Audi Unveils World's First Electric Powered Compressor with All-New SQ7 TDI

Photo Credit: Audi AG

When Audi introduced the design of their all-new Q7 last year, the luxury car producer prepared the marketplace for some radical technologies. The premium sport utility vehicle loses 325 kilograms (716.5 pounds) compared to the previous model, drivers are presented with Audi’s digital virtual cockpit and an e-tron plug-in hybrid version of the Q7 have already been established. As the spring approaches, the Audi Q7 line gains a high-performance spirt thanks to the automaker’s S model tailoring. For the European market, an Audi SQ7 TDI provides stellar acceleration through many innovative means.

Despite the recent emission-cheating turmoil surrounding the presence of Volkswagen Group-supported TDI diesel products in the North America, the power source line remains a strong driver for the automaker’s brands in Europe. Not just a large portion of the sales volume of luxury brand Audi for fuel efficiency and torque production for everyday driving, diesel power has made massive strides as a performance engine. The Audi SQ7 TDI features a 4.0-liter V-8 powerplant described as a BiTDI. One of two technologies debuting on the SQ7 TDI is Audi valvelift system. Audi valvelift system (AVS) appears for the first time with the brand’s diesel powerplant line broadens performance at low and high speeds. The BiTDI engine technology features the incorporation of a traditional exhaust-gas twin turbocharger setup alongside what is called an electric powered compressor (EPC). The EPC uses electrical energy (stored within a lithium-ion battery part of a 48-volt system) to provide a power boost to the TDI engine during low load periods where turbochargers are impaired. The condition commonly referred to as ‘turbo tag’ is completely eliminated in the engine.

The EPC unit closely resembles a trait found on the Audi R18 e-tron quattro World Endurance Championship prototype race car. In 2014, Audi’s super exotic hybrid competition car adopted an electric turbocharger part of the sophisticated hybrid diesel-electric powertrain. The forced induction technique was also fitted to the Audi RS 5 TDI Concept where it aided a V-6 diesel engine in the production of 385 horsepower and 553.2 pound-feet of torque.

Paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, the Audi SQ7 TDI's 4.0-liter V-8 BiTDI engine generates 429 horsepower and more impressively 663.8 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the new EPC system, this high-performance luxury sport crossover can launch from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. As is the case with many European performance vehicles, the SQ7 TDI is limited to a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The diesel V-8 engine in the Audi SQ7 TDI also boasts strong fuel economy numbers.

Photo Credit: Audi AG

Matching the high-tech powerplant, a complex array of electronically-controlled components manages the way power is applied to the road surface and the manner it transfers back to the Audi SQ7 TDI. A centerpiece to any significant Audi product, quattro all-wheel drive is included on the seven-passenger crossover vehicle. The quattro all-wheel system features with a self-locking center differential while an optional sport differential is available for the rear axle. In addition to all-wheel drive, buyers of the Audi SQ7 can also choose all-wheel steering. The optional four-wheel steering system on the crossover will enhance the stability and control by turning the rear wheels in the opposite positioning to the front. Electromechanical power steering, Audi drive select driving and adaptive air suspension are standard on the SQ7 TDI optimized by S-line tuning. Carbon fiber braking system and an electromechanical active body roll stabilization is optional on the Audi SQ7 TDI crossover. The latter-mentioned equipment employs an electric motor operating on a 48-volt system to present superior stability for enhanced handling.

Accelerating in under five-seconds, the Audi SQ7 TDIs performance run can be partaken by a driver and six other riders. The seven-passenger interior of the sport-oriented crossover vehicle features the enrichment of S-specific treatments. Sport seats, Audi virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus infotainment system with LTE communication capability are notable items of standard equipment detailing the cabin of a powerful luxury crossover. Options inside the Audi SQ7 TDI include head-up display, driver assistance systems, ambient lighting, upgraded sport interior touches and a 23-speaker audio system supplied by Band & Olufsen.  

Unlikely to make it to North America, the TDI diesel-powered Audi SQ7 TDI will be confirmed ahead of May. The first example of the high-performance Audi flagship will reach customers by August completed with 20-inch alloy wheels and full LED headlights. If Audi repeats what was accomplished through the SQ5, a gasoline-propelled version of the SQ7 might be destined towards the United States and Canada at a future date.