Audi will be launching a sport-utility vehicle around mid-year 2006 called the Q7. The company says the all-new 2007 Audi Q7 will not just be Audi's version of the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Extensive use of aluminum, sophisticated Audi engines and its own Quattro all-wheel-drive system guarantee a unique motoring experience.

The 2007 Audi Q7 will be powered by a 350-horsepower version of the 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine that will also appear in the upcoming high-performance RS 4 sport sedan. In September 2006, the Q7 will also be available with a new 3.6-liter FSI V6 with 280 horsepower.

A good measure of the Q7's utility can be seen by the 28 different interior configurations. Up to seven passengers can ride in the Q7 when ordered with the optional third-row seating. Or it can be a four-seater, when ordered without the third row and with two Comfort seats, or bucket seats, instead of the three-passenger middle row; the Comfort seats are separated by a large center console with adjustable armrest, storage bin and two cupholders.

With the rear seats folded flat, as much as 71 cubic feet of loading area becomes available. Without the third-row seats, the luggage area behind the second row measures nearly 28 cubic feet, best in class. Even with the third row in use there's almost 12 cubic feet of storage space available.. . . . .More>>

Here’s a high-performance fishing boat that will make serious anglers take notice. Based on a proven deep-V hull and built with a look all its own—not an easy feat with a center console—the NorthCoast 26 is fast, soft-riding and loaded with everything fishermen want.

NorthCoast, in Bristol, R.I., has been building hardy work and fishboats for 30 years. Like other boats from NorthCoast, this one is understated. It isn’t flashy, but it’s pleasing to the eye with a taller than usual bow that’s flared to keep you dry. Construction is based on a foam-core grid system (no wood) that’s bonded to the hull. While no one at NorthCoast boasts about speed, our test boat blasted out of the hole like a stallion and sprinted to 54 mph.

The boat comes extremely well-equipped. The console does away with a windshield in favor of a standard isinglass enclosure with side curtains and a zippered, roll-up window. There’s a cavernous head compartment in the console and a fiberglass T-top with a rear-facing spreader light and raised running light. The rocket launcher has four rod holders and tackle stowage. All aluminum pipe work is powder-coated white and all deck hardware is oversized stainless steel.

The console is amidships to provide plenty of casting room forward and more fishing room astern than you’ll find on many other boats in this class. Other angler-friendly features are the diamond-pattern nonskid, the blue gel-coated live well with light, and six red cockpit courtesy lights. . . .  More>>