With gas prices reaching near record highs in North America, many might ask why Audi would introduce a new V8-powered SUV called the Q7 into today’s marketplace. The fact is that Audi couldn’t see the impending gas crunch coming any better than you or I could, and since it takes several years to get a vehicle from paper to production, the 2007 Audi Q7 is more a reaction to consumer preferences of yesterday rather than a plan for consumer preferences of tomorrow.

When the idea for the Q7 was hatched, SUVs were all the rage and gas was half the cost it is today. The Q7’s debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show is unfortunate timing for Audi. However, on the flip side, Audi is a luxury make and its buyers are likely wealthy enough that higher prices at the pump won’t make one bit of difference. Audi thinks that the Q7’s base price will be close to $50,000, and the Q7’s success rests more on how well it performs against the competition. Only time will tell.