From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 01:45 PM IST

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, announced the launch of the new Audi Q7-the latest version of largest selling performance luxury SUVin Bangalore on 11th September at Hotel Lalit Ashoka. The new AudiQ7 is available in three engine options – 3.0TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro at Audi dealershipsacross the country from 3rd September 2009. The Audi Q7 is a sporty, comfortable, high-performancecar for leisure and business. It is the large Audi for customers lookingfor a vehicle that can take them anywhere and is roomy and flexible. And thischaracter is immediately evident in the design: the side view withthe low window area, the arched roof line and the tautly curved bodysurfaces presents a coupe-like silhouette.

• Greatersporty elegance, added refinement and enhanced multifunctional luxury
• Thesporty SUV available with three powerful engines: 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro
• Availableacross all dealerships from 3rd September, 2009 at INR 53,40,000 onwards(ex-showroom Mumbai)
  

“The launch of thenew Audi Q7 comes close on the heels of Audi’s CentennialCelebration and spells exciting times for Audi India. The Audi Q7 waslaunched in Indiain 2006 and has since established itself as the numero uno luxurySUV in the country. The new Audi Q7 is unmatched in terms of style,performance, safety, comfort and driving dynamics providing customersthe complete driving experience which Audi is known for.”, said Mr.Benoit Tiers, Managing Director, Audi India.

“Audi India achieved a remarkable growthin the first eight months of 2009 by selling 1128 cars (62% growth). The second half of 2009 continues to record impressive sales, August 2009 recording sales of 171 cars (69% growth). With the new Audi Q7, we continue tooffer customers products that areprogressive, sporty and sophisticated - reflecting the core essence of ourbrand DNA ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’,” added Mr. Tiers.

New accents at the front and rear contribute to evenmore elegant styling and visual impact. New single-frame radiator grill inhigh gloss black with vertical chrome bars adds robustness to the car inconjunction with new Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. Thenew Audi Q7 also comes with optional high-end headlight version thatintegrates not only a low beam, high beam, and turning and cornering lights,but for the first time also a special superhighway beam. The restyledtailgate presents a more forceful contour. LEDs are standard equipment in thetaillights. An aluminum exterior package adds further highlights tothe styling. The S line exterior package is designed for sports-mindedcustomers and is available as an optional equipment.

The Audi Q7is 5,089 mm long and has a 3,002 mm wheelbase. It provides generousinterior comfort, a cargo volume of up to 2,035 liters, and unsurpassedvariability. The customer can order an interior with six or seven seats.Many improvements down to the smallest details enhance personalcomfort – including interior lights in the door linings, an inlay on thepassenger side, and new colors as well as materials. Many operator-control details havebeen refined and enhanced with chrome elements in the new Audi Q7.

All enginesin the Audi Q7 program are powerful and efficient direct-injection versions.Standard equipment includes a six-speed tiptronic that shifts swiftly and smoothlyas it transfers the generated power to the quattro permanent all-wheeldrive system, which distributes it to the axles with modest emphasis onthe rear.

Some of the standardequipment of the new Audi Q7 includes 18-inch wheels and adaptiveair suspension that enhances the sporty precision of the car’shandling as well as its strong off-road performance. The LEDs as a standardfitment in the taillights adds to the appeal of the SUV. Enhancements in thefront include smaller exterior mirrors, contrasting paint finish for thebumper and main body, an enhanced single-frame radiator grille, restyledbumpers, a newly ribbed designed integrated underbody guard in the centersection of the bumper, making it more robust. Additions to the rear of thenew Audi Q7 have the bumper with a contrasting paint finish and arestyled tailgate.

The new Audi Q7 ispowered by highly efficient direct-injection engines and is available in a 3.0TDI 176 kW (240 hp), 550 Nm torque option, a 3.6 FSI 206 kW (280 hp),360 Nm torque option and a 4.2 FSI 257 kW (350 hp), 440 Nm torqueoption.

The hallmark of all Audi cars is theintegration of technology with luxury and the new Audi Q7 is no different. Thetop-of-the line version of the MMI systems includes a hard disk drive,a single DVD player, and voice control, with the option of including a Bluetoothtelephone, an advanced radio tuner, Rear Seat Entertainment Preparation,and the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The new Audi Q7 range starts at (ex-showroomMumbai) INR 53,40,000 for the 3.0 TDI quattro, INR 55,20,000 forthe 3.6 FSI quattro and € 42,696 for the 4.2 FSI quattro (non homologated).The new Audi Q7 is available in an exciting palate of new colors like IbisWhite, Teak Brown, Orca Black and Graphite Grey as well as theexisting colors which include Deep Black, Bahia Beige, Cobalt Blue, Condor Grey, Ice Silver, Garnet Red and Lava Grey.

The new AudiQ7 will be available along with theentire Audi model range comprisingthe Audi Q5, the new Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi A4, the Audi TT andthe super sports car Audi R8 at 12 dealerships across the country in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh,Ludhiana,Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad,Chennai, Kolkata and Kochi.

Source: Press Release Distribution via India PRwire