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Audi unveils the new Q7 and the new A4 Cabriolet at the IAA Show

Audi has unveiled a vehicle that marks a superlative new development in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. The Audi Q7 ingeniously combines sportiness and versatility, sophisticated technology and the luxury of a premium-class vehicle. On the road it excels with the performance and driving dynamics of a sports car; off-road it redefines the benchmark in its category. A vehicle that outwardly makes no secret of its qualities and whose technology delivers on its promise – on any road and in all conditions. The Audi Q7 – the performance SUV from the creator of quattro.

The new seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV is the brand’s first ever large luxury off-road vehicle. It will initially be powered by 4.2 V8 FSI (350PS) and 3.0 TDI (233PS) engines, and will offer genuine all-terrain agility helped by variable height adaptive air suspension

The Audi Q7 sets new trends through its design alone. Characteristic Audi dynamism is reflected in the broad curve of the roof line and the distinctive high body surface in relation to the flat window area. The dynamic sweep of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-posts fashion a coupé-like silhouette. Equally typical of the current Audi formal idiom are the shoulder line and dynamic line, which define the side section. The paintwork option of two contrasting body colours creates a particularly striking look. Eleven basic colours are available, three of which are reserved exclusively for the Q7.

With a length of 5,086 millimetres and a wheelbase of exactly 3,002 millimetres (width: 1,983 mm / height 1,737 mm), the Q7 takes the lead in the SUV contest. Its occupants benefit from the comfort of incomparable spaciousness and a new dimension in versatility: no less than 28 seating and loading configurations are possible in the Q7.

Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in three rows of seats. The seats in the second row are individually adjustable for fore/aft movement; in addition to this, passengers can enjoy the largest legroom in this class. Both rear seat rows can be folded flat to provide a load area of 2,035 litres if required, without the seats having to be removed.

If used as a 5-seater the Q7 boasts a load capacity of 775 litres – the best in its class!

When the series is launched, Audi Q7 customers will have the choice of two powerful engines: the new 4.2-litre V8 with FSI petrol direct injection develops 257 kW (350 bhp) and achieves a maximum torque of 440 Newton-metres.

The 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine features a latest-generation common rail injection system that uses piezo inline injectors, thus combining the high performance of 171 kW (233 bhp) and substantial torque of 500 Nm with exceptional refinement and excellent economy.

Power transmission for both engine versions comes from the 6-speed tiptronic.

The Audi Q7 is naturally equipped as standard with quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Its Torsen centre differential conveys power to all four wheels, on-road and off-road, achieving maximum traction and lateral stability – the prerequisites for optimum driving dynamics and safety. This drive concept has become firmly established over the past 25 years, featuring both in more than two million series-production Audi models and in countless victories on the racetrack and in rallies.

Like the Audi RS 4, the Audi Q7 features the latest-generation Torsen differential, with a standard torque split of 40 : 60 (front / rear). The driver benefits – also thanks to virtually balanced axle load distribution – from even better agility and steering precision that remains practically free of torque steer.

The chassis of the Audi Q7 comprising numerous aluminium components – independent wheel suspension with double wishbones at the front and rear – also excels with its all-round qualities. Steel-spring suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers are designed for sporty driving and superior comfort, even off-road.
The tilted position of the rear spring and shock absorber unit reduces overall height and creates more room at the rear.

18-inch light alloy wheels with 235/60 tyres (eight-cylinder: 255/55) are fitted as standard. All Q7 versions can be fitted optionally with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.

Also available on request: adaptive air suspension. The combination of air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system represents the perfect synthesis of decidedly sporty handling and supreme ride comfort. The standard dynamic roll stabilisation system reduces body movements about the longitudinal axis to a minimum.

Variable ground clearance – starting at 180 millimetres and extending to 240 mm in lift mode – means that even challenging terrain can be negotiated. The off-road mode, with 205 mm ground clearance and adapted damper control, allows cross-country driving. The loading sill has a particularly convenient feature: it can be lowered to enable heavy objects to be loaded effortlessly into the luggage area.

Yet high-tech dominates not only the dynamic aspects of the Audi Q7. The Q7 is equipped as standard with the innovative MMI operating concept – much praised on the A8 and A6 – which can be extended in two stages to include a variety of additional functions.

On board the performance SUV, a number of innovative driver assistance systems, introduced for the first time in standard production, are available on request: e.g. Audi side assist with radar technology for lane-changing manoeuvres and the advanced parking system with optical/acoustic guidance and rear-view camera.

The ESP includes numerous new functions such as hill descent assist. A special off-road mode optimises brake performance and traction on loose surfaces. The trailer stabilisation system reduces the risk of fishtailing by means of targeted brake intervention.

A4 Cabriolet

The visually and mechanically transformed Audi A4 range makes its world public debut at Frankfurt. Sharing new engines and extensive chassis revisions with the recently upgraded A4 Saloon and Avant models, the latest Audi sun trap will be available to order in the UK from November for first deliveries in the first quarter of 2005

The new A4 Cabriolet also made its world public debut in Frankfurt. Sharing new engines and extensive chassis revisions with the recently upgraded A4 Saloon and Avant models it will stand alongside at the International Motor Show, the latest Audi soft-top will be available to order in the UK from November for first deliveries in the first quarter of 2005.

The single frame front grille that symbolises the new Audi family look brings the new A4 Cabriolet into line with its fixed roof relatives, while a subtle redesign of the rear lights and bumper and new alloy wheel designs update the other views without compromising the body’s much admired lines.

The transformation is more comprehensive under the surface, where a range of advanced new engines offer even greater power and responsiveness. Of the four units available from launch, three are new to the A4 Cabriolet – the acclaimed four-cylinder turbo petrol 2.0 T FSI with 200PS, the super-refined 3.2 V6 FSI with 255PS and the equally polished 3.0 V6 TDI, now upgraded from 204PS to 233PS. The proven 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol with 163PS also features in the initial line-up.

The four engines deliver their power to the road either via quattro four-wheel-drive or through the front wheels. Customers can also choose from five speed and six-speed manual gearboxes, the continuously variable multitronic, which has seven speeds in its ‘manual’ mode, and the six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

For an even better compromise between ride comfort and handling agility the latest A4 Cabriolet’s four-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been extensively modified to include new elements such as shock absorbers, mountings, trapezoidal links and track rods adopted from the new A6 and the S4 quattro. Revised spring and shock absorber settings and a thorough rework of the steering configuration also help to give the driver greater precision, but also better feedback from the road when cruising. Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering is a new standard feature of the 2.0 T FSI, 3.2 V6 FSI and 3.0 TDI versions.

Larger diameter brakes offering even more assured performance have also been added to suit the new, more powerful engines.

The modern and innovative interior design of the new A4 Cabriolet perfectly complements its progressive exterior styling, and has been enhanced in this latest version by new-generation steering wheels with centre sections mirroring the single frame grille design and aluminium door trim inserts and inlays.

As before, the new A4 Cabriolet features an electro-hydraulically operated hood with a heated glass rear window as standard across the range. Its already much praised sound insulation can be further improved in the latest model by an optional acoustic hood, which through the use of new fabrics with a greater density reduces cabin noise to a level that virtually matches the refinement of the fixed head A4 Saloon.

In addition to the power hood, standard equipment for the latest A4 Cabriolet also includes 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels (depending on version), electric front and rear windows and mirrors, electronic climate control, a Concert audio system with CD player and an automatic roll-over protection system. New even more protective two-stage airbags are also now fitted, as is the latest generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) incorporating new features such as Hydraulic Fading Compensation (HFC) for the brake system, hydraulic brake assist and a wet-weather disc wiping function.