Styling upgrades for the Q7 are limited to reshaping some of the moldings and the front bumper, a minor tweak to the grille and new LED's sprinkled about. Inside, things get massaged with ambient color tweaks, a revised gauge cluster and swtichgear, but not much else.

The biggest changes are under-hood with the "clean diesel" 3.0 liter V6, which is equipped with a system called Adblue, a urea injection system, and an "energy recuperation technology" which engages the alternator to generate electricity while coasting and braking and stores it in the battery to reduce the demand on the engine. The system helps push fuel economy all the way up to 26.4 MPG. Not too bad for a full-sized SUV. It's also clean enough to kill almost all nitrous oxide emissions and meet the Euro 6 emissions requirements through 2014.

While it may not be a record number for some automakers, Audi AG has, for the first time, exceeded one million global sales in 2008. Thanks to the recent release of the new 2009 Audi A4 and the small 2009 Audi Q5 SUV, Audi was able to attain a total number of 1,003,400 sales globally, a 4.1 percent increase over last year’s 964,151 sales. December 2008 sales jumped 17.4 percent (82,800) over the previous year’s December sales (70,523).

We congratulate you, Audi in your sales success, but can we ask you to please bring back the Quattro Sport now that you’re a proven sales success? Thanks, we won’t forget it.

[via Fourtitude]

Audi A1
Starting at the bottom of the grid, the Audi A1 will maintain the currently planned 1.4 TFSI, but will get an 86 HP 1.2-liter TFSI good for a little less power but will be quite a bit easier on European wallets.

Audi S4
It seems the B8 Audi S4 will be returning to its twin-turbo V6 roots, as early as this coming November. News of this respite from V8 shenanigans comes with virtually all positive notes, considering the engine is to displace 3.0 L but grunt out 330 HP, only 10 shy of the current iteration. Add in lighter weight and the same treatment for the Avant versions and everyone's happy.

Audi S5
In September 2010 the S5 will be dumping its current V8 mill for the same twin-turbo 3.0 L TFSI V6 in the S4. This will be a cut in power, but like we said about the S4, it's not giving up much and will lighten up that porky bottom line. What's perhaps more interesting is the introduction of an Audi RS5. It will retain the same 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, but gets a whopping increase in power up to 450 HP. With such power on tap it's a good thing there will be a new 7-speed to keep it in check.

Audi S5 Sportback
The previously unknown S5 Sportback will be on sale as of September 2010 and will get the 3.0 L twin-turbo TFSI mated to a 6-speed manual, or a 7 speed auto. We're beginning to see a theme here with S-line engines, aren't you? Hopefully this new engine won't have many teething problems.

Audi A7 Sportback
Being called the Audi A7 "Sportback" leads us to believe this as-yet unseen and unheard of version of the A7 will have a certain wagony-goodness to it, but who knows. Perhaps it'll be a big old five door, swiping the hardware from the Skoda Superb. Anyway, we digress. The A7 Sportback gets a 2.8L FSI, a 3.0 L TFSI, and a bevy of oil burners. And now what's this? An S7 Sportback? Why yes, yes it is. And this one gets a 4.0 L TFSI with 395 HP! While that's no RS6 Avant, it's nothing to sneeze at.

Audi R8 Spyder
When we got the first images of that Audi R8 V10, we couldn't even speculate on a release date for the thing. Now we know the plan is for the hardtop version of the upgraded V10-powered R8 to roll out in June of 2009, and those wacky Germans are going to hack the top off and give you the R8 Spyder in March, 2010. The lesser 4.2 L V8 will follow a little later for the Spyder, just in case you were interested.

Audi Q7
While there's no earth shattering engine news on the Audi Q7 front, these docs report a facelift for the bulky-UV coming in August of next year. So, you know, if the looks are what keep you from taking the plunge, maybe wait a year and see if you like the changes.

