Audi announced the first "S" version of today, and it sounds like it's got some neat technology to go with that extra power.
The new engine is a 4.0-liter diesel V8 that makes 429 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, that's enough power to get the SQ7 TDI up to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. For a full-size SUV, that's pretty impressive. What's more impressive is that it still gets a claimed 32 mpg.
To improve the car's handling, Audi is also offering it with an optional performance package. It adds a sports differential, all-wheel steering, and active roll stabilization. Audi claims its new roll stabilization system improves body roll enough to give the SQ7 TDI "taut, sporty handling" and significantly reduced understeer.
But the most interesting thing about the SQ7 isn't its power, handling, or fuel efficiency. It's that it has a system that should almost entirely eliminate turbo lag.
The new diesel V8 has two turbochargers that work conventionally, but Audi also worked in an electric power compressor that's effectively an electric supercharger. Since it's powered by a motor and not the engine, it can provide boost much more quickly—a claimed 250 milliseconds. That should be quick enough to make the lag imperceptible to the driver.
Hopefully, the EPC won't be used only in the SQ7 and will find its way into other Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. It's a cool piece of technology that we'd love to see used more widely.
There's no word yet on U.S. pricing or when it will arrive over here, but Audi will begin taking orders in Europe this spring. Pricing in Germany starts at €89,900. That's more than $98,500 at the current conversion rate, but don't be surprised if the U.S. version costs significantly less than that.
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