The big Q7

Newswheel staff :: 17 May 2005 :: Filed under SUV, Audi, Audi Q7, Europe & UK, US

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Pikes Peak concept becomes a frightening reality

Following Audi’s efforts at a viral marketing campaign for the A3 in the US (get the low-down on that here) comes a spot of carefully-planned, marketing-driven leakage involving the new seven-seater Q7 SUV (click here to view image). Of course, thanks to the Pikes Peak SUV concept shown back in 2003, the styling of the Q7 is about as poorly kept a secret as a certain famous ginger-TV-whinger’s recent face lift. But Anne Robinson’s drum-tight visage aside, we’ll feign excitement, nevertheless.

The Q7 is expected to debut at the Frankfurt motorshow later this year with sales starting in early 2006. The engine line-up will include the usual VW Group suspects. Expect the internal combustion fun to include the monstrous 5-litre V10 diesel, direct-injection 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8 lumps and probably the W12 unit that does service in the VWs Phaeton and Touareg and Bentleys Continental GT and Flying Spur. So, that’s seven seats, a massive off-road chassis and enough torque to make Solomon blush. Sounds perfect for the urban and suburban rat race.

The Audi Pikes Peak, yesterday.