Mon, April 20, 2009
The remodeled Audi Q7 will debut at next week's 2009 Shanghai auto show with slight interior and exterior freshenings, and a new navigation system with voice inputs. Audi will launch this car this autumn as a 2010 model.
The Audi Q7 gets a new lighting design, LED running lights and chrome touches on the bumpers, door panels and handles, as well as new wheel designs. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 42 percent to the front, and 58 percent to the rear under normal driving conditions in the Q7.
A new MMI navigation system has been introduced for the update, featuring 3D navigation, joystick control and voice-based destination input control. It also responds to demands such as "I'm hungry," "I need gas" and "I need money" (no kidding), providing directions to establishments close to the car.
A diesel engine was added for the 2009 model year and goes on sale this month. It gets about 25 mpg on the highway and is rated at 225 hp and 406 lb-ft; it can hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. A V6 rated at 280 hp and 266 lb-ft, and a V8 that pumps outs 350 hp and 325 lb-ft will also available.
With a launch planned for the US Autumn this year, the Q7 has received the proverbial nip and tuck, with the German prestige manufacturer making numerous changes to the car's aesthetics.
