Just in case you thought the new Q7 V12 TDI wasn't ridiculous enough with its 757.5 lb-ft of torque, Audi has made this nautically-themed Q7 Coastline Concept. Though we've gotta say that while this thing certainly is a land yacht, Audi missed the boat by not fully capitalizing on the maritime theme. First off, any ego-stroking self-respecting yacht owner needs a captain's hat, and plainly there is none such haberdashery included. There's also a very embarrassing lack of a "tender" vehicle; you would think that with all that V12 TDI torque you'd at least be able to tow along a Rinspeed sQuba or two. And while all the dark smoked oak trim is nice, we also wish the steering wheel was wooden with external spoke-handles. Oh, and the gear selector should be a big, brass lever. However there is one extravagance the we really like on the Q7 Coastline: the sun deck, which is just perfect for catching a tan... oh wait, that's the roof.

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.

While we were playing with Audi's smaller V8-powered diesel Q7 (thanks to the folks at Honeywell), it looks like the multi-ringed brand was working on taking the rocket-powered powerhouse of an SUV to a whole new oil-burning level with the new Audi Q7 V12 TDI. With the new bigger, longer and more uncut diesel engine under the hood it officially makes the new Q7 the most powerful diesel-powered passenger vehicle around. That big 6.0-liter engine generates a whopping 500 HP and (wait for it) an astonishing 757.5 lb-ft of torque. That means the new Q7 has a 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) time of just 5.5 seconds. On average, it requires just 11.9 liters of fuel per 100 km — a figure translating to roughly 19.77 MPG. Do want. Oh yes, definitely do want. Presales of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI will begin in Germany during the second half of 2008 and we're of the assumption people will be calling it a 2009 model. Full details below the jump.

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.

We'll admit it, we've been teases this week. Two forbidden diesels and nary a whisper of fuel economy. Well, today you get the goods. We aren't going to give you the standard "this is what we got in the city and this is what we got on the highway" spiel, because you can find that anywhere. Officially, the Civic does about 41/56, Q7 does 19/21. Booorrr-ing. What we're going to do is hypermile these cars. Although, much like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, we're not sure you can handle the truth. To be perfectly honest, we were shocked ourselves. Shocked and giddy, like a bunch of little girls splashing around in a pool of glistening diesel. Before you click through and watch the video, we need to lay down some facts. What we did can be repeated by anyone. There were no tricks, no cheats. Hell, we didn't even make that much of an effort. The footage you're about to enjoy isn't necessarily exciting, but from an engineering standpoint, it's smack-you-in-the-mouth amazing.

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.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

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

326 horsepower, 550 lb.ft. or torque, 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, top speed of 146 mph, acres of leather, panoramic sunroof, auto-manual six speed, multi-setting air suspension, power everything, parking assist... the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI practically bribes its occupants into loving it. It's hard to provide an objective review of a car which seems to do everything better than any other car in its class. Spending time with the Q7 oil burner, you get the distinct feeling we are getting the shaft with the gasoline versions.

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

In the wake of the diesel tide that was the Detroit Auto Show, we decided to hoodwink talk our friends at Honeywell into providing us with some of the most forbidden fruits of the Euro-spec diesel world. As a result we've been living and commuting with the not-for-the-USA 2007 Honda Civic i-CTDi and the 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI for the last week. Over the next three days we'll be laying out our reviews of these cars and of how they fit the driving habits of the average American consumer. We'll be reviewing them separately today and tomorrow, with something special planned for Friday so sit back and enjoy the oil burning ride.

