Audi had to limit the torque of the powerful V12 to protect the transmission.
We have the opportunity to observe one of Audi’s greatest diesel inventions, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, embark on the German Autobahn, thanks to a recent YouTube video by AutoTopNL. When TDI engines were employed as an efficient gasoline alternative, this unique SUV top speed run reveals peak Audi diesel. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is a powerful SUV with remarkable performance and a low-key appearance, making it the ideal diesel sleeper.
The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is a one-of-a-kind performance SUV that debuted in 2009 as Audi’s TDI apex. The V12 TDI, unlike the compact inline-4 diesel engines seen in smaller VW Group products designed for fuel economy, was all about performance. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine produces 500 horsepower (372 kilowatts) but only 738 lb-ft (1,000 Newton Meters) of torque. The torque produced by the TDI V12 had to be limited because it was already pushing the limitations of the ZF HP32 6-speed automatic transmission.
Despite its 5908-pound (2680-kg) curb weight, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI can reach a high speed of nearly 176mph with the top speed limiter lifted, as seen in AutoTopNL’s video on the Autobahn. Audi engineers spent a lot of time adjusting the Nürburgring’s suspension and braking system throughout the development of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI to ensure it was a comprehensive performance package. Around the Nürburgring, Audi claims a lap time of 8 minutes and 50 seconds.
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To stop this massive SUV, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI utilizes carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, which helps control this 5,900lb SUV during performance driving situations. With MPG ratings of 25 highway and 16 city, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI isn’t going to provide much fuel savings over modern gasoline-powered alternatives, but in 2009 when it debuted the Audi Q7 V12 TDI was the perfect blend of performance and fuel economy.
Source: AutoTopNL
