Audi SQ5 TDI Revealed At 24 Hours Of Le Mans Race
Diesel: it's the new black. Hot on the heels of BMW's new M Performance diesel line comes Audi's first S-badged diesel model, revealed at this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Entering as the new flagship in the Q5 SUV rang
Diesel: it's the new black. Hot on the heels of BMW's new M Performance diesel line comes Audi's first S-badged diesel model, revealed at this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Entering as the new flagship in the Q5 SUV range, the SQ5 is powered by Audi's twin-turbo 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel, producing a hefty 230kW and 650Nm of torque, the latter available between 1450 and 2800rpm.
Matched to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic and quattro all-wheel-drive, Audi says the big six will deliver a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds.
For those keeping score, that's nearly a full second quicker than the 200kW supercharged petrol six in the regular Q5 line-up, and just 0.2 seconds shy of the 245kW petrol-powered S5 coupe.
Fuel consumption is listed at 7.2 l/100km, making it the thirstiest model in the Q5 diesel range, but still bettering the supercharged petrol Q5's 8.5 l/100km.
Moving away from the SQ5's big diesel heart, you'll find 30mm-lowered sports suspension and a sports-tuned electromechanical power steering system.
Propping up each corner are 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 rubber, and 21-inch wheels will be offered as an option.
The SQ5 also picks up the usual S-line styling tweaks, including a unique grille treatment and a new bumper and skirting kit.
In the cabin, there's sports seats trimmed in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, along with brushed aluminium highlights, grey and white instruments, and S-badged versions of the steering wheel and gear shifter.
Australia
The SQ5 will hit the European market in the first quarter of 2013.
Speaking with TMR today, Audi Australia's General Manager for Corporate Communications, Anna Burgdorf, said that it is too early to confirm plans for a local launch.
"However, it certainly does look interesting for a market where SUV growth is so strong, and Audi has a good share of this," Ms Burgdorf said.
- Q5 news and reviews | Audi S news and reviews
- Audi news and reviews | SUV news and reviews
- Family Car news and reviews