The German automaker, Audi has prepared a subtle facelift for the 2011 model year, and part of that new lineup will be the next generation Q7 coming in 2011. If this year’s restyling didn’t quite do it for you, next year’s is going to be completely different. The biggest change will come at the front end with the headlights, and continue throughout the bodylines, creating a much more aggressive, sharper design.

The front grill will now be hexagonal in shape, with a series of LED driving lights on either side. New for the next generation Audi SUV will be an all-new 2.0 Liter TFSI motor that will put out 210 HP. All of the familiar engine options will be back as well. Except for the alternatively fueled, the extremely torquey, V12 TDI version will be dropped for the future.

Thanks to the keen eyes and quick reflexes of QuattroWorld forum member ‘TheAudiGuy’, the updated Audi Q7 SUV has been caught unmasked on the roads of Atlanta.

The revised Q7 appears to have new front and rear bumpers - you will notice the markedly more aggressive front and rear treatments - along with LED tail-lights and daytime running lights.

The sporty look, plus the appearance of larger-diameter wheels, could mean this particular Q7 is sporting S-Line trim options. However, manufacturers often mix and match components during testing.Speculation continues that Audi’s 3.0-litre TFSI engine will power the base model, though rumours now suggest that this will occur after the Q7’s official launch.We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any further information, so stay tuned.