A few weeks ago, Audi arranged for media reporters from all over the world to conduct an ice rink test in Munich, Germany, and got a good evaluation. This time, they arranged a group of media reporters to test in the desert, just to show Q7' s ability to "walk" from the ice to the desert.
desert
Q7 really stands out in the desert.
I have participated in several four-wheel cross-country expeditions in the past, but this is my first time to explore in forests or mountains and deserts. Facts have proved that driving an off-road vehicle on a sand dune is almost as difficult as driving an off-road vehicle in mud, and both of them are facing the challenge of insufficient grip.
Because the sand is loose, driving on the sand dunes has excellent grip. Q7, equipped with quattro full-time four-wheel drive system, has demonstrated good technology in the desert of Dubai. On the soft and slippery sand dunes, the power is continuously distributed from the central transmission to the four wheels. Based on the reasonable distribution of instantaneous driving force, quattro technology can ensure the best traction and lateral stability, which are prerequisites for high performance handling stability.
Like the Audi RS4 and S8, the Audi Q7 is equipped with the latest self-locking asymmetric dynamic torque distribution differential. The torque distribution standard for the front axle and the rear axle is 40: 60. Virtual balance load distribution technology between axles makes Q7 tail slightly heavier and more sporty. This also laid the foundation for better maneuverability and steering accuracy.
In the demonstration project of crossing the river, Q7 demonstrated the function of adjusting the torque of the front and rear wheels to 30: 70/70: 30 according to the road conditions, which made the car more calm in dealing with difficult road conditions, which was quite excellent.
perform
The Q7 tested has a 4.2-liter V8 direct injection (FSI) engine with a maximum power of 350bhp, a maximum torque of 440Nm and a rotation speed of 3500rpm. The V8 engine with a volume of 4 163cc is the best of its kind, just like the engine of the Audi high-performance sports car RS4.
In terms of performance, it takes only 7.4 seconds for Q7 to accelerate from standstill to 100 km, and the top speed can reach 247 km/h. The model equipped with adaptive air suspension can improve the top speed by 4 km because of reducing the body height and air resistance.
The powerful V8 engine has a cylinder angle of 90 degrees and a cylinder clearance of 90 mm. The cylinder block is made of aluminum-silicon alloy, and the fuel is sucked through the newly designed magnesium alloy two-stage variable intake manifold. The V8 FSI engine consumes only 13.6 liters of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers.
Q7 equipped with quattro full-time four-wheel drive system performs well in the desert.
gear
I remember that Audi was the first car with an upshift/downshift seven or eight years ago. So far, the tiptronic automatic transmission of Q7 4.2 FSI has performed well. The six gears of tiptronic transmission are widely distributed, giving full play to the torque potential. Tiptronic automatic transmission is very efficient, which can increase the torque to 750Nm, making it handy in any road conditions.
Q7 also has a unique "S-gear" sports mode, providing a special sports driving experience. Using this mode, the shift time is delayed and a higher speed sense can be obtained.
Q7 is also equipped with the latest generation of self-locking central differential, which can distribute uneven and dynamic front torque and rear axle torque. Under special off-road conditions or normal road changes, the differential can provide up to 65% and 85% torque distribution for the front axle and the rear axle respectively. When the wheel of an axle starts idling, the stopping system of EDL electronic differential system will strengthen its control through appropriate braking intervention.
Q7 has two other engine models, namely, a 3.0 fuel rail diesel direct injection (TDI) engine and a 3.6-liter V6 direct injection (FSI) engine.
hang
In addition to personally experiencing the control of Q7 in the desert, Audi also invited a group of desert four-wheel activity experts to demonstrate the extraordinary skills of fast driving in the desert, and at the same time demonstrated various special functions of Q7, including electronic stability system ESP and specially adjusted suspension.
