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January 6, 2015
The Q5's Peak Performance: The "SQ5 TDI" Arrives | Audi
Audi SQ5 TDI | Audi SQ5 TDI
The S Version of Audi's First Q Model
The Most Powerful Q5, the "SQ5 TDI," Announced!
Audi AG announced the "SQ5 TDI," a high-performance model of its SUV "Q5," coinciding with the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The position occupied by models bearing the SQ designation for the Q line is similar to that of the S models for Audi's sedans, Avants (wagons), and coupes, marking the first SQ line.
Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)
Twin-Turbo Diesel
As its name suggests, the "SQ5 TDI" is the high-performance variant of Audi's mid-size SUV, the "Q5." Its 3-liter V6 diesel engine, with specially designed components, features two turbochargers arranged in series via a flap, producing a maximum output of 230kW (313ps) and a peak torque of 650Nm between 1,450-2,800 rpm. Drive, of course, is handled by the quattro all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.
While boasting impressive performance with a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, it also excels in environmental performance with features like thermal management, a start-stop system, and electric power steering. The average fuel consumption is 7.2 liters per 100 km (approximately 13.88 km per liter).
The chassis features sports suspension, lowering the ride height by 30mm. Standard wheel size is 20 inches, with 255/45 low-profile tires. Inside these, black brake calipers with "S" engraving are fitted. 21-inch wheels are also available as an option. Visually, the car stands out with its sporty bumper design, the platinum gray Singleframe grille, and the aluminum-look double horizontal bars within it.
The interior is sporty, finished in black in line with Audi's S models. The electric sports seats are a combination of Nappa leather and Alcantara. The trim isBrushed Aluminum Laminateas standard, with options for carbon, piano black, or wood finishes. The "S" badge is present on the instrument panel, steering wheel, shift lever, and door sills, enhancing the sense of driving a special model. Furthermore, a function to modulate the exhaust note via an actuator is included, heightening the sporty ambiance.
The body, which utilizes high-tensile steel for a combination of lightness and safety, is available in two special crystal effect colors: "Estoril Blue" and "Panther Black."
At the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Audi unveiled the "RS Q3 concept", the sports version of the Q3. Perhaps to align with Audi's diesel success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, they have chosen to introduce the high-performance diesel Q5 model to the market before the RS Q3. The price in its home market is 58,500 euros (approximately 5.82 million yen). Sales are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2013.