There's an exhaustive breakdown of models, engines, and dates over at Audiblog, the original leakers. Good stuff fellas, now all the surprises are gone, thanks a lot (no, really). [via WCF]

Audi is presenting a very special concept car at the Geneva Motor Show: The Audi Q7 coastline combines the breathtaking power of a twelve-cylinder TDI with the elegant style of an exclusive yacht. A large part of the high-performance SUV's exterior and interior is bathed in a trendy white. Under the hood resides the world's strongest diesel engine in a series-production vehicle - the six-liter V12 capable of delivering 368 kW (500 hp) of power.

The Audi Q7 coastline comes in Inuit, a special white that creates a pearl effect reminiscent of the glistening luminance of the polar region. Audi, the leading brand in automotive design, initiated a popular trend with this color years ago - studies such as the white Shooting Brake Concept displayed at the Geneva Motor Show 2006 have become style-setters.

In contrast to the production version of the Q7 V12 TDI, the casing for the exterior mirrors on the Audi Q7 coastline is white as well; the single-frame radiator grill and the side air intake slots come in dark High Gloss Steel. The Audi Q7 coastline has the same body modifications as the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, with widened wheel arches and striking front and back bumpers that immediately catch the eye.

The equally stylish and trendy interior is dominated by alabaster white, a color popular on luxury yachts. Also in luminous white are the carpet, embroidered floor mats made of fine wool, pillar trim, roof lining, seat upholstery made of plush velvet and Valcona leather, seatbelts, steering wheel, the front of the cockpit and the door trim. The majority of the switches and controls as well as the instrument panel with cowl are likewise in this trendy color from Audi.

In the interior, additional accents are set by aluminum elements on components such as the air inlet nozzles and door handles. Further trendy touches include nut brown piping on the seats as well as fine brown piping on the instrument panel and the door. Parts of the armrest, the gearshift lever knob and the inner door sill trims are made of American walnut veneer in which thin strips made of dark smoked oak wood have been embedded as a further maritime reference. The same combination can also be found on the floor of the luggage compartment, which contains two integrated folding boxes. The wood is waxed, not varnished. As a result, the pores in the wood remain open, giving it a uniquely charming feel and silky glow.

Concentrated power and high efficiency: 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft)

Under the hood of the Audi Q7 coastline concept car resides a concentrated powerhouse: The V12 TDI is writing a whole new chapter in the annals of diesel technology. Drawing on 5,934 cm3 of displacement, the six-liter engine delivers 368 kW (500 hp) of power and an impressive 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. As a result, the vehicle performs like a world-class sportscar - sprinting from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). On average, the world's only 12-cylinder diesel engine in a passenger car uses just 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (19.77 mpg) - a much better figure than comparable gasoline engines from competitors.

The unique diesel power of the Audi Q7 with V12 TDI engine is not the only factor to render it the ultimate high-performance SUV. Equally sporty in nature are the vehicle's six-speed tiptronic and quattro drive as well as running gear with adaptive air suspension. Behind the large wheels are ceramic brake disks. A DVD navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and leather seats with electric heating and adjustment switches are symptomatic of the luxurious standards in the Audi Q7 coastline.

The New Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: The Ultimate High-Performance SUV

Audi is taking TDI technology to a whole new level with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro, the most powerful diesel-powered passenger vehicle in its class. The V12 engine under the hood generates 368 kW (500 hp) of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement, enabling the big SUV to perform like a sportscar. The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro represents a combination of superior power and efficient fuel consumption, an Audi hallmark. With its sporty chassis, modified body and exclusive equipment, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is the consummate high-performance SUV. quattro GmbH, a wholly owned Audi subsidiary, is responsible for production and development of the vehicle. Series production of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin this year.

