SPYSHOTS: 2016 Audi SQ7 captured sans camouflage

Fans of gigantic, tarmac-scorching SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and BMW X5 M will soon have another steroid-infused leviathan to hanker after in the guise of the 2016 Audi SQ7, captured here by our European spy photographers with nary a hint of camouflage masking the prototype.

At a quick glance, one might find it a tad difficult to tell apart the SQ7 from its lesser siblings but a closer look will divulge an aesthetic clue or two. Firstly, the front fascia of the prototype sports a mildly modified grille along with different fog lamp housings – larger intercoolers hide behind said assembly.

Moving along, a peek behind the alloy wheels reveal a braking system comprised of drilled carbon ceramic discs. Lastly, and perhaps most tellingly, are the quad exhaust outlets embedded into the diffuser. As far as external go-faster bits and bobs, the SQ7 appears to have adopted a more restrained outlook.

Under the bonnet, a biturbo 3.0 litre TDI V6 engine, from the Audi RS5 TDI concept, is likely to be employed. Said mill is augmented by an electric turbocharger with peak power output pegged at 380 hp and 750 Nm of torque. Should it go down the same route as its SQ5 sibling, expect a petrol-powered version to tag along as well – Audi’s biturbo 4.0 litre TFSI V8 engine is the most likely candidate for this application.

Additional shots of the interior further reveal the SQ7’s oil-burning nature with a closeup of the tachometer, which displays a final figure of ‘6’ (curiously, without a redline) along with the SQ7 tag housed within. For now, it remains the biggest interior clue to the car’s powertrain.

When the finished article makes it appearance in the near future, expect a slightly more aggressive outlook along with uprated suspension to cope with the added power. Also, the interior will most definitely feature a performance-themed interior with sport seats.

GALLERY: 2015 Audi Q7

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