The new Audi SQ5 TDI:
Twin-turbo V6 diesel with 313 hp
Ingolstadt, Germany -
In conjunction with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi is presenting the new
top model of its recently revised Q5 model series – the Audi SQ5 TDI.
Boosted by two turbochargers, its 3.0 TDI produces a brawny 230 kW (313
hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. The
Audi SQ5 TDI will roll into dealerships in the first quarter of 2013 and
is the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine.
The powerful TDI, which
displaces 2,967 cc, uses a twin-turbo design in which the two
turbochargers are connected in series via a flap. Cylinder head cooling,
the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons, their oil-jet
cooling and the piston pins have been specially designed for the
high-performance concept.
The common rail system develops as much as 2,000 bar of pressure and
injects as many as eight shots of fuel into the cylinders per cycle. The
3.0 TDI biturbo has a great sound. This sound is further modulated by a
sound actuator in the exhaust system – a loudspeaker in short side
channel.
The Audi SQ5 TDI sprints from zero to 100
km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds; top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
Fuel consumption is on average just 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US
mpg). Innovative thermal management, the start-stop system and the
regulated oil pump all contribute to this top figure. A fast and
smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel
drive with torque vectoring transfer the power of the brawny V6 diesel
to the road.
The electromechanical power steering in
the Audi SQ5 TDI is sensitive and highly efficient. The sport suspension
lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in). The standard
20-inch wheels feature a five parallel-spoke design and are fitted with
255/45 tires. Audi offers optional wheels measuring 21 inches in
diameter. The black brake calipers on the front axle sport S badges. The
optional Audi drive select system can be expanded upon request to
include the dynamic steering system with its steplessly variable
steering ratio.
The most eye-catching design cues are the
platinum gray single-frame grille with its galvanized double bars in an
aluminum-look finish, the roof spoiler and the modified bumpers. The
high-gloss package and the aluminum-look exterior mirrors accentuate the
area around the windows. Audi offers the new top model in the crystal
effect paint finishes Estoril Blue or Panther Black. The body includes a
high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels, making it very light,
safe and rigid.
As is typical for an S model, the interior
has black trim and exudes a sporty elegance. The headlining is
optionally available in lunar silver. The power-adjustable sport seats
come standard in Pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara. Leather upholstery in a
choice of four colors is available as an option. Brushed aluminum inlays
are standard. Options include Carbon Atlas, Piano finish and the new
Aluminum/Beaufort wood black trim panels.
The instrument dials are gray and include
a 3D-design S badge, the needles are white and the pedals and shift
paddles have an aluminum-look finish. Additional visual highlights in
the interior are the S gear lever knob, the S badges on the door sill
trims, the start button and the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S
welcome screen and the lighting package. Luggage capacity is as much as
1,560 liters (55.09 cu ft), making the SQ5 TDI the ideal car for sporty
and active customers. It is also an unusually powerful towing vehicle,
with a rated towing capacity of up to 2.4 metric tons (5,291.09 lb).
The Audi SQ5 TDI will roll into
dealerships the first quarter of 2013, with prices starting at €58,500.
Customers can also choose to have it equipped with Audi’s
state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems as well as Audi
connect services.
