i think so i heard something about that

 

https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=182489

the car is too long and short, particularly in the back. the roof slopes down pretty dramatically in the rear end, and i don't think that helps. it looks way more like a crossover than a full-blown SUV, unless that's what they want. the side profile really reminds me of a chrysler pacifica.

i'm not liking the rear windows - the way they cut them off with that black plastic.. kind of excessive.

 

Based on the Pikes Peak quattro concept revealed at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show Audi finally gets into the SUV arena although quite late in the game. Already we have seen the seeds being planted for crossover type vehicles to takeover when the overindulgent SUV loses its spark. Described by Audi as a 7 passenger "full-fledged off-road vehicle", the Q7 will debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September and go on sale in early 2006. The Q7 will be no slouch in the powertrain department starting with the base 3.2 liter V6. The highlighted engines will be the 4.2 liter FSI V8 which is found in the new RS 4 super sports saloon producing 420 hp and 317 lbs/ft of torque however the Q7 torque will be available lower in the rev range to compensate for the larger mass of the vehicle, towing and off-road capabilities.

Audi's German siblings Porsche and VW each have their own top-of-the-range super-utes with the Cayenne Turbo and Touareg W12 Sport. All three models share the same basic platform however the Q7 gets special treatment by receiving a segment busting top dog engine which will be no less than a 5.5L FSI V10 producing 550 hp and 413 lbs/ft of torque. Porsche's Cayenne Turbo with the Tequipment program engine upgrade "only" gives 500hp. Granted the Q7 will be larger in size but rumor has it that the Q7 makes up for it in weight savings. The Audi Q7 production will be in VW's Bratislava plant in Slovakia along side the Touareg and Cayenne.

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphot...id/6050408.001

 

Nice jokes in this thread, guys.

Yes, it does look like some Japanese SUV wannabe.

And why doesn't Audi STOP using that fake emblem on the camouflage?
Everyone knows that is what Audi uses. Talk about giving away the show!

 

Audi is making no secret of the production version of its Pikes Peak quattro concept and an "official" image of this SUV just surfaced on the internet.

The Pikes Peak will go on sale in the guise of the Audi Q7, which will be launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It will go on sale in the US and European market early in 2006, and will probably only reach South Africa towards the end of next year.

In production form the Q7 will share most of its genes and design cues with the striking Pikes Peak. Audi is of course targeting upmarket SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and new Mercedes M-Class.

High-performance petrol and turbodiesel engines, which will include a 3.2 FSI V6 and a V10 TDI, will ensure superb road performance.

Furthermore quattro four-wheel-drive and a cutting-edge suspension will translate it into excellent grip and maximum driving pleasure on any terrain.

The Q7 will be a seven seater and its rear most bench will fold flat into the floor, giving a completely level load bay.

Also, middle row access is said to be good thanks to wide opening rear doors, with more than enough rear legroom. This row of seats will also be able to slide forward to make more room for the third row.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/N...705594,00.html

 

Uh no thanks

 

Although the upcoming 2006 Audi Q7 sport-utility has been shown in concept form as the Pikes Peak and in a few vague teaser shots, Inside Line recently got to see it up close and in full production trim at an exclusive reveal hosted by Audi chairman, Dr. Martin Winterkorn.

After taking it in from every angle we can tell you that any fears that the Q7 would be nothing more than a reskinned Volkswagen Touareg or Porsche Cayenne can be dispelled.

Despite the fact that it shares the same platform as the SUVs from VW and Porsche, the Q7 rides on a nearly 6-inch-longer wheelbase that gives it a much leaner and more athletic appearance. Its overall dimensions give it the look of a tall wagon similar to the current allroad, but the Q7 is larger and better proportioned.

Closer inspection of the details reveals very few differences between the Pikes Peak concept and the production model. Up front, Audi's new design face is featured prominently with detailing so exquisite it almost looks too fragile for a production vehicle. Long LED turn signals sit just below the bumper while large air inlets assure plenty of air for the wide range of engines that will be available.

We expected that the Q7 would offer both V6 and V8 power, most likely variations of Audi's 3.2-liter six and 4.2-liter eight, but what we didn't expect was the addition of Audi's upcoming V10 power plant to the mix.

Johan De Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America, confirmed the news and wasn't shy about the reasoning behind the move. "The sportiest utility vehicle will no longer be sold at Porsche dealerships," he said with a smile.

De Nysschen also explained that although the Q7 will be capable off-road thanks to an adjustable air suspension and all-wheel drive, it was not designed to withstand serious off-road excursions. This allowed Audi's engineers to reduce the total weight of the platform by 330 pounds compared to the one used for the Cayenne.

We expect that a standard Tiptronic six-speed automatic will handle the shifting duties, but we did note the presence of two DSG-type paddle shifters on each side of the steering wheel so the Tiptronic box won't be the only one available.

Further evidence of the Q7's dedication to on-road performance could be seen in the 20-inch double-spoke wheels, each wrapped in low-profile 40 series rubber measuring 275 millimeters wide.

The interior of the Q7 mimics the new A6 in its overall design and feel. The driving position is more like sitting in a car than an SUV, again emphasizing performance over utility. Stadium-style second-row seats give rear passengers a good view and plenty of headroom and legroom, but foot room is a little tight. Third-row seating will be optional although, as with most vehicles in this class, there's only enough room for children.

The official debut of the Q7 is scheduled for the Frankfurt motor show in September with production starting a month later at Volkswagen's plant in Bratislava, Slovakia.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...icleId=106196#
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=104941#1