2007 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI review

Audi Q7 4.2 TDI review:

With Q7 4.2 TDI240, a masterpiece of engineering, Audi presents the most powerful diesel SUV on the world market. With kW/326 bhp and 760 Nm of torque – Audi features a state-of-the-art eight-cylinder engine with common rail fuel injection and Piezo injectors. Having an engine with a 4.2 litres displacement, Audi Q7 4.2 is characterized by a versatile sportiness, setting new standards in its segment by the 4.2 TDI. The 4.2 TDI has an average fuel consumption of just 11.1 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. The V* generates an output of 240 kW/ 362 bhp and 760 Nm of torque at engine speeds between 1,800 to 2,500 rpm, when it induces its impressive pulling power onto the crankshaft – 760 Nm of torque.. It can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.4 sec and has a maximum speed of 236 km/h.
The power of the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is transmitted via a a six-speed tiptronic gearbox and a sportily tuned quattro driveline that splits propulsive force 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear axle in normal situations.
The 8-cylinder diesel is part of the new V-engine family. The TDI has a maintenance-free chain drive on the gearbox side for its four camshafts and ancillaries. With an overall lenght of just 520 millimetres, the angle between the cylinder banks is 90 degrees and the cylinder spacing 90 millimetres. Also the weight of the engine is low; namely 257 kgs, since the crankcase is made of the high-tech material vermicular graphite cast iron.
It is an extraordinary model. The cylinders are of cast aluminiun, the crankshaft is forged from chrome-molybdenum alloy steel. The 32 valves are actuated by the lower friction cam followers.

The two turbochargers with variable-geometry turbines provide solid torque even at low engine speeds while still allowing a high power output. The temperature of the compressed air is reduced by large charge-air coolers. The common rail fuel injection system contains compact Piezo inline injectors that are extremely precise and fast switching. They are capable of up to five injection sequences per working cycle.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is equipped as standard with the six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. The dynamic shift program (DSP) manages the gearshifts, whereby it adjusts itself to the driver's style and to the characteristics of the road. The S programme that is offered by the new model supports a particularly dynamic driving style since it is a special sport programme. It allows the driver to intervene anytime, either at the gear gate for the selector lever or at the optional paddles on the steering wheel.
The standard convenience equipment makes Audi Q7 4.2 TDI the best. You may feel like an aristocrat in the interior of the car because of the leather design package. It includes inlays in three different types of wood or aluminium, and seat upholstery in Cricket leather. Numerous interesting features are available for the dynamic lines of the exterior and for the spacious interior of the 5.09-metre-long Audi Q7: 21-inch wheels, the "open sky system" glass roof or the rail system for the generous luggage compartment, which has a capacity of up to 2,035 litres. The front seats are electrically heated as standard and are extremely variable. The 4.2 TDI is available as a 5, 6 or 7-seater. A 4-seater version will be available at a later date.

An on-board computer, cruise control system and multifunction steering wheel enhance comfort for the driver. The much-praised "MMI basic" control system is also fitted as standard. A practical tool is the electrically driven tailgate, whose opening angle can be programmed. The electric tailgate makes lighter work of loading. A new feature is the Audi lane assist system, which emits a pulse to inform the driver before he inadvertently crosses a line on the carriageway.

This dynamic presence is supported by the running gear on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI. Whether in rough terrain or on the road, where handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort set the standards, it can master all these challanges. A maximum of rolling comfort combined with sportiness is offered by the adaptive air suspension, fitted as standard. The adaptive air suspension can be set to any three maps from very sporty to very comfortable. In addition, the system gains five ground clearance settings. Up to 205 millimetres of air under the vehicle (offroad mode) is usually enough even on demanding terrain. The rear can be lowered by 71 mm for comfortable loading.
The Audi Q7 running gear is characterised by four sporty 18-inch alloy wheels with size 255/55 tyres that are independently mounted on double wishbones. The axle components are made largely of aluminium. The servotronic steering is very direct and precise, giving a feeling of excellent road contact. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI runs on. Behind them, the four brake discs are internally ventilated and generously dimensioned – 350 millimetres in diameter on the front axle and 358 millimetres on the rear axle. The front brake callipers employ 6-piston technology, like on a top sports car.

Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI has a self-locking centre differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split. During normal operation, it transmits the drive force with a ratio 40:60 to the front and rear axles respectively. If needed, torque is distributed at varying ratios between the front and read axles according to the level of grip: optimum traction is provided at all times. This ultramodern quattro technology provides for sporty characteristics reminiscent of a rear-wheel drive vehicle, for exceptional agility and for a steering precision that is to the greatest possible extent free of influences from the driveline.

A range of assistance systems makes driving in Audi's performance SUV even safer.

A new technology that is enjoying its debut in the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI and makes it even safer is Audi lane assist. The driver is informed about the lane, whether it is left upwards of a speed of around 65 km/h. If the driver has not indicated during the activation time of the system, no sooner does the vehicle cross the line marking, then the driver is alerted. The system makes the steering wheel vibrate.
Optional Audi adaptive cruise control is a radar-supported cruise control system incorporating active distance control. It can be combined with the "braking guard" brake assist system, if needed.

Audi's "side assist system" employs radar technology to monitor the blind spot and inform the driver if it is dangerous to change lanes. The "Audi parking system advanced" uses a camera for the view to the rear. The aid lines on the monitor make parking an enjoyable task.