Yesterday saw Audi reveal details of the new SQ7 which features an electric powered compressor (EPC), a world first in a production car. The SQ7 has a 4.0 litre V8 Biturbo TDI engine sitting underneath the bonnet which produces 429 bhp and will develop a very respectable 900Nm of torque. With the help of the EPC, the SQ7 will blast to 0-62 mph in only 4.8 seconds. I think you'll agree that is a very impressive figure indeed. This all adds up to this model being the most powerful SUV on sale and will have a limited top speed of 155 mph.
The engine will be married to an eight speed tiptronic gearbox which has been redesigned for the SQ7. Audi say that this new system will change gear 'extremely quickly and efficiently'. As mentioned at the top of the article the SQ7 will have an electric powered compressor which works with the two turbos to boost acceleration and will quell turbo lag. The EPC will be powered by a 48 volt subsystem that sits under the luggage compartment. Unlike a turbocharger, the EPC does not need exhaust gases to produce boost and therefore can be used at any time. In fact, Audi say that the EPC can get to work in just 250 milliseconds!
The clever engineering doesn't stop there however as the SQ7 will also have electromechanical active roll stabilisation which provides reduced body roll and increase ride comfort. On top of this the powerful SUV will have adaptive air suspension and rear wheel steering which turn the opposite way to the front wheels if needed. Thanks to lightweight materials the SQ7 is also the lightest SUV in it's segment. Prices are said to be around £70,000 which orders starting in May and deliveries coming in August.
