Photo: CarPix
The current generation Audi Q7 might be one of the best-selling vehicles in the German automaker's arsenal, but because it's so old, they haven't been able to fit all the latest technologies.
The all-new, second-generation Q7 is due out some time in late 2015 and will change everybody's perception. The first Audi to use the next-generation MLB Evo platform, it will also receive new hybrid powertrain technology that should trickle down into future Bentley and Lamborghini SUVs.
Of course, the Q7 won't be Audi's first hybrid, but it will be their most technologically advanced. The German company launched the Q5 Hybrid last year and recently introduced the A3 e-tron in Germany. In line with Porsche's recent green models, the Panamera and Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the Q7 e-tron will be a plug-in model with large pure-EV driving range.
Power should come from a V6 diesel-electric system. The engine itself will still be called a "3.0 TDI", but it might not have anything in common with current mills. At a recent event in Germany, Audi unveiled not only the "tri-turbo" RS5 TDI concept, but also a lesser known A6 TDI concept. The hybridization of Audi TDI engines means one of the two turbochargers on the A6 concept was powered by electricity. By not relying on exhaust gasses, the engines will provide full torque from much lower down in the range, making the 3-liter feel like a bigger engine.
To give you an idea of the changes in performance, the A6 TDI concept is supposedly able to sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 mph to 75 mph) in 8.6 seconds, instead of 13 seconds with a normal bi-turbo. Add to that an electric motor capable of driving the Q7 by itself and you get an SUV that's both extremely competent and very frugal.
This technology will also find its way into the A8 flagship sedan, currently under development, and a rumored Q6 sports SUV coming in early 2016. In fact, Audi has officially announced plans to offer 4 new plug-in hybrids by 2017.
From a design point of view, the Q7 e-tron won't differ too much from the regular model. It will come with special badging and a charging port on the side, but that's about it. The prototype we spied features the standard xenon headlights, though it's widely believed standard LED and Matrix LED systems will also be introduced.
Of course, the Q7 won't be Audi's first hybrid, but it will be their most technologically advanced. The German company launched the Q5 Hybrid last year and recently introduced the A3 e-tron in Germany. In line with Porsche's recent green models, the Panamera and Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the Q7 e-tron will be a plug-in model with large pure-EV driving range.
Power should come from a V6 diesel-electric system. The engine itself will still be called a "3.0 TDI", but it might not have anything in common with current mills. At a recent event in Germany, Audi unveiled not only the "tri-turbo" RS5 TDI concept, but also a lesser known A6 TDI concept. The hybridization of Audi TDI engines means one of the two turbochargers on the A6 concept was powered by electricity. By not relying on exhaust gasses, the engines will provide full torque from much lower down in the range, making the 3-liter feel like a bigger engine.
To give you an idea of the changes in performance, the A6 TDI concept is supposedly able to sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 mph to 75 mph) in 8.6 seconds, instead of 13 seconds with a normal bi-turbo. Add to that an electric motor capable of driving the Q7 by itself and you get an SUV that's both extremely competent and very frugal.
This technology will also find its way into the A8 flagship sedan, currently under development, and a rumored Q6 sports SUV coming in early 2016. In fact, Audi has officially announced plans to offer 4 new plug-in hybrids by 2017.
From a design point of view, the Q7 e-tron won't differ too much from the regular model. It will come with special badging and a charging port on the side, but that's about it. The prototype we spied features the standard xenon headlights, though it's widely believed standard LED and Matrix LED systems will also be introduced.
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