It's darn near an epidemic. As unlikely as it may seem, we have captured pictures of another Google Street View accident. Not only is this one more dramatic, it features a much healthier dollop of schadenfreude. Where before we had a random car crash, here we have a double luxo-SUV smash-up featuring the fancy pants Audi Q7 and Landie's Range Rover outside of the Phoenix Country Club. Feel that? That's stereotype humor rocking your socks off. Take solice in that there is still an element of 'WTF?'. Somehow that Range Rover finished the action upside down, and considering the extent of the damage we're surprised to see the occupant dutifully taking down insurance info. This is making us wonder how many Street View accidents there are out there.[Google Maps]

A number of Audi fan forums across the internet have a spreadsheet showing up that purportedly shows a list of each and every product launch in Germany for 2008 (high-res shot here). Included in the spreadsheet are such noted notables as the Q5 and Q7 V12 TDI at the end of the third quarter, the Audi TT-S listed in the second quarter and the A4 Avant is listed with a spring 2008 reveal. But, what's most interesting is the power number revealed by the document for the Audi TT-S.

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.

Earlier this year at the Detroit show, we eyeballed a snow-white SUV prototype whose purity-implying paint scheme belied the sooty oil burner hidden within. Admittedly, the metaphor of that Audi Q7 concept stretches thin, considering the Audi V12 TDI under the hood is far less emmisive than diesel-fired smokers of the past, and potent enough for Audi's Le Mans racers (in racing trim, natch). Back then, Audi reps stood mute on the subject of release date, satisfied enough with dropping the hint and moving on. But as Dutch auto mag Autotelegraaf reports, the twelve-banger Q7 is on the European docket for the second half of 2008 as a 2009 model. It won't have the full Le Mans monte, but will likely get the concept's 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, giving it the potential to become the most exciting new vehicle in years, and a fitting amuse bouche hinting at a sumptuous main course. That is, yet-unconfirmed Audi R8 V12 TDI. We've got one word for ya, kid. Oil. [Autotelegraaf via The German Car Blog]

Germany's JE Design, those wicked Leingarteners, have finally put a bow on their tuned Audi 4.2-liter V8. And they've done it in context of the Q7 SUV, which they've bulked up with a body kit, 22-inch wheels and suspension kit. A supercharger provides the boost to 500 horsepower (from 350) and 443 lb-ft of torque, along with a water-fed intercooler, sport exhaust up to the header and computer tweaks. The result is zero to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 169 mph. If there's a footballer or oil scion on your list, consider this one first. [via World Car Fans]

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.

We tossed it over the back fence back in January, and now the UK web car daily AutoExpress has caught it. They've supposedly uncovered that Audi's made a decision on the deets for the oil-burning torque-heavy version of the supercar that we've been tweaking as of late. They claim the Brucegasmic automaker will drop the 4.2-liter V8 TDI engine that's currently powering the Q7 SUV into the engine bay of the R8. In The Q7, it produces 322 HP with 561 lb-ft of torque but AutoExpress claims this morning they'll be further tuning that engine up to 350 hp and 590 lb-ft o' torque. When hooked up to either the R8's six-speed manual or the six-speed R-tronic tranny, they're betting the R8 should be capable of about a five second 0-60 time with a top speed of 160 mph. But here's the kicker — it'll get 30 mpg. Both quick and fuel-efficient and wait, there's more — the diesel version supposedly will drop with a price tag around $30,000 less than the petrol version in Europe. Maybe we'll wait to spot the diesel version rather than the silly little gas one Audi has traipsing around town. – Ray Wert

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

Related:
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]

Sure, the Audi Q7 rated five stars in NHTSA crash tests, but it still only gets half that many in style stars. Plus, its Euro V6 3.0-liter TDI is only half an engine, compared to the new V12 TDI coming out next year. But German tuning shop B&B's TDI kit adds more perkiness to the oil-burning six, winding it up to 300hp, with a peak of 442 lbs-ft of torque (more than half the V12's 493 hp and 737 lbs-ft, to make an irrelevant comparison). When Audi puts out its Q7 4.2 TDI (from the Audi A8), B&B says its work product will be good for 385 hp and 590 lbs-ft. Performance wise, the company's 3.0 TDI can go from zero to 62 mph in under 8 seconds, on to a top speed of 143 mph. And with the 4.2-liter V8 TDI, performance will likely push the diesel bus even closer into sports-car territory. B&B also does a number on the suspension, reducing ride height by up to 50mm, then adding a choice of its own wheels — from simple dubs to 23 inchers. An aero kit from Caractere finishes the package in a more tasteful manner than that from the company's colleagues at Nothelle (no need to revisit that one). – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Audi Reveals Q7 Sporting LeMans-Winning V12 Diesel; Oh, Now That's Tasteful: JE Design's Audi Q7 [internal]

