Technological trendsetter can now be configured on audi.co.uk and ordered in UK Audi Centres nationwide

• New 435PS and 900Nm Q7 flagship priced from £70,970 OTR, available to order now with first deliveries starting in August
• Standard specification includes S-specific interior and exterior details, virtual cockpit, adaptive S air suspension, active sound exhaust system, rear view camera and Valcona leather upholstery with S embossing
• New driving dynamics sports pack featuring quattro with sports differential, all-wheel steering and electromechanical active roll stabilization exclusive to the SQ7 TDI
• Key optional equipment also includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, Audi Matrix LED headlights, Tour pack featuring Traffic Jam Assist and night vision

Another pioneer joins the UK Audi range this week – the new SQ7 TDI, priced from £70,970 OTR, is notable not only as the first ever ‘S’ version of the Q7 luxury SUV, but also as the first series production car to incorporate new electric powered compressor (EPC) technology that consigns ‘turbo lag’ to history. Supporting two sequentially activated turbochargers, the EPC helps to generate pulling power that is unparalleled in this class, and the V8 TDI-powered Q7 flagship is able to deftly deploy it thanks to a chassis bolstered by state-of-the art electromechanical active roll stabilisation. The integration of both systems is made possible by a powerful new 48-volt electrical subsystem which makes its Audi debut in the Q7 and will be the springboard for numerous revolutionary new technologies in the Audi models of the near future.

As it is electrically driven and therefore not dependent upon exhaust flow like conventional turbochargers, the revolutionary electric powered compressor (EPC) brings its force to bear on the 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder TDI in less than 250 milliseconds, so its benefit is palpable from the second the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Whenever the exhaust gases provide sufficient energy two sequentially activated ‘conventional’ turbochargers take over, all-the-while accompanied by a compelling V8 bellow from the active sound exhaust system.

Now developing 435 PS and 900 Nm (663.8 lb ft) of torque, the redesigned V8 BiTDI firmly stakes this performance flagship’s claim as the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. With the electric powered compressor (EPC) supporting the work of the two turbochargers, especially at lower revs, step-off performance is exceptional, and this is reflected in a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, and in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the SQ7 TDI returns up to 39.2 mpg combined. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 190 g/km.

TDI debut for Audi valvelift system (AVS)

The exhaust, which each cylinder discharges from both exhaust valves, flows through separate channels within a dual-flow manifold system. Each exhaust valve supplies one of the two sequentially activated turbochargers. The Audi valvelift system (AVS), which makes its debut in a TDI engine in the SQ7 TDI, keeps one valve closed at low and intermediate load and rpm so that the entire exhaust flow reaches the so-called “active” turbocharger. If engine speed increases to the range between 2,200 and 2,700 rpm, the respective second exhaust valve is opened and the second turbocharger is also activated.

The power for the EPC – which peaks at 7 kW – is provided by a 48-volt electrical subsystem, which also makes its Audi debut here. To meet its high power requirements, there is a separate 48-volt lithium-ion battery in the electrical subsystem beneath the luggage compartment. It has a peak output of up to 13 kilowatts, and is connected to the more familiar 12-volt electrical subsystem by a DC/DC converter.

In conjunction with the EPC, the 48-volt electrical subsystem also paves the way for incorporation of an electromechanical active roll stabilisation system. Here, a compact electric motor with a three-stage planetary gearbox separates the two halves of the stabiliser. On an uneven road surface, they are actively decoupled from one another, resulting in improved ride comfort, but during faster driving they are interconnected and twisted against each other. With this advanced stability system on board the SQ7 TDI rolls less in bends and the tendency to understeer is kept even better in check, enabling higher lateral acceleration and thus higher cornering speeds.

Sport differential for the first time in Q7

In the interest of agility the sport differential actively controlling torque distribution between the rear wheels can also be specified for the first time in the history of the Q7 in the new SQ7 TDI. All-wheel-steering is also available to promote even greater stability at higher speeds by turning the front and rear wheels in the same direction, and to aid low speed manoeuvrability in urban situations by turning them in opposing directions.

Housing all this technological accomplishment is an accommodating yet outstandingly aerodynamic body with a low 0.34 drag coefficient and the lowest weight in the class, made possible as a result of innovative multimaterial construction blending aluminium and steel in precisely the right proportions and locations. Underpinning it is standard S-specific adaptive air suspension that reacts to the movements of 20-inch alloy wheels and is controllable via the standard Audi Drive Select adaptive dynamics system.

Visual cues to the ranking of the SQ7 TDI include a unique radiator grille design, an aluminium finish for the side air inlets, mirror housings and door inlays, LED headlights with a striking double-arrow light signature and an exhaust system branching into four rectangular tailpipes.

Under the skin, seven comfortable seats across three rows are upholstered in high quality Valcona leather, and the 235 litres of luggage space can be expanded to up to 1,890 litres helped by the standard electrically folding third seat row. Accessibility is also aided by the standard powered tailgate. Occupants enjoy plenty of space as well, along with a generous quota of equipment as befits a model not only bearing the S badge, but also exemplifying Audi technological ingenuity.

