Hottest New Cars at Detroit

Freed from requiring major off-pavement ability, Audi was able to pull weight out of the Q7’s MLB II body structure, suspension, and even its transmission. A mix of high- and ultra-high-strength steel comprises the lion’s share of the SUV’s body-in-white; using aluminum most everywhere else—the fenders, hood, doors, and the tailgate—means the basic vehicle has shed 209 pounds. A further 221 pounds was pulled out of the Q7’s suspension, which switches from front control arms to multiple links at all four corners and is made almost entirely from aluminum and high-strength steel.