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Audi SQ7 could come to US with TDI power

When Audi released the new SQ7 TDI, we couldn't help but wonder whether it would ever see an American road or showroom. And the answer is: maybe. When reached for comment on the prospect of the new diesel performance ute making its way to North America, Audi USA spokesman Mark Dahncke told Autoblog that "the SQ7 is not officially signed off on for the US, but we are optimistic." Those are encouraging words, even if they stop short of official confirmation. For those who missed the announcement in the wake of the Geneva Motor Show last week, the new Audi SQ7 TDI is a technological tour de force. It packs a 4.0-liter V8 diesel engine, augmented by two turbochargers and an electric compressor to produce 435 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. It debuts a new 48-volt electrical system that powers one of the compressor and the electromechanical adaptive suspension. And just for good measure, it also features an eight-speed automatic transmission, a four-wheel steering system and all-wheel drive. The vehicle represents the first time Ingolstadt has applied the S performance badge to its largest model, and though initially announced for Europe, Dahncke's optimism leaves us hopeful in turn that it could steam its own way to American shores. If that optimism proves justified, the next big question is whether it will stick with the diesel engine or switch to a similarly powerful engine burning gasoline to more closely match American preferences – much as it did in bringing the smaller SQ5 to the US. But Dahncke tells us they "expect it to be a TDI if it does come." The decision to market a powerful diesel SUV in America would be a bold move on Audi's behalf, particularly in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal. The debacle is still fresh on the public's mind, having rocked the entire Volkswagen Group of which Audi is part – and historically a major proponent of diesel propulsion. If approved for the US market as proposed, the SQ7 TDI would far outshine the diesel versions of the Mercedes GL-Class, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Range Rover currently available – not to mention the 3.0-liter V6 TDI with 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque in many of Audi's models (which are, at the time of this writing, affected by a stop-sale in the US). Related Video: Featured Gallery Audi SQ7 TDI View 27 Photos Image Credit: Audi Green Audi Crossover SUV Diesel Vehicles Luxury Performance audi sq7

5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests for 5 new cars available in U.S.

Seven new cars have received a full five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Of these, five are available in the United States: the Audi E-Tron, Lexus UX, Toyota Corolla, RAV4 and Mazda3. The Renault Clio and the Volkswagen T-Cross also took part, also receiving five stars. The Mazda3 hatchback was the fourth car in Euro NCAP history to reach an adult occupant protection score of 98%, after the Volvo V40 and XC60 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. No NHTSA ratings for the Mazda3 or the Audi are yet available, but the Lexus and the Toyotas have all received five-star NHTSA safety ratings as well. Those three were tested as hybrid variants by Euro NCAP. Audi's first fully electric vehicle, the E-Tron, scored 91% in Euro NCAP's adult occupant rating, with unavailable knee airbags bringing down the score. The Mazda and the Toyotas offer them for the driver only, and the Lexus has the passenger's knees covered as well. The Lexus UX managed a 96% adult occupant score, close to the Mazda, and it provided better pedestrian safety (82%) than the Audi (71%), despite neither, or none, of the test vehicles having an active hood to catch pedestrians. As for the Toyotas, the Corolla, tested in both sedan and hatchback guises, scored 95% for adult occupant safety, with the RAV4 a couple notches down at 93%. Still, the five-star rating means all these vehicles are a very safe choice in their respective classes. Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, states how important it is that even family hatchbacks perform well and have the latest safety tech available. "It is encouraging to see that all manufacturers did well, regardless of type of powertrain or class of vehicle tested," said van Ratingen. "New cars on the market continue to offer more advanced technology as standard, systems that were not even considered an option a few years ago." More crash test videos are available on Euro NCAP's YouTube channel. Audi Lexus Mazda Toyota Car Buying Safety audi etron lexus ux

Audi R8 LMX illuminates the City of Light with lasers

Hard as it may seem to believe, the Audi R8 has been around for the better part of a decade. But does that make us love it any less? Hardly, especially not when Audi keeps rolling out ever-more enticing versions like the one you see here.
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show, the new Audi R8 LMX is the most powerful version of the supercar we've seen yet, thanks to a 5.2-liter V10 engine tuned to deliver 570 metric horsepower. That's 562 by our count, making it ten horses more potent than the R8 GT, or 37 more than the standard ten-cylinder R8 5.2 FSI - enough to propel the LMX to 62 in 3.4 seconds.
That's not all that sets the LMX apart, however, as Audi has fit it with cutting-edge laser-beam headlights. It comes exclusively as a coupe in Ara Blue with carbon fiber trim, special wheels, red brake calipers and a black leather cockpit. Only 99 examples will be made, and with those laser headlights banned in the US, your best chance of seeing one is in the gallery of live images above.