Audi Virtual Cockpit as standard

The fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit is one of the many standard features, as is the Audi smartphone interface and MMI Navigation plus with the fingertip-sensitive MMI Touch pad control. Also new to the Q7 range is an embedded SIM card which immediately brings the benefits of Internet-based Audi Connect services to the car at no additional cost and without the need to insert a separate data-only SIM as was previously necessary. Google Earth mapping, Google Street View, news, weather, online traffic, flight and train information as well as local fuel prices and entertainment options are among the features available via the 7-inch MMI monitor and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display.

Audi Connect infotainment is offered on a three-month trial basis, or is included for three years if the optional Technology Package is specified. This cost-effective package also includes the Audi phonebox for wireless smartphone connection to the car’s antenna and wireless, inductive charging (according to the Qi standard) and a head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision.

The Audi connect portfolio also includes a new permanently active element known as Audi Connect safety & service, which also integrates the myCarManager package. Thanks to this feature, help from the emergency or roadside assistance services is always available at the touch of a roof lining-mounted button (or automatically in the unfortunate event of a more serious incident), and via myCarManager customers can use their smartphone, in conjunction with the Audi MMI app, to precisely locate their car, lock and unlock it or check if the lights have inadvertently been left on.

Among the more indulgent options available for the new SQ7 TDI are alloy wheels of up to 22 inches in diameter, Matrix LED headlamps capable of diverting their beam around oncoming and leading traffic, S Sport seats plus with contrasting diamond stitching and two optional ‘3D’ surround sound systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen, the latter offering up to 1,920 watts of music power.

From a more safety and efficiency-conscious perspective, customers can choose from a wide range of 24 optional driver assistance systems. The predictive efficiency assistant, for example, provides additional information in the instrument cluster to help the driver save fuel, while adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist relieves the driver in slow-moving traffic on well-surfaced roads with clearly defined markings by taking over the steering in many situations.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Embedded SIM unlocks even more of the advantages of Audi Connect infotainment services.

• Many new Audi models fitted with a permanently installed SIM card, including the new A3, A4, Q2 and Q7 range
• Data flat rate included for Audi Connect services
• No more roaming fees when travelling around Europe
• Complimentary 3-month trial is equipped

Audi is now equipping its new models that use the second-generation modular infotainment platform with the Audi Connect SIM. The factory-installed SIM card offers customers the advantage of being able to immediately use the wide range of Audi Connect services with the accompanying data flat rate both domestically and abroad.

The Audi Connect SIM is a permanently installed SIM card, known as an embedded SIM or eSIM, which customers in Europe will receive in combination with the optional Audi Connect equipment package. This transforms the car into a mobile communication centre. The SIM card brings Audi Connect services on board via an LTE/UMTS module with a download speed of up to 100 MBit/s. Services include navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, travel, traffic and parking information. In addition, drivers can access their Twitter and e-mail accounts and their smartphone’s calendar. The new SIM card contains an unlimited data volume for using these services. Another advantage is that in most European countries, the Audi Connect SIM automatically accesses the provider for each specific country, as needed. This eliminates high, country-specific roaming charges and inconvenient roaming confirmations for the customer.

Later this year, customers will be able to purchase additional data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot, independent of the integrated Audi Connect services. It allows all passengers to surf the internet at attractive rates with up to eight mobile devices. If a customer selects a European data package, the data transfer also automatically works accordingly when crossing an international border – and thus when changing internet provider – at fixed prices.

Customers will be able to reach the online shop of our partner Cubic Telecom through their myAudi account. After a one-time registration, they will be able to obtain the data package for the Wi-Fi hotspot from this shop. Once the required access is granted in the online shop, data packages can be quickly and conveniently purchased directly through the MMI system in the car. Customers may also continue to use their own SIM card in the car and establish Wi-Fi internet access through their own cellular provider. In this case, the data volume used by Audi Connect services will also be charged to the customer’s SIM card and the Audi Connect SIM temporarily deactivated.

With Audi Connect, use is included for three months or, for an additional fee, for three years. After this, customers can ask their Audi service partner to extend access for a fee.

The Audi Connect embedded SIM is used in all new models that include the second generation of the modular infotainment platform. These are currently the Audi A3, the A4, the Audi Q2 and the Q7. Other model series will follow. The Audi TT, the R8, the A6 and the A7 are currently excluded from this new offer.

The offer is the first result of a collaboration between Audi and the Irish company Cubic Telecom, a leading supplier of seamless worldwide connectivity solutions.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

The TV tuner has been designed specially for the demands of mobile reception of analogue and digital television channels.

Two tuners receive the picture and sound signals for the currently selected TV channel, while the third tuner continuously searches for other channels and automatically compiles the information into an easy-to-follow channel list.

The TV tuner is a multi-standard device (PAL, NTSC), supports the digital TV standard DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast - Terrestrial) and receives all available unencrypted analogue and digital television signals in MPEG-2 coding.