Well, they did it. The first Audi series model to sport an engine derived from that of its LeMans-winning oil burner is on its way, and it's not the A8. You may recall the V12 TDI that embarassed competitors by supplying enough torque to pull one of Abraham Lincoln's teeth off Mt. Rushmore. Now, Audi's revealed it's the Q7 SUV that will sport the six-liter TDI. The common-rail diesel dozen-banger will produce 493 hp and 737 lbs-ft of torque (those numbers look much better in metric — 500 PS and 1000 Nm) in the SUV, which will get a new six-speed tiptronic gearbox (and quattro four-wheel drive). No word on release date or price, but we'd imagine all will be revaled in Paris. Click through for more pics.

Related:
Q7 Gets R10'd: Le Mans-Derived Diesel for Audi SUV [internal]

JE Design isn't exactly known for its elegant body kits. The company's ground-effects add-ons have always challenged good taste — they've been known to make even a staid SUV look like something from an Osaka parking lot on Go Crazee Custom day. But the fittings it's worked up for the Audi Q7 are on another plane altogether. Done up in full JE drag, this Audi's been transformed from a so-so-looking truckster into something you might see carved into a couch in an insane asylum. It looks like JC Whitney exploded. It looks like... Click through for more extreme badness.

Related:
Toureg Tuner: JE Design's Take on the VW SUV

Picture the kid who drove a Ford Sierra that he desperately wished was an XR4i or Cosworth. In his fits of Walter Mittyness, he tacked on many gaudy and inappropriate gewgaws in pursuit of the look of speed. Now, 18-20 years later, he's got a great job and a couple of kids. He wants an SUV. The Audi Q7, perhaps. To give him the final push over the edge, JE Design created this vehicle. Actually, we're just extrapolating from the pic, 'cuz the article's in Dutch. Still, we can't figure out any other explanation for this atrocity.

Audi Q7 door JE Design [Autoblog.nl]

Related:
Nothelle Body Kit for the Audi Q7 [Internal]

No, the Q7 isn't available to the public quite yet, but VW tuning house Nothelle has a body kit ready to go when Audi's new suvie hits the streets later this year. Made from lightweight fleXcompound and sporting an inner surface of carbon-fiber for strength, the components are purely cosmetic, and don't affect the Q7's existing accessories "down there," like the Parktronic system, fog lights, and headlamp washers. No word on price yet, but figure a couple grand at the least.

Nothelle Fine-Tunes Audi Q7...Before It Even Debuts [Edmunds]

Related:
Nothelle 210 Gladius: An Armed and Dangerous Audi [internal]

Audi's chosen the Essen tuner confab to launch a one of its own in-house tuners, the S4 Cabrio — which gets the same 4.2-liter V8 as its hardtop sibling — and one kind-of tuner, the Q7 S Line — a sports-package version of its new SUV with upgrades like a sports suspension and 21" wheels. To be fare, the S-Line truck is primarily a showcase vehicle for the company's line of aftermarket accessories, lest we get the impression that the company was building an SQ7, or (perish the thought) an RSQ7. That would be just madness. Sigh.

More at Dubspeed Driven

Related:
More Q7 News [internal]

Over the weekend, a new ad for the Audi Q7 aired on German television. The 40-second spot, shot on location in Iceland and Czechoslovakia, and in a special-effects studio in Paris, features three, quick-cut segments of physics-defying perspective, co-starring an Audi Sport Quattro S1 "Pikes Peak" (pictured), Quattro 200 TransAm, an Audi V8 quattro DTM — as well as the Q7 star. The Audi-commissioned song "Streets of Tomorrow," sung by unknown Carla Vallet, provides a hauntingly hooky hokey sound bed for all the visual fireworks. Check it. (Note: Audi called in 27 composers, producers, sound engineers and sound technicians to create that song, which it hopes evokes the "progressiveness" of the brand. You be the judge.)

