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2006 Audi Q7 Preview

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Larger Q7 Derived from VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne Architecture

I have to admit to being a big fan of Volkswagens Touareg and Porsches Cayenne. The two sport utilities, which share a general overall architecture, combine agile driving dynamics with superb off-road characteristics, unusual in the SUV-class. One thing that troubles me most about the Touareg, however, is that it is so good it should have been branded an Audi. As it appears, my wish will soon be granted.

Before I get into the all the details of Audis new entry, a trip back to last years Detroit auto show is necessary, where Audi first showed the new SUV in concept form amid a Technicolor lightshow of LEDs. The prototype, dubbed Pikes Peak in commemoration

The Volkswagen Pikes Peak SUV concept debuted at last years Detroit auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The Volkswagen-owned brand unveiled the real McCoy in Paris last month on September 23rd, and in doing so gave the vehicle a new name, the Q7. The Q designation is new to Audi, signifying a larger, bolder "quattro", the brand name Audi uses for all-wheel drive - which by the way is always written in lower case.

"The letter Q denotes a new

The Q7 will feature Audis 40-valve, dual-overhead cam, 4.2-liter V8 engine. (Photo: Audi of America)

To reiterate, being that the Q7 is to be based on the same overall architecture as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both 5-passenger SUVs, it begs speculation that 7-passenger versions of these vehicles may be forthcoming. Of course, nothing about the two related SUVs and any passenger volume increase

There has been no word from Audi on any additional Q7 engines, just the 4.2-liter V8. (Photo: Audi of America)

Like the Volkswagen, the Q7 will feature Audis 40-valve, dual-overhead cam, 4.2-liter V8 engine, which in the Touareg is tuned to deliver 310 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. It only makes sense that the engines performance will increase in Audi trim, possibly similar to that in the A6 sedan, which in 2005 specification produces 335 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Ive spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of Audis featuring this engine, and especially enjoy its willingness to rev. Its an impressive V8, with much more in reserve than its conservative rating hints at.

Audi is not saying whether the introduction of the new Q7 will usher out the Audi allroad crossover wagon, derived from

With the high standard already set by VWs Touareg, can the Q7 be that much better to win over buyers at the expected higher price? (Photo: Audi of America)

There is also no information on optional powertrains however. The Touareg is offered with Audis 3.2-liter V6, coupled to the same sophisticated 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that controls the V8, as well as an extremely powerful turbodiesel V10. Audi may choose to offer an upgraded V6, similarly to what Porsche has done with its entry Cayenne, but if it chose to also retail the diesel it would be the first application of the fuel efficient engine-type ever sold under the German nameplate in North America. Likely is a 12-cylinder Q7, also becoming available in the Touareg.