Home » Change of Heart for the S-Series SUV Flagships: The New Audi SQ7 TFSI and SQ8 TFSI
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Change of Heart for the S-Series SUV Flagships: The New Audi SQ7 TFSI and SQ8 TFSI

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Audi has added a new TFSI engine to its already well-performed SQ7 and SQ8 SUVs. The original eight-cylinder TDI which has now been replaced with a new high tech Biturbo V8 brings more power to both models and makes them even quicker them before, and it does so under the auspices of sophisticated efficiency aids including cylinder on demand (COD) technology. The new engine in both models is supported by the adaptive S-specific air suspension and all-wheel-steering. 

 “Petrol engines are becoming increasingly prevalent in the high-performance SUV segment on the strength of the great efficiency gains made in recent years, and we are acknowledging that trend with these upgraded models,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “By equipping the SQ7 and SQ8 with a new TFSI unit which enables them to break through the 500PS barrier for the first time and deliver even more stirring performance we are ensuring that they remain firmly rooted among the front runners in the pack.”

Ample power: The 4.0 TFSI

Both SUVs have the capacity to seat more people especially in the case of the SQ7 which can accommodate up to seven people. However, the performance data looks more likely to apply to a two-seat sports car. The output has been increased by 72PS and now stands at 507PS. The torque peak stands at 770 Nm (567.9 lb-ft) torque peak, the 4.0 TFSI petrol engine punches the SQ7 and SQ8 to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds, surges from 50 to 75mph in both in just 3.8 seconds and needs to be electronically restrained at 155mph.

It is not just a pace that has been prioritized but also efficient. Efficiency has been improved due to the key inclusion of the cylinder on demand (COD) in the high tech Biturbo engine. This helps by temporarily deactivating four cylinders under low to medium load, thus reducing fuel consumption. Backpressure and optimized gas exchange are also worked upon by the two twin-scroll turbochargers which result in the improved filling of the combustion chambers. Their positioning in the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks enables short gas paths and unfailingly keen response even at low rpm. 

Transmission and suspension: all-wheel-steering now standard

The increased power of the 4.0 TFSI has been made possible with the aid of the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The standard S-specific adaptive air suspension converts it into a movement that is remarkably keen and agile considering the dimensions of the two performance SUVs. 

It is helped by all-wheel-steering, which was previously reserved for Vorsprung versions of the SQ7 and SQ8, but is now standard across the range. At low speeds, it turns the rear wheels by as much as 5 degrees in the opposite direction, reducing the turning circle to improve maneuverability. At speeds of 37mph and above, they turn slightly in the same direction to boost stability during fast changes of direction.

Two additional dynamic support systems are reserved exclusively for the SQ8 Vorsprung – electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) and the sport differential. The active roll stabilization system features stabilizers that are individually actuated by electric motors and provide for a high level of ride comfort and reduced roll during fast cornering, while the sport differential shifts torque between the rear wheels as needed during fast cornering to increase handling adjustability.

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