Audi, the inventor of TDI technology, is penning a new chapter in the history of diesel engines with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro. The world's first V12 diesel engine in a series-production vehicle moves this big, high-performance SUV with supreme confidence and composure. On demand, the six-liter engine catapults the Audi Q7 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds like a top-class sportscar. Speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The 12-cylinder diesel engine is no less impressive when it comes to fuel consumption. On average, it requires just 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (19.77 mpg), a surprisingly good figure in light of the strength of the engine. The six-liter TDI uses significantly less fuel than any competing gasoline engine in the high-performance SUV sector; thanks to efficient combustion and the complex exhaust emission control system, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro already complies with future emissions standards.

Totally refined, high-tech engine

The V12 TDI captivates its drivers with sheer inexhaustible power and highly cultivated operation - the subtle engine sound takes on a voluminous, strong note when the throttle is open. The six-liter unit is a member of the modern family of Audi V engines, all of which have center-to-center spacing of 90 millimeters (3.54 inches) between cylinders. Instead of the usual 90 degrees, however, its cylinder angle measures 60 degrees. This method of construction is ideal for the V12 as it prohibits any undesirable free inertial forces and moments of inertia.

Another factor contributing to the vehicle's smooth running characteristics is the high rigidity of the crankcase. Made of cast vermicular graphite, it is approximately 15 percent lighter than conventional gray iron. The six-liter unit is extremely compact at just 684 millimeters (26.93 inches) in length. The crankshaft is held in place by a rigid main bearing bracket. The V12 TDI's engine capacity of 5,934 cc is derived from a bore measurement of 83.0 millimeters (3.27 inches) and a stroke of 91.4 millimeters (3.60 inches), just as in the 3.0 TDI.

The aluminum cylinder heads consist of three elements: the lower section where the intake and escape channels are integrated, the upper section which guides the flow of oil and a reinforced ladder frame containing the two camshafts driven by two simplex chains on the back of the engine. The valves are actuated by low-friction roller cam followers. Map-controlled flaps in the intake channels cause the induced air to swirl. This improves combustion, thus reducing emissions and enhancing performance.

High pressure: 2,000 bar in the common rail system

The common rail injection system, with high-pressure pumps driven by chains, can create pressure of up to 2,000 bar. The high pressure level permits intensive mixture formation of the fuel in the combustion chamber, thereby facilitating especially smooth, acoustically satisfying combustion. Shifting very rapidly and precisely, the eight-hole injectors working on the piezo principle can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle.

Two turbochargers are positioned on the exterior of the V engine, each supplied with a cylinder bank. Thanks to their adjustable guide vane geometry, they respond quickly even at low engine speeds and reach high levels of efficiency, applying a relative maximum boost pressure of 1.6 bar. Two large charged air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air, paving the way for the high output of 500 hp.

Outstanding performance paired with exceptional efficiency

The six-liter TDI unit is further impressive proof of the technological leadership embodied in Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" slogan. Back in 1989, the brand with the four rings put the TDI principle into series production and has been continually advancing it ever since at the forefront of the field. The most powerful diesel in its class generates an extremely high specific torque of 169 Nm (124.64 lb-ft) per liter of capacity; 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) is available at a range of 1,750 to 3,250 rpm. Specific power output is 62.0 kW (84.3 hp) - equivalent to that of a sportscar.

The new V12 TDI in the Audi Q7 is closely related to the engine that twice powered the Audi R10 TDI racing car to overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours - a 5.5-liter V12 that delivers approximately 480 kW (over 650 hp).

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro's powerful engine torque flows through a rapidly and gently shifting six-speed tiptronic that was specially designed for the six-liter diesel engine's immense torque. The driver can shift the gears of the automatic transmission either with the selector lever or manually with the standard chromed shift paddles on the three-spoke steering wheel.

The quattro drive distributes the power to the front and back wheels in a 40:60 ratio - giving the vehicle a sporty, rear-focused driving style that guarantees maximum agility and driving enjoyment. When needed, the inter-axle differential transfers most of the power to the axle with better traction. Great care has also been devoted to reinforcing all key components in the quattro driveline.

