Ferrari Hamann F430 Black Miracle

The Ferrari F430 already is a brilliant, eye-catching vehicle. The “look“ as well as engineering technology presents many similarities to motor sports racing. In the latter instance, most vehicles here feature a catchy paint finish in “warrior look”. Hamann Motorsport now offers the mid-engine Ferrari a special outstanding design that equally provides a racing car look standing out from the crowd. It’s called “Black Miracle“ and will be responsible for great deal of turned heads.

An Individual Entrance Thanks to Black Miracle Design

Hamann’s “Black Miracle“ designed black car body via a foil suggests the appearance of a primary base coat versus a ready-finished lacquered vehicle. It leaves an impression as if the entire car body is covered in velvet. Here as well, comes an idea directly from motor sports racing scene where motor covers are often finished in black matt to aide drivers with glare reduction. The “Black Miracle” design by Hamann acts similar to a black hole absorbing all light. For the “light at the end of the tunnel” Hamann provides additional parts following customer preferences in brilliant red, orange or yellow finish. The contrast between black matt and each “luminizing” addition is unquestionably mesmerizing especially for countless admirers at Ferrari meetings. Such an individualized F430 entrance has never been seen before! The highlight of the “Black Miracle“ designs: when the black matt color doesn’t seem pleasing anymore, the foil can be easily removed.

The noted Hamann aerodynamic kit for the Ferrari F430 in dazzling colors grasps many elements directly out of motor sports. Front impressions of the F430 “Black Miracle“ through Hamann’s front spoiler provide a distinct racing sports face and minimize front axle buoyancy. The wide rocker panel wings give a lowering impression. Further reminiscence of sports racing awakens at the rear end through the Hamann diffuser and a powerful rear wing which provides more downthrust on the rear axle. Hamann air dams for the downforce generating Venturi Tunnel boosts the effect.

Additionally included in the “Black Miracle“ design are finished aerodynamic parts in red, orange or yellow as well as colored side mirrors and brake calipers, tinted rear lights, a colored engine cover framing, dark tinted windows (including front window), bi-colored leather furnishings (any choice of color combinations), Hamann logos within the head rests as well as the wheels finished in the color of the aerodynamic components and with completely covered black matt rim flange.

The Finest Detail Through Wing Doors

The absolute show stopper effect with the eye-catching “Black Miracle” colour in combination to the car body is achieved with the addition of Hamann constructed wing doors. This process is completed without compromise as Hamann offers a completely full car body integration through guaranteed technology minus that look of actually being built-in. In other words, this vehicle looks as if it just rolled directly off the assembly line.

Performance Jump

Through new motronic programming including a new rear silencer plus a sporty high-performance header and sport steel catalyst, the F430 in Hamann “Black Miracle” style has a performance increase of 50 bhp which is naturally a plus for vehicle performance.

Even more driving pleasure is promised with a specially designed set of suspension springs. Through the Hamann springs, not only does the F430 lurk lower to the ground, it also moves noticeably with more agility.

The F430 “Black Miracle” comes equipped from Hamann with a 3-pieced, forged light weight wheel “Edition Race” in 20-inch. Available for the front axle in size 8,5 x 20 (tires 235/30 R20) and for the rear axle in size 12,75 x 20 (tires 325/25 R20).

One example of the ultra lightweight wheels with dimensions of 12,75 x 20 have an astounding weight of only 34 lbs! As previously indicated, within the “Black Miracle” package Hamann finishes a wheel spider in the color of the aerodynamic components and rim flange matching to the car body in black matt.

Audi TT Clubsport Quattro

Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the clubsport quattro study.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro.

The goal that the development engineers set themselves for this vehicle study was to achieve purism at a premium level. No hood, no A-post – instead, a wraparound windscreen kept extremely low which deliberately evokes images of a speedster. The flat, slightly tinted window strip surrounds the cockpit. The panoramic windscreen and the two humps located behind the interior in place of the hood compartment are reminiscent of a racing car. The rollover bars familiar from the TT Roadster are kept flatter and are the same height as the sports bucket seats.

The front end is dominated by the single-frame grille which has aluminium inserts to give its design a horizontal emphasis. This makes the TT clubsport quattro appear even flatter than it already is. The four rings of the logo are not located in the grille as on most Audi models, but on the bonnet. The large air inlets in the front end supply additional air to the more potent TFSI engine. LED daytime running lights provide an eye-catching highlight at all times of day. The visible stainless steel rear silencer is the striking feature in the rear bumper, while the blade under the rear silencer visibly underscores the vehicle’s sports character. The dual-branch exhaust system with its oval tailpipes calls to mind the sporty Audi production models such as the RS 4.

