Report: Audi will not sell the Q7 V12 TDI in U.S.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI was first revealed in production trim at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year but withheld key information, such as when the vehicle would eventually go on sale and what its specifications would look like, until last month. Now Audi has reportedly revealed that the Q7 V12 TDI will not be coming to America. The new Q7 will be the world’s first passenger vehicle powered by a V12 TDI engine, and will go on sale at the end of the year, complete with a 500hp (368kW) and 737lb-ft (1,000Nm) output. Americans, however will have to make do with the 3.0L variant of the Q7, reports Car and Driver. The decision to snuff the brawny SUV for the U.S. market was based on sales volume projections and expected demand - both of which were very low. Europe, on the other hand, can't get enough diesel engines in general, and is expected to love the big V12 TDI. It's easy to understand why. On demand, the 6.0L forced-induction V12 catapults the Q7 from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds and effortlessly takes it up to its electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Even more impressive is its maximum torque: between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm the V12 TDI has a constant 737lb-ft (1,000Nm) on tap. Despite the impressive performance numbers, on average, the big SUV requires just 11.3L of diesel per 100 km (20.8mpg). Key to its frugality is a redeveloped common rail injection system and fuel pressurized at up to 2,000bar. The SUV rides on an aluminum chassis with a double wishbone suspension set-up up front and Audi’s adaptive air suspension and electronically controlled shock absorbers with dynamic roll stabilization. The V12 Q7 also gets optional 21in wheels housing standard 20in carbon-ceramic brake discs (20in wheels and steel brakes are fitted as standard). The front disks are gripped by eight-piston brake calipers, while the rear brakes function with four pistons each. Visually, the Q7 V12 TDI can be distinguished from lesser models by its wider wheel housings, up 30mm in the front and 26mm in the back. Other unique features include darkened tail lights, dual oval exhausts, steel underbody protector and an optional panoramic sunroof. Inside, passengers are treated with aluminum inserts and velour carpet, carbon and aluminum trim and stainless steel pedals. Verano leather covers the electrically adjustable sport seats, the center armrest and the door inserts. The front and rear seats can be heated, while a special lighting package provides ambient mood lighting. Complementing the engine transplant is a sportier chassis, custom bodykit and more extensive standard equipment list. Production of the new model will be handled by Audi’s quattro subsidiary and the first cars will roll onto showroom floors at the end of the year. Audi is yet to reveal full pricing details but in Germany the new model will sell for €130,600, or approximately US$177,200, though it won't be coming to the U.S.2010 Audi Q7 V12 TDI

By Autoque #1, Posted: 3/1/2008

Electronically controlled top speed of 150km/h (155mph)
Sounds like a joke.
By SuperSkyline89 #2, Posted: 3/1/2008

Who cares? I sat in one of these and I've honestly never sat in a more comfortable vehicle. I've sat in a BMW 760Li (a close friend has one) and a few other luxury cars but this one was by far the best one. Except maybe the Audi A8, but I still like this one better.
By Raptor #3, Posted: 3/2/2008

What a monster. With that engine, you could start spinning a dead planet!
By SMC #4, Posted: 3/2/2008

It's electronically limited to 250 kmph, not 150.
250 kmph and 6.5 s from 0 to 100 kmph is quite enough.
And all this for only 11.9 litres of diesel.
Uber engine.
This engine is also in a concept Audi R8. They should put it in production.
By MARIO #5, Posted: 3/3/2008

MY Dream car...
By Richard Harrold #6, Posted: 8/8/2008

WHOA.

This engine belongs in a boat, not a car... is the already monstrous V10 TDI not enough? Or does that only come in the Q7's sister, the VW Touareg?

Mind you, Clarkson & Co at Top Gear used a Touareg V10 TDI to tow a Boeing 747 - how's about using this instead? Perhaps even tow the 747 with its engines in? They were out for overhaul when they towed it with the Touareg...
By CarFan #7, Posted: 9/8/2008

What else can you add to this perfect cruising machine? does it come in Navy Blue with a Center White Stripe?
By gino #8, Posted: 9/8/2008

That thing is so fugly, someone ought to slap the designer.
By Ivan #9, Posted: 9/8/2008

I understand all the standard equipment except carbon-ceramic brake disc. Why on earth would you need those? Not like you would take this behemoth to track and I don't see any situation in everyday driving where regular brakes would overheat. That would also shave off $5-10 grand off the car price.

Otherwise, it's an awesome car. Imagine seeing this accelerate to 100. It's like seeing luxury cruiser race with powerboat.
By Edward #10, Posted: 9/9/2008

Why can't they put something like this in a Hummer, or Cadillac SUV?
By SteveSteve #11, Posted: 9/10/2008

Because Audi are owned by VW who have about a gazzilion Euros in the bank. GM on the other hand owes one hundred and thirty trillion dollars and has to resort to paying its staff and suppliers with cars.

They could try buying the engine but at the price Audi, or VW with their V10, would be willing to let it go for then it would probably make the Escomarmalde too expensive
by NoNameDenton #12, Posted: 10/10/2008

Lame but saw it coming
by yuehancao(john) #13, Posted: 2/6/2009

The audi q7's top speed is 287kph@4500rpm,acceleration is 5.5(0~100),and i am not kidding!
P.s:go to automobile.com and look up "audi q7 v12 tdi"please!!
by yuehancao(john) #14, Posted: 2/6/2009

And forgot to say,5.5 sec(0~100kph).
by yuehancao(john) #15, Posted: 2/6/2009

Also:i love it!!!