High tech from Audi: The aluminum chassis

The chassis of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro is a marvel of high-tech construction. Elaborate double wishbones guide the front and rear wheels; the axle components are made primarily of aluminum. Thanks to the extreme precision and directness of the servotronic steering, the driver remains in close contact with the road. This is where the handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort of the high-performance SUV set new standards. With maximum ground clearance of 205 millimeters (8.07 inches), the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro also proves itself easily capable of handling the demands of rough terrain.

The adaptive air suspension works with sporty new tuning. In combination with electronically controlled shock absorbers incorporating dynamic roll stabilization, the air suspension can be adjusted in three zones ranging from extremely comfortable to highly dynamic. The driver can also adjust ground clearance in five stages via this system and lower the tail end by 71 millimeters (2.80 inches) for comfortable loading.

Standard carbon-fiber ceramic brakes

The ultimate high-performance SUV from Audi takes to the road on sporty 10-spoke wheels of 20 inches in diameter. Alternatively, the wheels are also available in a 20-spoke design or as 21-inch variants in three different designs. Behind the large wheels is a powerful 20-inch brake system. Made of ceramic reinforced with carbon fiber, the internally ventilated disks are notable for their low weight, robust performance and minimum wear. The front disks are gripped by eight-piston brake calipers, while the rear brakes function with four pistons each. The calipers are titanium gray and the front ones bear the "Audi ceramic" logo.

The visual styling of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro gives it an unmistakable look. Daytime running lights consisting of twelve white LEDs per headlight announce the vehicle's presence even at a distance. They are located on the upper edge of the air intake slots, replacing the turn signals that were moved to the bi-xenon headlights. Further honing the vehicle's profile is a chromed grid in the single-frame radiator grill and a shiny underbody protector made of stainless steel. The newly designed bumper groups the side air intake slots into large units.

When viewed from the side, both the 20-inch wheels and the matt aluminum caps on the exterior mirrors catch the eye. The wheel arches have been widened a total of 26 millimeters (1.02 inches) at the front and 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) at the rear; the lower edges of the doors flaunt striking new moldings. The windows are framed by matt aluminum cover strips, the roof rails sport the same look. The taillights are set in a dark-colored background, while the newly designed bumper incorporates two large, oval exhaust tailpipes. At the rear, the underbody protector is also made from stainless steel. A metallic or pearl effect finish comes standard.

Sophisticated: Highlights on board the Audi Q7 V12 TDI

In the interior of the most powerful Audi Q7, passengers will find shiny door sill trim with aluminum inserts and velours carpet. Carbon covers and the aluminum-look selector lever give the center tunnel a high-tech ambience, exclusive wood trim is available as an option. The buttons of the MMI operating system, which has proven a superior concept in numerous independent tests, gleam in silver, the air vents in aluminum, the pedals and footrest in stainless steel. On the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h (192.63 mph).

Verano leather covers the electrically adjustable sport seats, the deluxe center armrest and the armrests in the doors are upholstered with leather as well. The front and rear seats can be heated; a special lighting package softly illuminates the interior.

Also included in the luxurious standard specification are the leather package, leather multi-function sports steering wheel, black roof lining, folding exterior mirrors, DVD navigation system, Bose Surround Sound system with CD changer, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, alarm system and tire pressure monitoring system. The tailgate opens and closes electronically. Partially overlapping the D-pillars, it gives the vehicle a brawny rear body.

There are four optional high-tech assistance systems for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: The adaptive cruise control system, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist aid the driver in maintaining the proper distance to the vehicle ahead, staying in lane and changing lane, while Audi parking system advanced incorporates a camera for a clear view behind the vehicle.

The optional Audi music interface offers a convenient iPod interface. Available on request, the B&O Advanced Sound System creates an unparalleled acoustic experience. An even more comfortable interior can be achieved with the advanced leather package that includes, among other things, exclusive leather covering of the instrument panel and center console.

The large glass roof open sky system is available to crown the spacious interior - optionally with four, five, six or seven variable seats - as is a rail system for the cargo area of up to 2,035 liters in size.

