Inclined

You'd have to have different brakes, suspension due to the heavy motor , not to mention revised radiator / tranny cooling systems etc. plus a luxed up interior that someone paying those extra $$$ expects .

Yea Snow

complain about the lack of a Q7TDI. (New transmission will offset the greater HP resulting in accepatable mpg) - THIS is what Audi
wants to sell in gas price leary U.S. in 2010.

DasUberAuto

are just pennies on the dollar for the manufacturer. Don't forget Audi isn't just merely adding the new components---they also save whatever money they would have spent on the "standard" components. As for a luxed up interior? I highly doubt it. Take a look at the R8 interior. Incredibly styled, but relatively spartan and functional. I don't see rare woods and machine-turned aluminum going into the R8--it's the same materials as any other Audi, just very well laid-out.

(And it's even the same with any of the other comparisons. MB G500 versus G55 AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S versus Cayenne S... the top end models don't have significantly different interiors from the "cheaper" trims.)

Even if Audi were to put in a V12 or V10 TDI, it's my prediction that it would be the 99% the same interior as a Q7 4.2 premium.

Take a look at the Touareg V10 TDI as an example of how VAG operates. The interior isn't markedly different from the 4.2 Touareg, despite the $20,000+ mark-up.

I agree completely with vr430. Audi would make a ton of money with an $85,000 Q7 V10 (or maybe V12) TDI.

mksap11

I can't imagine that there's a lot of incentive to bring over a low volume, high cost car and heavily discount it for the fickle US buyers who don't particularly care for diesels anyway.

The V6 TDi is already confirmed to be on its way. Perhaps AoA will use that as barometer as to whether to push for Audi AG to allow them to import a V12 TDi?

Sarge

We're only the largest SUV market in the world. Ummm.... I think they could pull it off w/o losing $

1990V85speed

value was so high. No MY2005's because of clean air laws.

MY2006 had a short window of availabilty due to clean diesel fuel law enacted October 2006. VW was allowed to sell them from October until December 31st, 2006. January 1st new, stricter clean air when into effect for diesels. No VW TDI's until next year. VWoA stockpiled vehicles (Golfs and Jettas) to sell in 2007. That's what happened in the five states that restrict diesels. CA, NY, MA, VT and ME. Not sure about the other 45 states.

1990V85speed

First up is the Q7 for MY2008 this fall, then the Q5 MY2009 next fall. I'm first in line at my dealer for the Q5 TDI. Not sure what model will get it next.

The reason for the 3.0 V6? Cost to certify an engine for US clean air laws. And, it will fit in all curent Audis imported into the US, except for the TT and A3.

Doubt you'll see any other TDI's in the US for a long time. Too bad, I'd love a 4.2 V8 TDI A8.

vr430

According to your logic, NO specialty vehicle is "worth" bringing over or selling. Yet, there are very simple marketing concepts you are ignoring. Ford GT was specialized vehicle, no? See any unsold on the lots?

Let me remind you of yet another specialty vehicle - Porsche 959 was actually sold at a loss for 250K apiece. Yet, it generated millions for Porsche in extra sales of regular 911 to people who were sold on the technology and all those early Paris-Dakkar wins.

mksap11

The GT was a limited production, limited edition car designed to be the "pace car for an entire company". The 959 as you obviously already know is even more exclusive that that. How does a V12 TDi Q7 enhance AoA's Brand Image in the consciousness of the American public more than the R8, RS4, S6 and S8 already do?

vr430

As far as its specialty status - point to another 500HP 700TQ vehicle capable of hauling 7 people in style, reach 60mph in well under 6 sec, and still have an outstanding gas (diesel) mileage. Exclusive indeed!