Audi updates TT and Q7

The sporty Audi TT gets a modest makeover but like the revised Q7 off-roader, the big news is under the bonnet. New engines have improved fuel economy and lowered emissions.

The TT's 2.0-litre TSI engine receives a 8kW power boost to produce 157kW while torque is up 70Nm to 350Nm compared to the current engine. Despite the power lift fuel economy has gone from 7.7L/100km to 6.6L/100km for the six-speed manual. The six-speed manual TT hits 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 245km/h.

In the TT, the most obvious visual additions are 12 white LED daytime running lights on the lower edge of the headlights, new 17-inch alloys and lattice-look of the grille. At the back there is a larger diffuser set into the bumper and redesigned tail-lights.

The Q7 gets new forced induction and direct injection V6 petrol and TDI engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range, except for the V12 TDIIn Europe, the new 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol is supercharged for better efficiency and available in two states of tune as part of Audi's engine downsizing strategy. It replaces the 3.6 FSI engine.

Audi Australia spokesperson, Nadine Giusti, says both engines are under consideration for Australia. "However, we are still working through how they will fit into the line-up," she says.

The milder tune 3.0 TFSI develops 200kW/400Nm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 222km/h. A more powerful version delivers 245kW/440Nm and is a second quicker to 100km/h with a top speed of 245km/h. Both off-roaders are reasonably frugal, delivering 10.7L/100km.

Compared with the current 3.6 FSI and the 4.2 FSI engines fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.4 and 2.0 l/100 km respectively, a 12 per cent and 16 per cent improvement. The Q7 also gets a new second-generation 3.0-litre TDI V6 that is 20kg lighter and more fuel efficient than the current 3.0 TDI. Audi has achieved the gains by reducing internal friction, fitting a new turbocharger and improved common rail injection system. A new stop-start system switches off the engine at a standstill, further saving fuel.

The 3.0-litre TDI delivers 176kW/550Nm, hits 100km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 215km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km, 1.7L/100km better than the old engine. Consumption has been cut in the 4.2 TDI too, from 9.9L/100km to 9.2L/100km. Power remains at 250kW but torque is up 40Nm to 800Nm.

Both the TT and Q7 arrives in local showrooms around Christmas.