Presales of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin in the second half of 2008. The most powerful diesel vehicle in its class is the exclusive top-of-the-line model in the Q7 range.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.

Stop! Stop the video right now. I know it's tempting to run it, but we need to tell you exactly what we did first, by the numbers, so you can fully grasp the dramatic results. On the way to and from the Chicago Auto Show—overlooking the comedic jackassery Ray provided—our mission was to see how high we could push the mileage on these cars while driving them in the manner of a your average skinflint consumer. We hacked nothing off the cars to reduce weight, and we added no special taping or streamlining to enhance the aerodynamics. In fact, we really didn't do nuthin' to enhance the mileage capabilities of these rides. As for go juice, the newly de rigeur low-sulfer diesel fuel, as sanctioned by the EPA, was used in all tests. Same stuff you get when you pull up to the pump.

The 2007 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDi was tested under what we considered a "normal use" situation, one occupant (myself), with a weekend suitcase and a computer bag. The 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI was tested with myself as the driver and the same cargo setup, but with the addition of our esteemed videographer, Mr. Mark Arnold, and his gear. Again, we recognize we didn't subject these vehicles to precisely the same conditions, but to conditions we consider the average load for each.

The route to Chicago we chose testing the Civic was notably unexciting. We set aside a roughly 105 mile path between the easternmost convenience plaza after the I-69, Toll Road 80/90 interchange, and the Portage convenience plaza. For reasons of personal incompetence, the eastbound return trip occurred between the same Portage convenience plaza and the first northbound I-69 exit after the the 80/90 to I-69 interchange. The only techniques in play where a judicious use of the gas pedal, coasting (for the manual-transmissioned Civic), and drafting behind semis, which was done at a safe but useful two-to-three car lengths. Jalopnik and Gawker Media in no way endorse tailgating semis, so copy this experiment at your own risk.

Now, restart the video.
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Yes, we know, 72.4 mpg is batshit cazy, but settle down, 'cause you haven't heard the Q7 numbers. Would you believe that a power plant capable of 550 lb.ft. of torque and a 6.4s 0-62 mph time, lugging around 5100 lbs and two svelte bloggers, returned 33.2 mpg? What was that about not handling the truth? Below are the conditions and calculations:

We are aware the gallons of fuel on the video for the Civic doesn't match with the calculation above, but we gave it a second squeeze and the final result was what you see. We have the goddamn receipts, skeptics. Soooo, the upshot? Here we have two stock vehicles you can't get in the US, delivering what everybody in their right mind would call impossible mileage, with little effort under less than ideal conditions. What does that mean to us? Well, it means all that bellyaching from automakers about unachievable CAFE targets and the less competitive, unsafe vehicles that would come from high targets is total, unadulterated bull-pucky. The solution to this pressing mileage-target legislation is an absolute no-brainer: Drop a diesel in everybody's lap and call it a day. 35 mpg from a passenger car should be child's play, if done right. This test only confirms—and frankly stokes—our burning desire for good, fun-to-drive, economical diesels on American roads. So where are they? They're elsewhere in the world. But here in the land of freedom and opportunity, the righteous and patriotic boosters of decent mileage numbers are forced to make do with runty gas-burners and do-gooder hybrids that don't exactly reward on the performance front. The times, they gotta change, and there's no reason they can't change like, um, right now.

Video production and voice over credit to Mark Arnold

Power. Absolute and unadulterated power. It extends into every facet of the vehicle; every button, every bolt, every joint and stitch. That sums up the character and content of the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI. It's almost like a throne from which one can exact his will upon the unknowing driving populace. The SUV is so infused with an unrelenting testosterone flush it's nearly impossible to avoid being consumed by its spell. You cannot drive this Q7 without driving it like you own the road.

