Instead of the present diesel engines, Audi will sell the 2022 Audi SQ7 and 2022 Audi SQ8 with petrol engines. Audi Australia has confirmed that petrol-powered 'TFSI' versions would be introduced to replace the present 'TDI' diesel.
The SQ7 TFSI and SQ8 TFSI will replace the current TDI models in the local Audi lineup, following the European market, where the petrol engine is currently the only choice despite a preference for diesel power.
The TFSI siblings are powered by a version of Audi's iconic 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V8, which produces 500 horsepower and 770Nm of torque. For instance, the twin-turbo diesel V8 utilized in the previous SQ7 and SQ8 TDI has 429 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque, while the RS Q8 has 591 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive provide power to all four wheels, with the middle differential capable of sending up to 85% of torque to the rear axle. Both versions are said to have a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds.
While the petrol engine is faster and more powerful, it also uses more fuel, with the SQ7 and SQ8 TFSI versions claiming 12.0 to 12.1 liters per 100 kilometers compared to 7.4-7.6L/100km for the SQ7 TDI and 7.8L/100km for the SQ8 TDI.
Steel brake discs measuring 400mm in front and 350mm in back offer stopping force. Carbon-ceramic units with a diameter of 420mm in front and 370mm in back are available from the options list for an additional cost.
Rear-wheel steering, adaptive sport air suspension, 48-volt active anti-roll bars, and seven drive modes are among the chassis' features. The ride height may be adjusted by 90mm thanks to the air suspension. In Europe, alloy wheel diameters range from 20 or 21 inches for the base SQ7 and SQ8, to 22 and 23 inches for well-equipped models.
Pricing should also not vary considerably. The Audi SQ7 TFSI and SQ8 TFSI will be available in Australia early next year.