There is a deliberate lack of visual interruptions in the side line and you will look in vain for door handles. The TT clubsport quattro is opened by remote control: the doors spring open at the press of a button. The size of the two exterior mirrors has also been minimised. 20-inch wheels with tyres of size 265/30 R20 emphasise the car’s muscular appearance, as does its track width which has been increased by a total of 80 millimetres compared with a production TT. Not only that, but the wheel arches have also been enlarged additionally.

The car is painted Daytona Grey, a colour that Audi used for the first time on the RS 4 and the S8. The exterior design features dark shades of grey. This forms a contrast with the metallic elements, with the grille and side grille in Gun Metal, a steely colour which imbues the TT clubsport quattro with a look which is both sporty and pure. The brake callipers, the orange colour of which links the exterior design to the interior, provide a visual contrast. These bright colour highlights also provide attractive visual touches in the interior, on elements such as the instrument cowl, the armrest and on the back of the bucket seats. The black leather seat itself also boasts a special feature in the shape of a laser pattern worked into the seat. This was specially designed for the TT clubsport quattro and plays on the TT logo.

The sports character demonstrated by the exterior design is continued inside the car, where purism was also the driving element. Racing bucket seats are provided for both occupants. Together with four-point belts that are three inches wide, these offer both driver and passenger excellent support, even in extreme driving situations – on the racetrack, for example. The generous use of aluminium is characteristic of Audi. This starts with the steering wheel which is adorned with a twin spoke crafted from this lightweight metal. The pedals are also made of aluminium and exhibit a grooved structure. They consequently not only afford a better grip, but also help to save weight. Foot rests are provided for both driver and passenger in the TT clubsport quattro.

The gear lever gate adopted from the new mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8, and the aluminium gear knob are a joy to behold. This lightweight metal is also used for the door pull and the door opener, both of which are cut-out, a feature which further underlines the interior’s purist character.

The sill area has also been restyled compared with the production model. Rather than being interrupted by a sill strip, it now emphasises the width of the car. A new door sill trim located further inside the car, along with floor mats sporting the TT logo as an aluminium inlay provide further visual highlights. The surrounding strip on the top shoulder is also made of this lightweight metal.

The Audi designers came up with a special idea in the field of entertainment. Instead of the middle of the three round air vents in the upper part of the dashboard, they integrated an interface here, designed among other things for the B&O MP3 player BeoSound 2. The round player built by Audi’s premium partner fits exactly into the circular opening and is a sheer delight for the senses, both visually and acoustically.

The instrument cluster is very different from the one in a production model. The vertical needles and colour graphics are the eye-catching features. The clock and odometer have been omitted in keeping with the car’s underlying purist philosophy.

The racing character of the Audi TT clubsport quattro is underscored by its technology. The Audi engineers have packed the 2.0 TFSI engine with even more power than the 260 bhp familiar from the Audi S3. The turbocharged four-cylinder unit with petrol direct injection breaks the magic 300 bhp barrier. Thanks to a modified intake manifold, it has been possible to get even more power out of this highly efficient engine (which was “Engine of the Year” in its class in 2005 and 2006). Power is transferred to all four wheels, making the TT clubsport quattro the first new-generation TT with four-cylinder engine and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

The transmission is also new in this performance category. Thanks to its dual clutch, the S tronic direct-shift gearbox changes gear virtually without interrupting the flow of power, a process that goes unnoticed by the driver. The six gears can, however, also be changed manually, with gearshifts taking just fractions of a second.

Anyone opening the bonnet will be met by a fascinating sight. Thanks to a lack of cables and auxiliaries, the engine compartment looks extremely clean. The engine has deliberately not been hidden under a cover. The cross brace running above the engine is a technical stroke of genius. It not only makes the car more rigid, but also contains the coolant expansion tank. The ABS system has been moved from the engine compartment to the interior. The air conditioning and activated charcoal filter are not to be found in the engine compartment either. A racing air filter ensures that the engine takes in a sufficient amount of air. The exhaust system has been adapted to suit the car’s sporty performance: the specially tuned exhaust emits the genuine sound of motor racing.