Unending, unquestioned, at-the-ready torque. Ask and the twin turbocharged 4.2L V8 delivers in spades. With 550 lb.ft. of torque flowing through a well programmed automatic transmission, acceleration is sure, effortless, and intoxicating. Turbo lag is limited; each turbo dedicates its compression to its own bank of cylinders. The first half inch of pedal tip-in oddly provides little or no response, but beyond that, a crush of power is at your beck and call. If you didn't know you were driving a diesel, you would swear a well tuned gasoline V8 or even V10 was planted under the hood as the exhaust note is pure symphony.

With all that stump-pulling power, the all-wheel-drive system in concert with traction control provides sure footing in most driving situations. We will admit that at times the TC was a bit overzealous on icy grades, leaving us spinning tires where a lesser car would have done the job without hesitation. Granted we didn't change any of the settings, but still an annoyance. On the road, the system provides sure handling, especially when the lowest setting on the air suspension is selected. While it's certainly not carlike in its handling, it exhibited behavior much closer to a sedan then an SUV. Steering feedback is direct and precise with the smooth character we've come to expect of Audi's sedans.

When it comes to the interior, there's little to complain about. Coming from owning an A4 as I do, the Q7 is a comfortable and familiar place. Audi maintains the dramatic red lighting of the past and extends it into the intuitive and fairly easy to use screen. A click and rotate knob provides interaction for most car functions, while secondary knobs do the work for heating systems and the radio volume. Unfortunately, our unit was outfitted with a European nav system, so it was rendered useless—unless we were aiming for Bratislava.

An odd feature is the keyless start function. While Audi maintains it's trademark switchblade key fob, you have the option of using it in the ignition switch, or leaving it in your pocket and hitting the "Engine Start" button. The panoramic sunroof is a welcomed option and provides a light and airy cabin, even though everything is swaddled in three shades of pitch black leather. Shift into reverse and the rearview camera displays what's behind you as well as a constantly updated vehicle path on the main screen. While skeptics of such fancy wizardry, this feature in conjunction with perimeter proximity sensors helped us get into parallel spots we would have normally passed on.

Our conclusion is going to look familiar. The 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI does nothing poorly. In fact, we'd go so far as to say it does everything well. We'd go even further and say it excels at a great many things. A bit smitten? Perhaps. But it's been a lot of cars and an even longer line of SUVs since we've enjoyed a motoring experience as much as our time with the diesel Q7.

Photography by Chis Doane

The document claims the new S-uperpowered TT is rated at a mere 269 HP, much lower than the predicted 280 horses sources claimed the new up-powered TT would achieve with the 2.0-liter TFSI engine found in the S3. Will TT-heads still buy it? Our bet is yes — but it surely disappoints given the previous conjecture. Well, who knows — maybe it's just Audi low-balling their HP numbers again.

Press Release:

JE DESIGN Q7 WIDEBODY

It has been nearly a year since JE Design released the Audi Q7 Widebody featuring a power boost for the 3.0 V6 TDI engine from 171 kW/233 bhp and 500 Nm to 210 kW/285 bhp and 550 Nm. Now the Volkswagen, Audi and Seat tuning specialists have boosted the 4.2-litre V8.

The regular Audi Q7 4.2-litre packs 350 bhp/440 Nm with a top speed of 151mph(243km/h), and a 0-62mph of 7.4. With the help of JE Design, this power is boosted to no less than 500 supercharged horses and 600Nm of torque, top speed rises to an impressive 169mph(271km/h) with 0-62mph achievable in just 5.6 seconds.

The supercharger conversion includes a water-cooled intercooler, an exhaust system from the manifold, special forged pistons and modified engine management. JE DESIGN also takes care to ensure that the Q7 still complies with the emissions regulations.

Featuring the Powerful wide body styling kit, the Audi Q7 Widebody is rounded off with an electonically lowered suspension and JE Design rims.

