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03/08/2005: "Audi's New Off-Roader Shown in the Open"

Lightly disguised images of Audi’s first-ever full-blown sport-utility vehicle, the Q7, have been released by the German company ahead of the off-roader’s official world premiere, set for September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

A direct rival to the BMW X5 and the Mercedes ML-Class, the Q7 is also tuned for on-road performance rather than heroic off-roading. Audi has opted for its business-as-usual Quattro all-wheel-drive system rather than the heavier - and more capable - transmission employed by its corporate sibling, Volkswagen’s Touareg. Unlike the Touareg, for instance, the Q7 won’t offer locking differentials.

Another Q7 innovation is an extended wheelbase to accommodate three-row seating, which is not offered by either the Touareg or the X5 and ML.

The SUV will be motivated by a range starting on Audi’s 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 and, for the moment, topped by the company’s 4.2-liter V8, good for 335 horses. There are rumors of a possible “QS7” packing 500hp from a V10 engine.

The first of a full assault by Audi on the off-road segment, the Q7 won’t be available to customers until 2006. The new A6 Avant-derived Allroad and Audi’s “baby” SUV, the Q5, should debut in ‘06 and ‘07 respectively.

(this article was taken from speedtv.com)