and increase efficiency. MOSFET stands for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor, and the technology has been successfully utilized in the IT industry for decades.

The new V8 TDI engine from Audi also comes with the brand’s Valvelift (AVS) system, making its debut in an oil-burner.

The AVS is a variable valve timing system, and the new engine uses it to ensure progressive turbo activation and improve fuel economy and efficiency.

Average fuel economy is rated at 7.4 liters of diesel for 100 kilometers (31.8 US mpg). The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 4.8 seconds, while top speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Audi’s SQ7 TDI develops its maximum torque of 900 Nm (663.8 lb-ft) between 1,000 and 3,250 rpm. That is an impressive range of peak torque, even with a V8 diesel unit. Meanwhile, the peak power of 435 HP is achieved between 3,750 and 5,000 rpm. Just like the maximum torque, the range of rpm on which this engine delivers its maximum power is outstanding. The world’s first electric compressor in a production car is the secret behind this engine’s performance.

If the dynamic abilities of the V8 engine that powers the most powerful diesel SUV in the world are not impressive enough, Audi fitted the SQ7 with their first electromechanical active roll stabilization system. The latter works with the help of an electric motor sporting a three-stage planetary gearbox that separates the stabilizer in two.

When the SQ7 is driven on deficient roads, the two halves are decoupled to improve comfort. If the driver commits to a sporty driving style, the two parts of the stabilizer are interconnected and twisted against each other.

The trick is that the electric motors in charge of the action can deliver up to 1,200 Nm (885.1 lb-ft) of torque to counter the body roll of Audi’s SUV. Thanks to the tech, the German SUV leans less in bends and understeer is drastically reduced.

The SQ7 has two active roll stabilizers that can work independently, and the system is operated with the help of the 48-Volt electric system. Add a Sport differential to the mix and a new setting for the quattro four-wheel drive system and you get neutral handling up to the limit, Audi claims.

Audi offers LED headlights as standard for the SQ7, along with a sporty design package. The exterior styling tweaks include a new front grille, S-Line specific bumpers, supplementary air inlets, and four rectangular exhaust tips. The sound of the V8 unit is enhanced with the help of an electronic device, like on other Audi models.

The interior of the Audi SQ7 can be ordered in five-seat or seven-seat configurations. This means that you can get the world’s most powerful diesel SUV and still have the ability to carry six people with you in the car. The interior of Audi’s latest performance SUV features the already standard elements that the German manufacturers install in their SQ models.

The list of features includes special upholstery, a set of badges, sporty front seats, aluminum pedals and trim parts, all sprinkled with a more generous standard equipment package.

Audi’s SQ7 TDI will start at a base price of €89,900 in Germany, which is roughly $98,000 at current exchange rates. Order books will be opened this spring in Europe, but there’s no word on US availability.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories