The problem with Audi is that, for some of the cars in their fleet, the photocopier replaces the work of a designer. Just check out the Q7 and compare that to the Q5 and it really seems like they just rescaled the damn thing.

The upcoming 2010 incarnation of the Q7 supposedly gets a facelift but it’s basically the same car with a new ’stache. Exterior upgrades are very minor with basically an updated front bumper, new light designs, and bits of shiny chrome on the trim.

As far as engines go, the 2010 Q7 will still boast of the 3.6L FSI V6 and the 4.2L FSI V8. Joining the lineup is a V6 TDI diesel joins the fray. The diesel is gives the Q7 a good deal of economy, getting 25 mpg for highway driving. That’s pretty decent for a hulking vehicle like the Q7.

The new Audi Q7 will be launched by fall this year and pricing will be made available prior to launch.

Source: Audi

Audi has effectively put their petrol-electric hybrid plans on hold, thanks to the company’s commitment to developing cleaner and more fuel-efficient diesels. With this decision, Audi has announced that the development of the hybrid Q5 is indefinitely postponed.

The Q5 would have gotten the hybrid power source after Audi cancelled plans of giving the Q7 a petrol-electric powertrain. Now, the Q5 is poised to benefit from the newer diesel technology and stop-start system that Audi is set to apply. The system won’t be given some high-sounding name so as to foster the notion that improvements are part of the process at Audi, and not just some gimmick.

“Audi won’t produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations and hybrid technology more efficient overall,” sources from Audi said. “Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis.”

Sources claim that the new technology could be launched with Audi’s A1 Supermini slated for a 2010 release date. However, the technology should be able to see some early run in the next wave of models, since it is already in the late stages of development.

Source: Autocar

Now this one is just biblical in proportions. Audi is set to release the most pumped up diesel SUV in the world in the Q7 V12 TDI. Yes, and that even puts other hulking SUVs like the Escalade, the Expedition, and even Toyota’s top-of-the-line Land Cruiser to shame. It is like the Incredible Hulk of SUVs with Wolverine quickness.

It’s sports a 6.0L twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 500 horses and pulls a massive 1,000Nm of torque between 1750 to 3250 rpm. 0 to 62 is achieved in just 5.5 seconds. That’s acceleration that can shames some performance cars and can give some a real run for their money. Thinking that this is a gas-guzzler then? Well, not really with a fuel economy of 8.4 km per liter (19.76 miles per gallon). That’s just similar to driving a 10 year-old 1.6L-engined sedan.

One point for critics though, Audi has opted to mate the engine to a 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox instead of the Volkswagen flagship DSG. Power is distributed to all the Q7’s wheels with a 4WD system. Luxuries include DVD entertainment, navigation, BOSE sounds, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Source: Audi