Ceramic brakes are fitted in the TT for the first time. These are absolutely non-fading and enable countless sharp braking manoeuvres without any loss of stopping power. Once again, Audi has taken advantage of its superior wealth of experience: ceramic brakes are already offered for the RS 4, the A8 and S8, for example, and are enjoying increasing popularity with customers.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. The possible small-series production of this model is being considered.

Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe with 730 hp

730 hp / 537 kW of power, 1,320 Nm of top and a top speed of 340 km/h: With the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 model BRABUS presents the world’s fastest and most powerful coupe.

At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.

In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.

Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.

The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

The Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style.

“The best follow-up to last year’s award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response – it’s a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage.”

Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.

Genuine Camaro Spirit

Like the Camaro concept vehicle, the Camaro convertible concept blends a dramatic, forward-looking design that is mindful of the brand’s storied heritage. That design includes classic long hood/short deck proportions and a wide, wheels-at-the-corners stance that gives the vehicle the look of hugging corners even when stationary.

The Camaro convertible concept is motivated by a torquey V-8 engine that rightly sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. It also features a four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel disc brakes.

The Camaro convertible concept’s Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color is a contemporary update of the classic hue, which was originally offered in 1969. It is complemented with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes. The modern interpretation of the classic color and its dark accent stripes simultaneously reflect the Camaro’s heritage and deliver a deep, lustrous and thoroughly contemporary appearance.

Inspired Cockpit

Inside, the Camaro convertible features a simple yet purposeful interior that reflects design elements inspired by the muscle car era, including the first-generation Camaro. A new, light-and-dark color scheme enhances the airy feel of the convertible, particularly when the top is lowered.

The seats’ fronts feature platinum-tone leather surrounding suede-like Alcantara inserts, with black, sculpted seatbacks. As with the Camaro coupe concept, the convertible concept features an instrument panel inspired by first-generation Camaros, including an intricate “round-gauges-in-square-holes” design. The gauges have a deep, three-dimensional appearance, with white faces and red pointers.

A “spine” motif runs through the center of the vehicle and on the seatbacks, including a prominent center console that stretches to the rear seat. The spine reinforces the symmetry of the Camaro convertible, as well as its precision.

An Attainable Icon

The original Camaro was introduced to the Baby Boomer generation, a large group of young, individualistic and mobile Americans that drove fundamental changes in the auto industry. The new Camaro concepts draw on their namesakes’ heritage, but also the global, youthful influences of the 21 st century. These influences are seen in the Camaro convertible concept’s bold proportions, tailored wheel-to-body relationship and detailed interior – including the multi-dimensional instruments. It’s a design that resonates with a generation of younger car buyers influenced by highly stylized “tuner” cars and import sports cars.

“Youthful buyers want a car that makes a statement in its design as much as its performance,” said Brian Smith, exterior designer. “The new Camaro concepts bridge heritage with contemporary style, with a design that is simultaneously admired among import-influenced youth and traditional enthusiasts.”

Along with style and performance, the timeless spirit of fun is woven into the new Camaro concepts.

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero

The new Saab 9-3 features Aero X-inspired bold styling and cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal.

With all-new front bodywork, 'signature' lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab's classic 'clamshell' design. This new 'face' is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

"We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling," says Jan Ake Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile.

"The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales."

The new 9-3 range comprises Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible models, each offering a unique 'tri-fuel' engine choice of petrol, diesel or BioPower (E85).

More information and images will follow when available.

Oettinger Golf GTI

Powered by a detuned version of the new 2.0 T-FSI power plant from the current Audi S3, the limited edition VW Golf GTI Edition 30 is, with 230 hp (DIN), already well powered. OETTINGER, the Audi and VW specialist from Friedrichsdorf, who participated in the success of the original GTI in 1976 with the worldwide first 16V engine, now offer the owners of such vehicles a considerable portion of additional power available in 2 stages. 30 years later it is once again the OETTINGER version which shows the remaining members of the special edition clan a clean set of rear lamps. Power junkies now have the choice between two power levels:

Stage I helps the anniversary model to an astonishing 305 hp (DIN) and a torque of 400 Nm / 295 lb/ft with a new engine mapping which is loaded via Direct-Port-Tuning (Programming over the OBD-II port), and that for only EUR 1,390.00 incl.

