What is it?
The US may be a bit of a shambles at present, but at least when it comes to cars - and specifically the type of fuel that goes into them - Americans are united in their preferences. Petrol, unleaded, gasoline: so long as it isn’t diesel, they’ll generally be pretty happy.
Audi claims that this is why it has ditched the mighty oil-burning V8 of its SQ7 in favour of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol V8 that appears in everything from Audi’s own RS models to the Bentley Continental GT and more in between.
Supposedly the Americans just prefer it that way - although it does seem to contradict Audi’s recent efforts to shift all its S-badged executive models to diesel power. Perhaps that move will be reversed in time too - not that Audi admitted to anything when we asked the question.
Despite coming in a slightly detuned form to what you would find in the Audi RS Q8 or Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the SQ7’s V8 isn’t short on power. It develops a heady 500bhp at and 568lb ft between 2000-4100rpm, all of which is deployed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s all-wheel steering fitted as standard, while 48V active roll control and an Audi Sport rear differential are available optionally. Oh, and there are still enough seats for seven people.
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yes its stupid. There are Q7
yes its stupid. There are Q7's less thirsty to do the same job so this is a bit stupid really.
and in no where ever is an 2.2 tonne suv remotly offering driving fun
note - expense, size, weight, power, torque - these do not make a car fun. youll never have a more pure thrilling drive than a 1.6 caterham
Its 2020
I thought these sorts of cars should be on their way out not on their way in. Really these cars become not only more stupid as time goes on but really ought to be legislated out of existence
Stupid - why?
Stupid? Why? Educate yourself - all cars, ICE or EV, are hugely wasteful purchase decisions - their manufacture, consumption, and disposal are all hugely wasteful - with battery disposal en masse still unknown we don't even know if the slightly less ineffecient EVs are really less of a waste. Let's at least have some fun while we count down our years until the real panademic hits...
15mpg. Jeez. For a car that
15mpg. Jeez. For a car that will spend most of its time mooching about, maybe with only one occupant on board, that's pretty awful.