October 5th 2013
The new SUV from Ingolstadt will ride on Volkswagen Group’s new MLB architecture which will also underpin the Bentley crossover, Lamborghini Urus, along with the next generations of the Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. As a result of the platform switch, the new Audi Q7 is expected to shave off no less than 800 lbs (363 kg).
Due most likely towards the end of 2014 as a 2015 MY, the next-gen Audi Q7 will probably be offered with a wide array of engines including a V6 3.0-liter TFSI churning 310 HP (228 kW) and a larger V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo outputting 435 HP (320 kW). Diesel offerings should encompass a V6 3.0-liter TDI rated at 258 HP (190 kW) and a V8 4.2-liter TDI developing 385 HP (283 kW). Chances are Audi is also planning a plug-in hybrid derivative which should use a 3.0-liter TDI and an electric motor developing 115 HP (84 kW).