Wild Audi Q7s on the way

- Read our first drive review of the new Audi Q7 here

The man in charge of the development of the Audi Q7 has hinted that some wilder versions of the new SUV could be coming our way.

While Audi will launch the new Q7 globally with just a pair of engines (a turbo-diesel and supercharged petrol, both V6s), Audi's technical manager of the Q7 program, Oliver Schol, says there's plenty of scope for some high-performance versions down the track.

Audi has already confirmed both a diesel and petrol E-Tron, plug-in hybrid version of the Q7 for the immediate future (Australia will likely get only the diesel E-Tron) but Mr Schol admitted that the new Q7 platform was ripe for some even fruitier drivelines.

When quizzed about the possibility of a Q7 with Audi's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine on board, Mr Schol all but confirmed the move, admitting that: "We (Audi) always have space to do new things".

"At the moment, we have released the V6 and announced E-Tron," he told Drive, "but we will always move forward."

The hero model of the previous Q7 was undoubtedly the 6.0-litre V12 turbo-diesel complete with its 1000 Newton-metres of torque, a layout that seems unlikely given the Q7's new green credentials.

But Mr Shcol refused to rule out such a wild version of the new SUV and hinted that it was physically possible, saying: "The new platform is very flexible."

Beyond making faster Q7s, Mr Schol also hinted that there could be a 2.0-litre petrol-turbo version of the Q7, but that if it did eventuate, it would probably be restricted to specific markets such as China where its performance deficit would not play against it.

And a two-wheel-drive version of the Q7?

Less likely it seems: "We think all-wheel-drive is the right solution right now, especially when you want to tow 3.5 tonnes. Of course, you never say never but, for now, it doesn't make sense."