To adopt an evolutionary design

A prototype of the second generation Audi Q7 was spied recently on the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.

The range-topping Audi SUV was caught on camera yet again and just like before the prototype was fully camouflaged both inside and out. In one of the pictures we get to see the car at the test center with the boot open showing the taillights are integrated in the tailgate as they are on the current model. However, the boot sill appears to sit slightly lower which should provide an easier load/unload process.

Audi will not alter the Q7's design too much as the new model will adopt an evolutionary approach but expect to find a more angular tailgate and a slightly shorter rear overhang. Also part of the package will be LED-infused headlights and a prominent front grille together with bigger air intakes.

The 2015 Audi Q7 will utilize the MLB Evo platform and could lose up to 363 kg (800 lbs). Don't expect any surprises in terms of engine lineup but there could be a small 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI for the entry-level model along with a more frugal plug-in hybrid derivative offered alongside the usual 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline and diesel motors.

Audi previously said the all-new Q7 will come out before the end of 2015 but some reports indicate it will actually happen this year.

Here are the latest photos of the upcoming 2016MY Audi Q7 SUV, with this prototype shedding more light in regards to its looks, as it was fitted with more production-ready front and rear end components including the slender headlamps and taillights, and the integrated exhaust pipes, compared to the warehouse leftovers used on the previous tester we spied about a month ago in Germany.

Audi's new generation of the Q7 not only looks slimmer, but also promises to be much lighter than the current model, with sources talking about a reduction in weight of over 300 kg (+660 pounds), thanks to the use of carbon fiber and aluminum.

Like the next Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg and the Lamborghini and Bentley SUVs, the Q7 rides on the VW Group's MLB platform that stands for Modularer Längsbaukasten and which translates from German to "Modular Longitudinal Matrix".

The engine lineup will include Audi's latest supercharged V6 and turbocharged V8 petrol units together with turbocharged V6 and V8 diesels, and possibly, an entry-level 2.0-liter turbo diesel delivering 240-horses. We've also heard rumors about an "e-tron" badged hybrid version.

On the technology front, we expect Audi to offer its newest light, infotainment and safety features, while it's possible that the Q7 could get a fully digital instrument panel.

RS5 TDI concept could eventually go into production

According to a recent report, the 2015 / 2016 Audi Q7 will be offered with an engine that features an electric turbocharger.

Speaking to Drive, Audi's head of diesel engine development, Ulrich Weiss, said “I can confirm we are working on the development of the e-boost [engine]" and will bring it to market "very soon." When asked if the engine could debut in the next-generation Q7, Weiss declined to comment but cracked a smile which seemingly confirmed the news.

As we have previously reported, Audi has been working to e-turbo technology for several years. In 2012, they were testing the system on a twin-turbo 3.0-liter TDI V6 which gave it a "distinct boost in performance." More recently, they unveiled the RS5 TDI concept which featured an electrically assisted twin-turbo 3.0-liter TDI V6 that produced 385 PS (283 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.

Speaking of the latter model, Weiss said the feedback has been very good and there might be a market for a production model in the future.

As we have previously reported, Audi has been working to e-turbo technology for several years. In 2012, they were testing the system on a twin-turbo 3.0-liter TDI V6 which gave it a "distinct boost in performance." More recently, they unveiled the RS5 TDI concept which featured an electrically assisted twin-turbo 3.0-liter TDI V6 that produced 385 PS (283 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.

Features a quad exhaust

A prototype of the 2015 Audi Q7 was spotted undergoing testing by our spy photographers.

This is the first time we get the chance to see both headlight and taillight graphics which feature LED technology and adopt the same Y-shape as seen in recent Ingolstadt products. Perhaps more important are the quad exhaust pipes which can only indicate the new Q7 will likely be offered in a more powerful S version.

A massive 800 lbs (363 kg) weight reduction is expected as a result of making the switch to the MLB Evo platform while the design seems to be an evolution of today's model with an angular styling featuring a prominent front grille, a shorter rear overhang and a sharper tailgate.

Engine lineup will comprise of usual 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline and diesel motors along with a base 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter TDI and possibly a plug-in hybrid version. There are also talks about an electric turbocharged engine which will likely be derived from the RS5 TDI concept.

It's still unclear whether Audi will introduce the second-gen Q7 this year or in 2015.