* Powerful wide body styling kit
* Performance upgrade to 368 kW / 500 bhp und 600 Nm
* 22-inch wheels and electronically lowered suspension

True to the motto of "everything or nothing", the car styling specialist from Leingarten,Germany, customizes the Q7 to create an impressive car. In addition to the muscular wide body kit, which makes this Audi look even more powerful, JE DESIGN is also offering a performance enhancement, new rims and an electronically lowered suspension.
Brute supercharger power!
2.3 tons of unladen weight are not that easy to gloss over. With that much weight, every scrap of power and every Newton meter of torque counts. The basic specifications of the 4.2-litre Audi Q7 do indeed make quite an impressive read. After all, 257 kW / 350 bhp, 440 Nm at 3500 rpm, a top speed of 151 mph and 7.4 seconds for the sprint from 0 - 62 mph are not exactly chicken feed. But JE DESIGN turns the Q7 into real high-flyer, with no less than 500 supercharged horses (368 kW) rearing and bucking under the hood. 600 Nm of torque, available at 3,850 rpm, propel this heavyweight from a standstill to 62 mph in just 5.6 seconds. And it does not stop till it reaches an impressive 169 mph. The supercharger conversion includes a water-cooled intercooler, an exhaust system from the manifold, special forged pistons and modified engine management. JE DESIGN also takes care to ensure that the Q7 still complies with the emissions regulations. The conversion also includes TÜV certification.

Muscular styling kit
JE DESIGN lends the Audi Q7 greater width and an awesome-looking stance. The styling kit includes headlamp lens caps, which lend the car a more aggressive look. Fitting the impressive front spoiler helps to reduce lift. It can also lend the Q7 greater prestige when overtaking. Also, it is possible to equip this Audi SUV with a set of JE DESIGN twin headlamps, which look far better than the original headlamp design. JE DESIGN enhances the appearance of the rear end by equipping the Q7 with a new tailgate skirt attachment, which incorporates diamond-shaped openings on the right and left. In each of these openings belongs a JE DESIGN dual tailpipe from made permanently shiny, corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

The upper part of the rear end is also spectacular, which JE DESIGN adorns with a wing spoiler tail fin including a C-pillar trim. A feature that is sure to get heads turning. The same also applies to the JE DESIGN fender flare kit "WIDE BODY", for which matching door panels are also available. In front of the rear fenders, air inlets lend the car a sportier look, without appearing "plump". JE DESIGN is offering the muscular look as a complete body-styling kit which is cheaper than buying all single parts piece by piece.

Which rim?
Also when it comes to rims, JE DESIGN does not miss a thing. First off, the tuning specialist offers its complete set of wheels JE DESIGN "361" in the dimension 10 x 22 ET 20 (front) and ET 10 (rear) fitted with size 295 / 30 R 22 Y tires. The rims are also sold separately and are specially adapted to the wide body kit. Secondly, JE DESIGN offers a complete set of wheels AZEV "R-Wheel" in the dimension 10 x 22 ET 50 with size 295 / 30 R 22 Y tires. These rims are also sold separately . For rims with a wheel offset of 50, JE DESIGN recommends using its aluminum track extensions, which add an extra 60 mm width on the front axle and as much as 80 mm on the rear axle.

The fine figure of the JE DESIGN Q7 is rounded off by an electronically lowered suspension, which the car customizer from Leingarten offers for cars with air suspension and which finally helps the JE DESIGN Q7 to morph into a true racing SUV.

Audi R8 Gallery

Now R8 supercar goes diesel [Auto Express]

Related:
Over the Back Fence: Audi Execs Considering R8 TDI; Red Hot Spy Photos: V10 Audi R8 Mule Goes Up In Flames On Nürburgring!; R8 Spotting around town [internal]

At the Frankfurt auto show in 2005, in between shots of espresso and facefulls of the Official Media Center Vegetable Soup, we heard from Porsche that the company was working on a hybrid-drive system for its Cayenne SUV and those that share its platform — that's Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. It was a five-year plan, with the first such models arriving in 2010. Now, According to German magazine Automobilewoche (that's automobile week to you, sparky) the Touareg will be the first VW to be powered by the gas-electric powerplant, a nod toward the available margin in the SUV's price structure to accommodate the system's $2,000+ premium. No word on the off-roadability of such a vehicle, but we'd imagine mudders will be hamstrung by the persnickety electric motor, unless VW comes up with a more hardcore system. – Mike Spinelli

