Audi reveals monster V12 diesel

By Phil McNamara

First Official Pictures

18 September 2006 08:15

Audi has revealed details of a flagship diesel Q7, which runs a V12 TDI inspired by the company's Le Mans-winning diesel racer.

Ingolstadt claims the engine is the world's most powerful production diesel. The blown 6.0-litre V12 kicks out 493bhp and a staggering 737lb ft at just 1750rpm. The Q7 may be the size of a train, but it will go like one too with the V12 TDI under the nose.

The announcement is timed to rain on the new Range Rover V8 diesel's parade, just driven by CAR Online and on sale in a few weeks. But punters will have to wait until next year to get their hands on a Q7 TDI, and probably pay around £55-60,000.

The V12 powers the Q7 from standstill to 62mph in just 5.5sec, and onto 155mph. Yet Audi claims 23.7mpg from pre-production prototypes. Power is sent to all four wheels via a strengthened, six-speed automatic 'box. The 6.0-litre unit employs twin turbochargers and the latest common rail injection system to produce such monster power, while reining in fuel consumption.

The boost pressure in the injection rail is 2000bar, some 300 up on the powerful Range Rover's. Audi claims the V12 TDI meets Euro V emissions standards – which don't even come into force until 2010.

By Phil McNamara