Q7 Ad (reg. req.) [Audi Q7 Globe]

See also Audi MC Escher spot (.MOV)

One of the most surprising pieces of news out of Frankfurt today (or least, depending on your propensity to believe gossip), was Audi's announcement that it's working on a full hybrid-drive system for the new Q7. The system, developed with with papa Volkswagen and (cousin twice removed), Porsche, is set to appear in 2008. It uses Audi's sweet 4.2 FSI V8, supplemented by a Nickel Metal Hydrate (NiMH) electric motor in full-hybrid dress, taking over for the V8 in, say, city traffic, as well as boosting zero-to-62 time to 6.8 seconds (not bad for an SUV). The company expects a 13% improvement in fuel economy, which is modest — though considering the extra powerplant and fixtures will add around 300lbs to the bruiser (or 5,313lbs total), we're not exactly surprised. Watch to see if Porsche makes a similar announcement tomorrow.

Related:
Porsche Looking to Build Hybrid Cayenne; Frankfurt Premiere: Audi Q7 Hybrid Coming in 2008 [internal]

After months of leading us by the hook in our gullet, Audi released official photos of its new Q7 SUV, naked to the world. Gone are the masked logos and false tail lamps, the spies have all gone on to deeper cover and the Audi PR gang is gearing up for the big Frankfurt carnival of cars (with apologies to AutoMuse). The Audi Q7 will be available to order starting the first day of its official launch, which coincides with the press unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show on September 12, 2005, with the first deliveries set to arrive during the (say what?) first quarter of 2006. (But hey, don't rush on our account.)

· European buyers get a choice of two engines, Audi's 350hp (324 ft/lbs) direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 FSI and its 233 hp (369 ft/lbs) 3.0 TDI common-rail six; both come with six-speed tiptronic.

· Quattro permanent four-wheel drive with Torsen center differential, with a front/rear torque split of 40/60

· Independent suspension with double wishbones front and rear. Steel-spring suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers are designed for sporty driving and superior comfort, even off-road.

· Eighteen-inch light alloy wheels with 235/60 tires (eight-cylinder: 255/55), with optional 19" and 20" wheels.

· Optional adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled damping and dynamic roll stabilization.

· Variable ground clearance with on-road and off-road settings, and can be lowered to assist in loading cargo.

· Optional driver assistance systems, such as Audi side assist with radar technology for lane-changing and parking system with optical/acoustic guidance and rear-view camera.

· The ESP system includes hill-descent assist, with an off-road mode for loose surfaces and trailer stabilization system that prevents fishtailing using targeted brake intervention.

· The base price for the Q7 3.0 TDI model in Germany is 48,900 ($60,000).

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the Audi Q7; Spy Photos: Audi s Q7; The Lost Camera Angle;
Here They Come: Audi Releases First Official Shots of Q7 [internal]

Audi released the first official photos of its Q7 SUV today. They're not the official-official ones, which won't be out until its official unveiling in Frankfurt in September. In fact, they're kind of just sanctioned spy photos, with Audi logos blacked out, and a, frankly juvenile, attempt at disguising the taillight lens design still visible. Whatevs, guys. They also released some info on how rigorously the Q7 has been tested, climbing Pike's Peak, undergoing extreme temperatures in the Arctic Circle and the deserts of Southern Africa, bouncing down tracks of unpaved Central American roadway and — if they were really brave — steaming in rush hour on a Friday afternoon in July on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. As the Frankfurt show nears, get ready for more such "leaked" shots of cars slated to appear there.

Related:
Spy Photos: Audi s Q7; The Lost Camera Angle; Spy Photos: More on the Audi Q7 [internal]