Hot! New Audi virtually uncamouflaged-Part 1

Once again, we ambushed the upcoming Audi Q7 virtually uncamouflaged on public roads here in the U.S., and captured this very revealing set of photographs. Ignore the phony emblems, this is in fact the new Audi Q7.

Or, depending on the outcome of Nissan's lawsuit over the Q in the name maybe we’re safer just saying its Audis newest crossover.

Based on the design features that we’ve seen on Audis Pikes Peak Concept, the Q7 will be riding on a modified Touareg / Cayenne platform, but nearly 6-inches longer to accommodate seven passengers in three rows of seats. But even with seating for seven, sources are telling us that the third row of seating is primarily for children (as predicted by Auto Spies)

The Q7 is expected to be launched later this year as a 2006 model, and will be offered with a variety of engines, including a 3.2-liter V6 with 240-hp, a 4.2-liter V8 with 330-hp and possibly even the V10 TDi for 2007.

Brenda Priddy & Company

Click here to view part two

FIFlyer - 7/15/2005 7:06:03 AM

+1 Boost

Is Audi in a contest with Volvo for the ugliest tail lights?

But that is a quibble. The most important fact is that the monster SUV fad is on its way out. The things drive like pigs and use gas like ... well ... pigs too. They are too valuable to take off-road, too big to park and basically useless for almost any job that a more attractive car could not do better.

I remember the minivan fad. For a while, they were the hottest thing going but then people discovered that they were nasty to drive. Those who did not really need them moved on -- and bought for utility rather than prestige. Similarly, who needs a tarted up truck with a luxury badge and three rows of seats that costs more than a very attractive car or, even, stationwagon? Add in the current price of gas and the answer is clear. Sure, there are a few people who need what a Q7 and its brethren offer just as there are some people (soccer moms) who need what mini-vans offer. But they are unlikely to pay a premium to have that need filled by Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW etc. And, anyway, there are few enough of them to cause a buyer's market pricing war. Sadly for Audi, they came to this party too late. The times have changed and the market has moved on. Not only is the SUV segment overfilled, as far as I can see Audi does not bring anything special to the market with the Q7.

But don't feel too sorry for Audi. They have the A3 which is the right car at the right time for the current market. And, of course, the A6 wagon is a fine alternative to the Q7. Even better, if they brought back the allroad, they could sell a ton of them to to the market that they tried to hit with the Q7.

Anim8or - 7/20/2005 10:24:52 PM

+1 Boost

... Sorry buddy. You have no idea what you're talking about. The Q7 WILL have plenty of chrome, and will posess a striking resemblance to the 'Pikes Peak' concept. In fact Audi has green-lit their last 3 concepts to go (virtually unaltered) directly into production. What you have shown in your blog is a heavily camo'd test mule. The chrome, along with most of its beautiful design features, are still covered up.

Below are official photographs directly from Audi.

And yes, this truck is utterly stunning. There's plenty of industry buzz around this vehicle. Audi is expected to easily hit yet another sales record next year with the inclusion of the Q7 in its rapidly expanding lineup....