The tuners receive the television signals via a total of up to four TV aerials. They automatically and continuously determine the optimum reception configuration to supply the best possible picture and sound information.

Electronic programme guide (EPG) information can also be received. It's also possible to connect up to two external devices, such as a video camera or a games console, with an optional adapter cable. The television picture is only displayed when the vehicle is stationary, but television sound can be played during a journey.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Pricing confirmed for the fourth Audi Q model, channelling the family genes and technological assets with a new design direction

• Compact SUV with bold, powerful design and high level of functionality
• Available to order in the UK from August priced from £20,230, first deliveries in November
• Infotainment and assistance systems from the larger Audi models, including the optionally available virtual cockpit, head-up display and park assist
• Engines from 115PS to 190PS, quattro drive

High definition design meets highly intelligent technology in the new Audi Q2, the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s first crossover which will join the currently three-strong Audi Q range later this summer priced from £20,230 OTR. Head of Audi Design Marc Lichte and his team have taken the compact SUV in a bold new styling direction intended to appeal to a younger audience, and have combined this with a quality of finish and a portfolio of connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems that will be instantly familiar from the larger Audi models.

“In the Audi Q2 we have developed a distinctively geometric form language with model-specific design characteristics. The car exhibits an independent character within the Q family,” says Lichte.

Rugged look

The result is a powerful SUV that shows a lot of vertices and edges. At the front, a strong image is created by the high-mounted Singleframe grille in octagonal design as well as the large air inlets. Especially eye-catching is the low roof that descends and merges into the C-pillars with colour offset blades. The rear body terminates in a dynamic way with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser that has an underbody-protection look.

In profile, the high shoulder line is especially eye-catching as are the concave flanks in the door area. The latter emphasise the wheel housings and thereby the quattro character of the compact SUV. The vehicle measures 1.51 metres tall and 1.79 metres wide. The overhangs are short with a vehicle length of 4.19 metres and a wheelbase of 2.60 metres.

Technology from further up the range

Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the larger Audi models – including the Audi pre sense front with pedestrian recognition that is standard. The system recognises critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking – to a standstill at low speeds. Other systems in the line-up: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, the lane-departure warning system Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic assist.

Highly connected

The Q2 is equipped with a standard MMI screen that is positioned high on the instrument panel. The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel. When MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is ordered, the user also gets a touchpad on the central control element. In addition, the system can be conveniently controlled by natural language operation and the integrated MMI search. Furthermore, customers can use MMI touch to query the online services of Audi connect. The flat rate data plan required for this is included thanks to the SIM card (embedded SIM) that is permanently installed in the car. It also permits roaming in most European countries. Mobile phones with iOS and Android operating systems are integrated into the car via the standard Audi smartphone interface. The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The app for iOS operating systems also has the myAudi destinations function. It makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the MMI navigation plus system. The system then uses it for navigation

Simply functional

The Q2 fulfils the fundamental expectations of an SUV with a high entry, good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 litres of capacity), yet the driver’s seat position is low in relation to the steering wheel as in an Audi saloon. Optional practical solutions are available such as a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrest with cargo through-loading.

Individual customisation

The Audi Q2 is as individual as its drivers – inside and out. Many equipment packages, exterior colours and expressive colours for interior trim and seat upholstery allow plenty of creative space for personal configuration. One option is the LED lighting package advanced, in which the interior is staged in a particularly attractive way with illuminated trim elements. Newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, and can be optionally increased to 19 inches upon request.

Drivetrain and chassis

The Q2 is launching in the UK with an initial choice of two four-cylinder engines - the 1.6 TDI with 115PS and the Cylinder-on-Demand 1.4 TFSI with 150PS. A three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI with 115PS and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 150PS will become available later in the year. As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi will also offer the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines bar the 1.0 TFSI (standard for the 2.0 TDI). From mid-2017 a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine allied exclusively to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission will be introduced, and at that point it will also be possible to combine the 150PS TDI and TFSI engines with quattro drive.

Three generously equipped specification levels

Three specification levels are available from launch on the new Q2, with entry-level SE versions benefitting from a raft of features as standard. Among them is the Audi smartphone interface, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto displayed via the MMI screen once a phone is plugged in via USB. A Bluetooth interface is also standard, as is the MMI radio plus with MMI controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors. Inlays can be chosen in either white or orange.

For an additional £1,550, Sport models gain 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16 inches on SE), Audi drive select with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth. SD-card based MMI navigation is displayed via the seven-inch central screen and includes a three-month trial unlocking the Audi connect portfolio. Red or yellow inlays can be selected for the interior, while bumpers can be specified in Manhattan grey or matching body colour depending on preference.

Stand-out features on S line models – priced at £2,250 above Sport – include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting, inlays finished in brushed aluminium and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests. A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring grey contrasting stitching and S line badging.

An exclusive Q2 design feature is the contrasting blade on the C-pillars. On SE it is finished in Manhattan grey, in Ice silver on Sport and matt Titanium grey for S line models. All of these colours are optionally interchangeable and Ibis white is also separately available.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk