Audi Q7 trims weight, offers engine options galore

2016 Audi Q7 unveiled in Detroit

Not surprisingly, Audi reserved its unveiling of the new 2016 Audi Q7 for the land of pickup trucks and SUVs, by launching it at the 2015 Detroit Autoshow.

The front-end design of this second generation Q7 and takes queues from the grille of the recent Audi Q3, while the rear portion features altered tail light positioning. The new SUV is significantly lighter as well, since Audi has managed to drop a significant 325kg from the vehicle’s weight without compromising on interior space, largely due to replacing its V8 with a V6 TDI 3.0-liter engine churning out 272 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. torque.

Audi also plans to offer in some markets an efficiency version Q7, which will feature a 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft, torque, which should be plenty powerful enough. For those who want a little more juice under the right foot, Audi will also offer a version featuring a compressed V6 with 333-horsepower.

All versions will employ an automatic gearbox eight-speed with manual shift override.

The manufacturer has also confirmed the arrival of a plug-in hybrid Q7 e-tron version, equipped with a turbo-diesel engine and an electric motor integrated in the transmission. The available power increases to 373 horsepower, torque to 516 lb-ft, while the average fuel consumption announced is 1.7 L/100 km.

Marketing will begin later this year.