|  The 2007 Audi Q7, a true milestone that combines unforgettable Audi performance, safety, design, and versatility with the best qualities of an SUV, including off-road capabilities, a high seating position, and interior spaciousness and flexibility. The Audi Q7 makes the impossible possible.
With a host of innovative extras included as standard equipment - including Rear View Parking with Acoustic Camera - the Audi Q7 4.2 Premium model delivers superb power, efficiency, and control via a 350 hp 4.2 V8 equipped with FSI Direct Injection technology, and combined with quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The Q7 seats up to seven passengers in three rows. The second row can be adjusted forward for more cargo space or back for added legroom, and the second and third rows also have split seat backs that fold flat to increase cargo room. Audi says the seats can be arranged in 28 different ways. Engine choices include a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8 and a 280-hp 2.8-liter V6 (the latter will be available in September 2006). Both are mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. A 3.0-liter diesel V6 sold in other markets does not comply with U.S. emissions regulations and isn't available here. In the Q7, Audi's 4.2-liter twin-cam, 32-valve aluminum alloy V8 develops 350 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. FSI direct fuel injection improves efficiency, for greater power output with lower fuel consumption than with port injection. Dual-stage intake manifolds and continuous cam phasing adjustment further improve power delivery and emissions. The Q7 is not particularly light, but it's light on its feet thanks to the six-speed automatic, which allows lower low gears for better acceleration and higher high gears for improved fuel economy, with minimal gaps between gears. It works well in D, and "Sport" mode delays shifts for faster acceleration and works well for sporty driving on secondary roads. Even better, move the shift lever to "Tiptronic" manual-shift mode and really exercise the engine - with its wide torque band and quattro grip, the Q7 can seem to be more of a sports car than sport utility. In a mix of highway, secondary road, and city driving, I averaged 17.5 mpg, not bad at all for a 5000-pound SUV. Acceleration, at around 7.0 seconds to 60 mph, is also commendable.
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