TÜV entry in the vehicle documentation. This is surely unbeatable value for money. The compact Wolfsburger now storms to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 6.2 seconds and the acceleration doesn’t stop until it reaches 252 km/h (158 mph)!

With Stage II, the modified engine management is supported by a larger intercooler, modified intake tract and the OETTINGER carbon “ram air” intake. In addition, the engine also releases its waste gases via an OETTINGER stainless steel sport exhaust system; This highly polished system consists of a rear and middle silencer. The result is 330 hp (DIN), 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) torque, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 secs. and a Vmax of 258 km/h (161 mph). The additional 100 hp can be had from OETTINGER for EUR 3,450.00 including TÜV entry in the vehicle documents.

Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Luxury Diesel

Audi is about to launch the most powerful diesel SUV in the world: the V8 in the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI, which will hit the showrooms in early summer, unleashes 240 kW (326 bhp) and 760 Nm of torque. The high-tech eight-cylinder unit impresses not only with its powerful performance, but also with its outstanding efficiency: it requires just 11.1 litres of diesel on average for every 100 kilometres driven.

At a glance

Engine

Powerful V8 TDI delivering 240 kW (326 bhp) and 760 Nm of torque between 1,800 rpm and 2,500 rpm
Low consumption of 11.1 litres per 100 km (overall)
Common rail injection system with state-of-the-art piezo injectors
Two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry

Power transmission

Six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque distribution for sporty handling

Suspension

Audi dynamic suspension for use on- and off-road
Adaptive air suspension as standard with dynamic roll stabilisation
Large brakes with 6-piston callipers at front

Equipment

Exceptional range of standard equipment, including leather design package and electric tailgate
Innovative Audi lane assist alerts driver before lane is left
Other high-tech assistance systems

Body

Dynamic design, body 5.09 metres in length
Spacious, versatile interior with five to seven seats
Luxurious roominess for all passengers; five, six or seven seats available
Luggage compartment capacity up to 2,035 litres

Power and efficiency

Under the bonnet of the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the most powerful V8 diesel engine that Audi has ever built. The eight-cylinder unit, which already powers the A8 luxury saloon, has a displacement of 4.2 litres and delivers 240 kW (326 bhp) and 760 Nm of torque – available constantly from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. This gives the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI the performance of a sports car. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 236 km/h – these figures, too, are new records.

The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI transmits its power through the six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission to a sportily tuned quattro driveline, which splits the propulsive force 40:60 between the front and rear wheels under normal driving conditions. Audi adaptive air suspension is standard on the top diesel model. It resolves a classic conflict of interests by combining dynamic handling with the ride comfort of a luxury-class vehicle.

In the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI, the concentrated power of the mighty eight-cylinder diesel unit encounters a vehicle concept of versatile sportiness. Even on its debut the Audi Q7 set new standards in the SUV segment – now the 4.2 TDI is raising the bar even higher.

The standard comfort and convenience equipment of the range-topping diesel model also take it to the top of the class. The leather design package lends the interior an air of subtle luxury; the electrically operated tailgate makes loading easier. A new technical feature is the optional Audi lane assist system, which alerts the driver by means of slight vibrations in the steering wheel if it detects that he/she is inadvertently crossing a lane marking on the carriageway without indicating.

The engine: concentrated pulling power

Like all engines in the Audi Q7 range, the eight-cylinder diesel power pack belongs to Audi’s new V-engine family. The angle between the cylinder banks is 90 degrees, the spacing between cylinders 90 millimetres and its overall length a compact 520 millimetres. The large TDI unit, with a displacement of 4,134 cc, has a maintenance-free chain drive on the transmission side for the four camshafts and the ancillaries.

The crankcase is made of vermicular graphite cast iron. The carbon in this high-tech material is integrated in lamella form. This gives the material superior strength and – typical for Audi – is an important factor in achieving the low weight for this performance category of 257 kilograms.

The V8 TDI is a masterpiece of engineering and demonstrates the leading role that Audi has assumed in the diesel sector. Its crankshaft is forged from chrome-molybdenum alloy steel, while the pistons are made of cast aluminium. Electronically actuated flaps in the intake tract set the intake air into a controlled swirl, depending on load; low-friction roller cam followers actuate the 32 valves.

Small, light piezo inline injectors that switch extremely quickly and with great precision are incorporated in the common rail injection system. They can achieve up to five injection phases per power stroke at an injection pressure of 1,600 bar. Two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry ensure ample torque at low engine speeds and impressive power at higher revs. Large intercoolers lower the temperature of the compressed air.

