We’ve heard a lot about Audi’s intentions to add a sporty “S” version to its new Q7 luxury SUV range and now we have hard proof that it is indeed happening.
We scooped Audi engineers testing a SQ7 mule with some important differences over the regular 2nd-gen Q7, including the trademark “S” models’ quad pipes at the back, huge ceramic brakes on all four corners, and the most telling cue of all, the “SQ7” logo on the instrument dials.
Speaking of the dials, the fact that the tachometer only goes up to 6,000 rpm (without a visible redline), points to a diesel engine on this model.
Audi could use a variant of the prototype RS5 TDI’s 3.0-liter V6 TDI biturbo engine boosted by an electrically driven turbocharger to 380hp (385PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, or it could go for a bigger-displacement V8 featuring a similar ‘e-boost’ electric turbocharger system for even more power.
After what it did with the current SQ5 that gets both a 349hp (354PS) 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline unit in some markets (North America) and a 308hp (313PS) 3.0-liter turbo V6 diesel in others (Europe), we wouldn’t be surprised if Audi actually offers a gasoline version as well. In this case, the SQ7 would almost certainly use Audi’s new 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 found in the S8 where it delivers 435PS (429hp).
The production SQ7 would look more aggressive than this prototype gaining “S” style front and rear bumpers, rear diffuser, a roof spoiler and aluminum-effect mirror housings along with a lowered stance and even chunkier tires.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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