The new Audi SQ7 TDI* has won the “Autocar Innovation Award 2016” hosted by the British motoring magazine Autocar. This award recognizes its outstanding technical solutions. The expert jury announced the winners yesterday evening in Silverstone, England.
“The newly developed V8 engine of the Audi SQ7 TDI uses an electric powered compressor – that is a world first,” declared Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi. This compressor supports the work of the two turbochargers especially at low-end revs and guarantees maximum dynamics with no turbo lag. The high-performance basis is the 48 volt electrical subsystem, which also provides the energy for the electromechanical active roll stabilization. “These innovations enable the new Audi SQ7 TDI to demonstrate “Vorsprung durch Technik” in practice”, pointed out Knirsch: “We feel honored that the jury has chosen the new Audi SQ7 TDI as the recipient of the “Autocar Innovation Award”.
There is nothing comparable with electromechanical active roll stabilization among any of its competitors. This system significantly reduces side tilt of the car and paves the way for firm, sporty handling. The result is that the car rolls less on bends. The SQ7 TDI achieves higher lateral acceleration and thus faster cornering. The electromechanical active roll stabilization, like the electric powered compressor (EPC), draws its power from the new 48 volt electrical subsystem.
The SQ7 TDI is the first Audi to feature this high-performance voltage system. A DC/DC converter connects the 48 volt electrical subsystem to the 12 volt electrical system. To meet the high power requirements and short-term electricity requirements of the electromechanical active roll stabilization and electric powered compressor, there is a separate 48 volt lithium-ion battery for the electrical subsystem beneath the luggage compartment. Its peak output is up to 13 kilowatts.
Autocar paid tribute to this Vorsprung durch Technik with the “Innovation Award” for outstanding technical developments.
Audi AG