The 4.2-litre TDI delivers an impressive 760 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, a figure which remains constant between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm. The driver can enjoy tremendous power reserves at any engine speed. At 3,750 rpm the V8 generates an output of 240 kW (326 bhp). Thanks to the world’s most powerful V8 diesel engine in the SUV segment, the Audi Q7 also boasts the sportiest driving performance of all diesel units in its class. The performance SUV from Audi sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 236 km/h.

Driveline: dynamic character

Power for the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is transferred as standard via the six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. The dynamic shift program (DSP) manages the gear shifts and orientates itself towards the driver’s style and the conditions on the road. A special sports program supports a particularly dynamic driving style. The driver can intervene in the procedure, either via the shift gate for the selector lever or via optional paddles on the steering wheel. Since the tiptronic was designed from the very beginning for high torque, it did not have to be specially reinforced to interact with the V8 diesel engine.

Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI also has a self-locking centre differential, which features asymmetric/dynamic torque distribution. Under normal driving conditions it splits propulsive power in a ratio of 40 : 60 between the front and rear axle. If required, it delivers more to the rear or front axle, depending on the level of road grip: optimum traction is provided at all times. Ultramodern quattro technology provides for sporty handling, exceptional agility and remarkable steering precision.

Suspension: sporty performance

The suspension on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI rounds off the dynamic personality of the vehicle. And it is equal to many a challenge – whether on rough terrain or on the road, where handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort set the standards. The adaptive air suspension, fitted as standard, completes the outstanding qualities. The combination of air suspension and electronically controlled damping with dynamic roll stabilisation creates a perfect synthesis of sportiness and superior ride comfort.

The driver can select any of three settings for the adaptive air suspension: dynamic, comfort and automatic, ranging from sporty and firm to extremely comfortable. Together with the off-road and lift modes the system offers five different settings for the body ride height. In off-road mode, ground clearance is 205 millimetres – normally sufficient even for demanding terrain. For more convenient loading, the rear can be lowered by 71 mm.

The basic suspension layout excels with its high level of sophistication. All four wheels are independently mounted on double wishbones; most of the axle components are made of aluminium. Servotronic steering with speed-dependent power assistance and variable ratio is exceptionally direct and precise, giving the driver a feeling of excellent road contact.

The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI leaves the assembly line with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels and size 255/55 tyres. The four brake discs are internally ventilated and generous in size – they are 350 millimetres in diameter at the front axle and 358 mm at the rear. Six pistons in the front brake callipers apply brake pressure to each of the discs; this technology, too, hails from the world of the sports car.

Equipment: distinguished luxury

The new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is furnished with a range of standard equipment that exudes an air of distinguished luxury. This includes the leather design package with a choice of inlays in aluminium or three types of wood and seat upholstery in Cricket leather. The front seats are electrically heated. An on-board computer, a cruise control system, a multifunction steering wheel and the much-praised operating system MMI basic further enhance comfort and convenience for the driver. The electrically operated tailgate is a practical solution: its opening angle can be programmed as required.

Numerous assistance systems in the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI provide support for the driver. A new technology – Audi lane assist – is making its debut in the most potent diesel SUV on the world market. From a speed of around 65 km/h it alerts the driver by inducing a slight vibration in the steering wheel if he/she inadvertently moves out of the lane. If the driver has not indicated, the system issues the warning shortly before or while the vehicle is crossing the lane marking.

Other high-tech systems offer even more comfort, convenience and control. Audi parking system advanced employs a camera to monitor the rear. The optional Audi adaptive cruise control is a radar-based system incorporating active distance control. It is combined with the brake assist system Audi braking guard. Audi side assist monitors the blind spot utilising radar technology and informs the driver if a vehicle approaching from behind could endanger the lane-changing manoeuvre.

Countless interesting features are available to enhance the dynamic lines of the exterior and for the spacious interior of the 5.09-metre-long Audi Q7, from 21-inch wheels, the open sky system glass roof through to the rail system for the generous luggage compartment, which has a capacity of up to 2,035 litres. A deluxe automatic air conditioning system is standard; the seating system is exceptionally versatile. Like all Audi Q7 models the new 4.2 TDI is available as a 5, 6 or 7?seater. The new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI will be in showrooms in early summer. The basic price in Germany will be 70,500 euros.