16 December 2014

Audi Q7 slims down for 2015

Audi will reduce the size of its 2015 Q7 slightly, and use a mix of high-strength steel and aluminium in its three-row SUV dropping 325kg (or 716 pounds).

To reduce weight, Audi used aluminium for the doors, fenders, bonnet and rear hatch, saving 71kg (156 pounds). The doors alone shave 24kg (52 pounds) off the curb weight.

The German carmaker plans a world debut for the vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Audi also plans to offer a plug-in diesel hybrid version of the Q7 after the petrol and diesel models are launched. Two engines will be available, a 3.0 supercharged petrol V6 and a 3.0 turbocharged diesel V6. Audi says the Q7's fuel economy will improve as much as 26 percent.

All versions will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Q7 rear