Touareg to be VW's first hybrid [Motor Authority]

Related:
Porsche Looking to Build Hybrid Cayenne [internal]

Your intrepid in house hipster Davey G. covered the unbelievable precision of Seal unveiling the Audi Q7 V12 TDI last Sunday, but he left out a very important and improbable part: cargo room. Tucked into the boot of this 738 foot-pound monster of metal, plastic, rubber, glass and bleached calf skins was one of the raddest sleds I've seen in a long time. Crafted of aluminum and rubber with a seat finished in alcantara, it practically begs to be thrown down a mountain against lesser competitors from Peugeot, Citroen, and Subaru. Just look at those controls, the graceful arch of the rudders, the ergonomic rider position; such, I don't know, precision? – Ben Wojdyla

Related:
ALUMINUM UND SEAL! Audi Q7 Bluetec Reveal in Detroit [internal]

Yesterday, Audi rolled out its Q7 TDI V12 concept — an ultra-swank wrapper for the Le Mans winning dozen-banger that will show up in a production Q7 this year. As announced earlier, the pedestrian version of the largest and most precise of Audi's TDIs will have 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Plenty enough to pull horse trailers on Sunday and chase the pool boy down the drive in a jealous, gin-and-tonic-induced rage on Monday.

Related:
Audi Reveals Q7 Sporting LeMans-Winning V12 Diesel [internal]

VW/Audi tuner Abt Sportsline has launched its hotted-up version of the 4.2-liter V8-powered Audi Q7, giving it a boost to 500 horsepower. Such extra juice gives the Audi Q7 bus a 0-to-60 time of 5.9 seconds and new top speed of 162 mph. Ok, so it's not a rocket ship, but we just had an idea. How about a kind of Craftsman Series that pitted German full-sized SUVs against each other on the oval? Maybe it could be called the Kraftwerk Series. Who's with me? – Mike Spinelli

Abt AS7-R und Abt AS7 - Die besondere Variante des Performance SUV [Abt]

Related:
Abt Pupil: Tuning Volkswagen's Jetta TDI [internal]

Audi made a full-court PR press on Los Jalopniks by feeding us very fine foods and having us speak with Germans. We love talking to Germans. They're so, so, so...precise. At one point Audi PR operative Celeste Atkinson introduced me as "Davey from Jalopnik, who both loves us and hates us," in reference to the Winterkorn incident in Paris and my disappointment with the RS4.

I was chauffeured in a Q7 from the LA Convention Center to Rodeo Drive, where I ran into Bullrun organizers Dave Green and Andy Duncan (above), who claim the '07 Key West-to-Montreal dash will be the best one yet. After a nice Moroccan meal at Social in West Hollywood, part of which had been shut down for our use, they opened the floodgates and a stream of WeHo hipster yahoos showed up. Annoyingly, I have no photos from the meal, as they charged me five smacks to check my camera, I tried to stick it out, but ended up running for the safety of the Q7 and home. Pedro, sweet Pedro. [Full disclosure: Audi paid for everything — except the checking of the camera.] – Davey G. Johnson

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Ze TT is a Car for Our Desperate Housewives [Internal]

The Audi Q7 is becoming one of the most heavily messed-with SUV models in tuner-shop history. This time, it's PPI who's doing the tweaking — first with a body kit, then with three stages of engine tuning, up to 600 hp. All they've got to show is a few digitally enhanced images, but we'd imagine some footballer or other will show up at the next World Cup afterparty in a real one. – Mike Spinelli

World Premiere of the PS Q7 by PPI [Fourtitude]

Related:
Oh, Now That's Tasteful: JE Design's Audi Q7 [internal]