Four wheels of Q7 are supported by independent suspension with double wishbone structure, and most axle parts are made of aluminum. The overall height of the suspension can be reduced by matching the obliquely installed spring and shock absorber, thus providing more internal space for the rear row.
One of the best designs is the five-mode adaptive air suspension, which is one more mode than the same suspension of other Audi models at present. The ground clearance of the car body can be dynamically adjusted between the minimum 180mm and the maximum 240mm. For example, in the case of fast driving, the suspension of the car will automatically lower, while in the off-road mode, the suspension will automatically adjust, raising the car body to a ground clearance of 205 mm, thus enabling the Q7 to cope with various road conditions.
As long as the vehicle speed is below 120km/h, the car body ground clearance will be maintained at normal 180mm. In sports mode, the suspension will be reduced by 15mm at first, because the lower height of the center of gravity can bring more sports experience.
Another important innovative function of adaptive air suspension is the dynamic swing stability control for rural roads, which makes the vehicle become dynamic by going up a flight of stairs. By providing feedback information through four sensors mounted on wheels and three sensors attached to the car body, the system will actively respond to steering input and car body swing, thus increasing damping force and counteracting the roll motion of the car.
On off-road roads, there are two modes to choose from, one is ordinary off-road mode. It can lift the car body by 25mm on the basis of general driving height, and can be used at the speed of 100km/h. Another mode can provide an extra ground clearance of 35 mm to further enhance off-road performance.
The drag coefficient of Q7 is far ahead of SUV models. Q7 wind resistance of steel suspension is 0.37. Q7 equipped with V6 FSI engine and air suspension can lower the car body at high speed, and the wind resistance can be reduced to 0.34.
Electronic stability program
When we come down from the top of the sand dune, we basically remove our feet from the brake pads and let the car adjust its downward speed. This is the function of ESP electronic stability program.
ESP can control the speed below 20km/h and keep the speed stable on steep slopes and downhill sections. In addition, under extreme operating conditions that may lead to rollover, RSP's lateral stability program will intervene and take necessary braking correction. Its additional off-road mode can also adjust the braking force and traction to the best state in soft road conditions.
The standard wheels of Audi Q7 are 18 inch lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and 235/60 tires, while the models with 4.2 FSI engines are equipped with 255/55 tires. At the same time, all models can be equipped with 19 or 20-inch wheel covers.
External/internal
Q7 ceiling adopts smooth wide lines, and the narrowed front is very eye-catching. The tail is strong and the high body is very dynamic.
Q7 has a total length of 5086mm and a wheelbase of 3002mm. Its size is a relatively large one in the SUV field. Q7 can also create different space sizes through up to 28 multifunctional combinations of seats and loading spaces. It also has the largest 775-liter luggage compartment space of its kind.
There is a lot of storage space in the car to facilitate passengers' travel. There are cup holders for holding 1.5 liter teacups on the inner handrails of four doors, and there are six additional cup holders in the car. The central passage and the central armrest form additional storage space. The storage net bag is installed in the footroom of the front passenger, behind the front seat and in the trunk. There is also a glasses case on the roof.
Q7 4.2FSI Quattro specification:
Engine: V8, 4-cylinder double-top camshaft 16 valve.
Maximum power: 350bhp/6800rpm
Maximum torque: 440Nm/3500rpm.
Drive: Quattro full-time four-wheel drive
Gear: 6-speed tiptronic
Suspension: front: double spring arm suspension with steering, aluminum cross arm, subframe and stabilizer bar.
Suspension: rear: double wishbone rear suspension with independent upper control arm and tie rod, aluminum wishbone, subframe and stabilizer bar.
Braking: tunnel double-ring braking system, ABS anti-lock braking system, EBD electronic braking force distribution, EDL electronic differential system, ASR traction control system, ESP electronic stability program.
Top speed: 247 kilometers per hour
Zero to 100 km acceleration: 7.4 seconds.
Maximum wading degree: 600ml
Minimum turning radius: 12m.