Audi fits the SQ7 and SQ7 with a new biturbo V8

MANILA: Audi’s S-Series flagship SUVs, the SQ7 and SQ8, are getting a new biturbo V8 TFSI engine along with sport air suspension, and all-wheel steering.

The new high-tech 4.0L TFSI biturbo V8 replaces the original eight-cylinder TDI and puts out 500 HP and 770 Nm of torque. It sends the SQ7 and SQ8 from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

Using a cylinder-on-demand system, it deactivates four cylinders under low to medium load to reduce fuel consumption. The two twin-scroll turbochargers also reduce backpressure and optimize gas exchange for improved filling of the combustion chambers.

Engine notes are modulated by two exhaust-mounted actuators and can change their tune depending on the driving situation and the mode selected by the driver via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The gearbox is an eight-speed tiptronic transmission sending power to the quattro all-wheel drive. It uses S-specific adaptive air suspension and has all-wheel steering (previously reserved to Vorsprung models of the SQ7 and SQ8), which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction by as much as 5 degrees at low speeds and at speeds above 60 km/h it turns in the same direction.

Exclusive to the SQ8 Vorsprung are the electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) and the sport differential. The former features stabilizers that are individually actuated by electric motors and provide for a high level of ride comfort and reduced roll during fast cornering, while the latter shifts torque between the rear wheels as needed during fast cornering to increase handling adjustability.

“Petrol engines are becoming increasingly prevalent in the high performance SUV segment on the strength of the great efficiency gains made in recent years, and we are acknowledging that trend with these upgraded models. By equipping the SQ7 and SQ8 with a new TFSI unit which enables them to break through the 500PS barrier for the first time and deliver even more stirring performance we are ensuring that they remain firmly rooted among the front runners in the pack,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle.

Photos from Audi

Also read: Audi offers Vorsprung and Black Edition trims of the E-tron