Audi SQ7: Quick Review

Say hello to the berserk Audi SQ7. A V8 4.0-litre diesel churning out 429bhp and 900Nm in a car that weighs over 2,300kgs – now that sounds like

Say hello to the berserk Audi SQ7.

A V8 4.0-litre diesel churning out 429bhp and 900Nm in a car that weighs over 2,300kgs – now that sounds like the making of a perfect ‘highway scorcher.’ Of course, the Audi SQ7 has many weapons at its disposal – starting with its electrically driven compressor (see the image on right), which provides a no-delay response when you step on the accelerator pedal. This witchcraft is thanks to a device that joins the two conventional turbos – the first is always active, whereas the other comes into play at around 2,200-2,500rpm thanks to Audi’s intricate valve-lift system. The 7kW absorbed by the electric compressor comes from the 48-volt on-board network, which also feeds the electromechanically controlled active anti-roll bars (which are optional). And if you couple that with pneumatic springs (standard), a sport differential, rear axle steering, carbon-ceramic brakes and 22-inch wheels, you get a car that’s not at all afraid of curves. Seamless power delivery only helps the case further. Body-movement is tightly controlled and there’s a newfound stability around corners as well as on open highways. Within the blink of an eye, you find yourself doing silly speeds on any kind of roads. Who would have ever thought of pulling such antics in a car of this size? And that too a diesel!

The electric compressor that debuts with the SQ7 is fed by a 48V system, and comprises of a stator (1) to create the magnetic field, which drives the rotor (2) that’s connected to the compressor wheel (3). The electric motor is water-cooled (4), and is controlled by the electronics (5).