Tumbo

From Automotive News...

"Audi SUV's sourcing is a step away from Porsche, VW versions
Audi is determined to make the Q7 different from its siblings. The Q7 SUV will use the same platform and assembly plant as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, but only about 15 percent of the Q7's parts are shared with Porsche and Volkswagen."

Yannis

Touareg is not using a Torsen based AWD system but a more complicated (and much heavier) system. Q7 uses Torsen C based asymmetrical quattro so it weights less than Touareg and have better on road capabilities.

Just_me

My question is: Why did it take so long time for Audi to produce a SUV?

SDNR

I know nobody has said anything about it yet, but I think it should just be made clear that Porsche own a 20% stake in VAG, not the other way around, so it must be clear that the Cayenne is not just a VW-based vehicle, it is very much a true Porsche that was made in collaboration with VW. As for the Q7, well who really cares how much it shares with the Touareg and the Cayenne - all three are fantastic SUV's IMO.

Yannis

VW had an agreement with Porsche not to make another SUV based on the Cayenne/Touareg platform for at least 3 years. So Audi had to wait 3 years after Touareg and Cayenne were introduced.

Carbon

Yeah the Toureg and Cayenne probably have a better system for off-roading than the Torsen that will be in the Q7. The Q7 seems to be more of a large crossover than its siblings.

Centurion

Although all three cars are based on the same platform they are totally different cars. Beside the platsform they have nothing else incommon appart from a few components.

Yannis

By using a Torsen based AWD system , Q7 is more on road oriented and also saves a lot of weight (175 kgr lighter than Touareg for some versions)

Brookside

If you're right Yannis, and you usually are concerning all things Audi, then this was a deal with the devil. Here in the U.S. large SUV's are sitting on dealers lots...even tho gas prices are now hovering around a little over $2.00 a gallon,
the perception of gas-guzzlers is that their day is over. Ford and GM are struggling financially in part due to the plumetting sales of what was their very popular line of SUV's.
Certainly Audi will sell the Q7...there's a lot of rich folk out there who can afford this behemoth, but I don't think it'll be in the same numbers as they originally hoped for.
Audi should have rushed the Pikes Peak into production years ago-

warot

I definitely agree with you James. If the Q7 came out at the same time as the T-reg, it would be definitely a different story I believe. Now, people are moving towards sedan again, rather than a Jeep Grand Cherokee...Also keep in mind that Hybrids are getting a better reputation than SUVs... it's the beginning of a new era, and I'm hoping it's time for diesels in the States.

That's why I laugh at the Hummer H3 ads... those guys must be thinking, damn, we're screwed.